Balance can definitely be a struggle. I find myself staying up late or getting up very early in the morning in order to do my social media posts for sponsors and to help build my brand as an athlete. (I get up at 4 a.m., 7 days a week.)
For household responsibilities, we’re a team. My daughter is very helpful with things like the dishes and some cleaning and my boy is king of the yard work. My fiancée, Jeffrey, is my biggest supporter, helping to keep the household running and encouraging me to pursue my goals. My mom helps watch my kids and pets when I travel to tournaments.
And, I have very supportive friends from Aiken county, where I was born and raised, and now from Lexington county, too, since taking a job at Red Bank Elementary School last year. I rely on my phone for Google Calendar reminders and I do have a planner for school, bills, tournament trails and deadlines.
Q. How long have you been fishing and how did you go pro?
I started fishing as a young child, once a year while on vacation in the mountains of North Carolina. I did not have anyone to teach me so I figured it out on my own. After hooking into my first largemouth bass while bream fishing I was hooked for life. I loved pond fishing and did it every chance I got once I started driving. Then I wanted to learn the challenges of fishing on lakes.
I had several ex-boyfriends and male friends along the way that taught me some things about fishing which made me want to learn even more. I have a very competitive nature, always have, and wanted to see if I had what it took to compete in the sport. An ex told me that I was allowed to fish, but not compete in tournaments.
A few months later he was out of the picture and I started to enter every local tournament that I could. I met a lot of great people along the way and continued to try and learn as much as I could from everyone I fished with. There is also a lot of research that goes into studying each lake, weather patterns, transitions, etc.
Q. What motivates you most when it comes to professional fishing?
My goal is to become the first FEMALE Angler of the Year for my division! I started competing in the FLW BFL (SC Division) last season. I was able to make the top 45% and was invited to the regional championship.
This season I started off with my first WIN and I have stayed #1 in points all season by consistently placing in the top ten almost all season. I want to inspire other ladies to chase their dreams even if society says it shouldn’t be done by a female. Being known when you go into stores, etc., is exciting and of course the money is a plus!
Q. As a teacher, any advice or warnings for students who are balancing love of a sport with academics?
Work first, then play! I encourage my students and my own children to get their responsibilities done if they want to do extra activities.
Q. How would you encourage a student athlete?
I would encourage a never give up attitude. Perseverance is key in all sports. I can tell you many stories where most would have skipped an event with multiple challenges being thrown at them. But, to keep going will make you stronger and a better athlete.
Also, learn from your failures just as much if not more than from your successes. Learning from your mistakes will help you in your sport to become an even better athlete. Every time I miss a fish or have an off day, I analyze over and over again about what I could have done different so that I will be a better angler next time I hit the water. Be a lifelong learner!
Q. As a mom, how would you encourage DAUGHTERS who love a typically male sport?
In my sport I like to say, the fish don’t know who is at the other end of the line – man, woman, boy, or girl. I have had a lot of men who don’t want to get beat by a girl and have told me that. I have also had men tell me that I should not compete. If it is your desire to compete and you are physically and mentally able to do so, than just do it and always do your BEST!
Q. Where would you suggest a first time fisher go and try out fishing with their littles?
I would suggest starting off at a pond. Children usually have short attention spans and lakes can be very difficult to learn even with experienced anglers. Ask around and I’m sure someone in your circle of friends would let you bring your children to try and catch a fish.
The joy of seeing kids hook into a fish is priceless! I have students daily, that aren’t even my students, come up to me to tell me all about the memories they have fishing with their families.
For younger kids, you can’t go wrong with small hooks and worms for bream. Use a bobber on top and attach a spilt shot hook to the line above the hook. For bass I would recommend a Wacky Worm Senkos or throwing something on top water such as a Buzz Bait (avoid treble hooks with small children that most top water hooks have).