For as long as I can remember, athletics have been a huge part of who I am. Sports gave me some of my greatest memories, friendships, and some of the proudest moments of my life.
Growing up, I was always chasing the next challenge... from softball to field hockey and everything in between. Athletics gave me a purpose, a routine, and a place where I learned discipline, resilience, and what it meant to work toward something bigger than myself.
After stepping away from the athletics world (both competing and working), I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to navigate life without always having a season, a goal, or something to constantly work toward. For so long, I measured my growth through accomplishments and recognition. I was fortunate enough to experience moments I will always be grateful for — earning numerous awards, being nationally ranked in field hockey, and being recognized among some of the nation’s top student-athletes through my NCAA Woman of the Year nomination.
But one of the biggest things I’ve been learning since leaving athletics is how to do something simply because I enjoy it... not because there is an award at the end, a title attached to it, or someone else recognizing the work I put in.
That transition hasn’t always been easy. When you spend years defining yourself through what you accomplish, and it takes time to learn that something can still be meaningful even when there is no external validation attached to it.
With that being said, I’ve decided to take on a new challenge- one that looks a little different from the challenges I’ve taken on before.
I’m so excited to share that I’ve officially registered for my FIRST HALF MARATHON in February 2027!!! ?♀️
This isn’t about chasing another award, recognition, or accomplishment. It’s about challenging myself, showing up for myself, and learning to love the process of doing something simply because it brings me joy.
To make this journey even more meaningful, I’ll be fundraising for the Girl Power 2 Cure Foundation to support their efforts to raise funds for research and help find treatments and a cure for Rett Syndrome.
Rett Syndrome is a neurological disorder that predominantly affects females, although boys can be affected as well. It is caused by a mutation in the MECP2 gene, which impacts the body’s ability to produce an important brain protein needed for proper development and function.
Children with Rett Syndrome are born appearing healthy, but between the ages of 1 and 3, many begin to lose skills they previously developed. Many lose their ability to speak, walk, or use their hands and rely on their families for support throughout their daily lives. Complications can also include seizures, scoliosis, and other serious health challenges.
Despite these physical challenges, individuals with Rett Syndrome are smart, strong, and full of potential. Many maintain cognitive awareness while facing limitations that impact nearly every aspect of their lives. They are waiting for researchers to unlock the possibilities of a future with better treatments — and hopefully, one day, a cure.
Today, there is no cure, but there is hope. Research has shown that restoring MECP2 protein levels can reduce symptoms, bringing us closer to a future where those living with Rett Syndrome can regain abilities and experience a better quality of life.
If you are able to donate, share this post, or simply cheer me on throughout this journey, I would be incredibly grateful. ❤️ If you prefer to donate through Venmo, Apple Pay, check, or another method, please message me directly and we can coordinate.
Thank you for supporting me as I chase this goal (no pun intended ?), but most importantly, thank you for supporting Girl Power 2 Cure and the incredible individuals and families impacted by Rett Syndrome.
— Zoë