TKDTips

A love letter to the Texas State Organization:
Every time I visit Kim’s Taekwondo in Lewisville, I always make a point to slowly scan the photo wall full of moments in time - stories and memories that you could only get if you snuck a seat by one of the people in them at a dinner or bus ride or flight. This organization has given me so much: mentorship, international experience, colleagues across the state, and the opportunity to be a part of the journey for hundreds of athletes outside my collegiate program here in Austin. At the heart of it all is such an incredible group of people, not just because of their accomplishments as athletes, but their ability to create a platform and a pipeline for the next generation Every. Single. Year. In doing this, they bring together a culturally diverse and talented staff, an amazing band of lifelong martial artists brought together by the love of the sport and the cultural values by which we frame our lives.
I spend 20 mins straight hugging parents, mentors, and athletes I’ve watched grow from my waist to my head top and beyond. I find myself cheering for both the winners and losers because in the end, we’re all one team from one state. I greet🤘🏼 former opponents 👍🏼 and congratulate their kid on his accomplishments because their growth is bigger than school colors and banners.
I spend the drive home watching the sun set in gratitude of the one who brought me in (), the ones who trusted me to lead ( / .tkd / ) and all the athletes and parents who make those long tournament days go by just a little faster. Thank you Texas State for everything you do for our athletes and coaches. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and mine.

Bronze Medals & Gold Memories

📷: &

Times have been tough, but they are getting better. I’ve cried more this year than the last 6 combined. Thankful for the people who have surrounded me with love & support. Things worth celebrating in the past 3 months:

1. finds a new home and punches her ticket to World University Games
2. The new faces of - I couldn’t be more excited to see these leaders step up and guide this organization into a fresh, new chapter
3. .tkd asked me to coach him the evening before the Texas State Championship at a ramen restaurant in Forney, TX. I was impressed with his poise and composure ahead of his first fight. He learned some good lessons and I hope he remembers these pivotal moments along his journey. I do.
4. Texas State!!! Shoutout to , and the crew for putting on another fantastic event. Great venue, great organization, great leadership 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
5. Guess who fought last for the USA team spot
6. Collegiate taekwondo is easily my favorite version of taekwondo. Here are 3 reasons why.
7. Introducing .dio32 ‘s newest athletes: //
8. Unagi 🏋🏻‍♂️
9. Obligatory fighting stance photo at legendary dojang and home of .bostkd // Red brick and exposed wood beams 😍
10. This man was fully chilling at home 15 mins before showing up & ripping kicks in slacks
11. Team reflection = managing mindset
12. peekaboo
13. .j putting herself out there on stage in front of the world again. Sh*t’s hard. Impresses me every time.
14. This little Bevo helped get me through the weekend
15. reminding me some of us are fighting for something greater than a medal. Proud of you 🫶🏼
16. Most epic game of Rock Paper Scissors to take home 1st place in the NCTA Championship, poetically closed out by graduating president, Core memory moment ✂️🪨🪨
17. One of the best to take on the role. She showed us all how kind leadership can still be strong leadership. Congrats to her and her officer team on an unforgettable season
18. She’s back, but this time as NCTA ATHLETE OF THE YEAR!
19. 👍🏼
20. Current mood