**What got you into throwing, how did you find the hobby?**
I was really fascinated at the time with “retro” items and had picked up a cheap yo-yo. Naturally I took to YouTube, learned enough about bearings to tear up my local toys r us for a Yomega exodus 2 and I’ve been going at it since then. Roughly a year in I found a small local group and we had our only state contest that year (2012). I had a small falling out with this hobby that started sometime in college until I got back into it during Covid. Scales streams helped give me a sense of community during that time and I’ve been hooked again.
**What is your goal in 2025 for yourself? Yo-yo or not!**
I want to meet more of my own team members! We have a very diverse group from all over and I think it would be awesome to get to know them personally.
**If you could only have one yo-yo for the rest of your life what would it be?**
I always hate to come off with bias, but I think the Gway Re:Devil. Ever since I played with the original daredevil I’ve always loved the size and power. Re:Devil is just slightly more modern.
**What trick are you working on currently?**
I haven’t been throwing consistently. So whatever just comes to mind I usually will grind out for however long I have.
**What’s the trick that gives you the hardest time?**
I’ve been working on some tower whips that are pretty hard to get down.
**What’s your favorite trick?**
Matthew Wallsten’s 3D isolation slack that breaks down to a tower, then GT. Or any Tsukasa Namba trick.
**What’s your favorite yo-yo of all time?**
The yo-yos battling for my attention the most are (in no order): Southside, Sibyl, Anceps, Refractory
**What’s the most meaningful throw you have?**
My 2013 Worlds Duncan Strix! I remember getting it at the Duncan booth right before meeting Janos Karancz in person. He was probably my favorite player at the time.
**What’s your worst habit with yo-yos?**
Bearing maintenance. Despite spending a good amount on tools to make it easier for me I just hate taking the time to deshield bearings and lube.
**What’s kind of things are you into outside of yo-yos?**
I play a lot of ping pong, go-kart, disc golf, and video games!
**What song best fits your personality?**
I actually don’t know how to answer this one!
**Favorite restaurant and order?**
I think my favorite dish I’ve ever gotten was a teriyaki glazed, pan seared salmon on coconut jasmine rice.
**Favorite movie and or Book?**
Synecdoche, New York
**What does yo-yo’ing mean to you?**
It’s a way to express yourself and connect with others. But first and foremost it’s a toy for fun!
**What’s your favorite memory from your time in the hobby ?**
I remember my entire Chesapeake Classic trip from 2022. It was the first time in a long time I traveled for a contest. I fondly remember my car ride with my buddy Ben, staying out late, meeting a lot of new friends in a super scenic, fun little beach contest.
**What’s your practice routine like?**
I don’t have a routine, probably to my detriment! I practice when I can. If a contest is coming up I’ll usually try to make it a goal to get a few hours of grind time prior.
**How has the community changed since you started? Where do you want it to go?**
It just seems like it reaches further. The internet and forums were a prevalent force back when I started; but the micro-sharing through Instagram, TikTok, and Discord really feels like it shrinks our global maps. I do think the DNA has had a profound boom on how many new people picked up a yo-yo. In the future, I’d like to see a non-competition focused event, that was substantial enough to warrant the travel & lodging that regular contests do.
**If you never picked up a yo-yo – what would things look like now?**
Well, when I took my yo-yo break, I learned to work on cars and played a lot of video games. I think I’d have gotten into a different hobby. Maybe cubing? A bunch of kids in my school were into that during that time.
**Advice/ words of wisdom to new players?**
Have fun! At the end of the day your enjoyment comes out of how you play with a toy. I can’t tell you how to have fun. But I will remind you to check and make sure you are. It’s easy to get lost in grinding for a competition or get caught up in how the modern judging system works.
Also don’t tell yourself no! I wouldn’t have been able to learn half the tricks I have if I ever put the mental block in place of some trick being “too-hard”.
**Whats you want to tell the world?**
I think we’re doing a better job day after day, but just being kinder and more accepting of people. This is a global community with nearly every possible background of people that all share different ideas and beliefs. I think it’s important to protect not only your own peace, but making sure others feel safe too. If you go to a contest say hi to someone new. You never know who just needs to at extra nudge to break that ever-present yo-yo awkwardness. And they may go on to be a great friend of yours.
Player Profiles is a series of articles/interviews dedicated to spotlighting the vibrant and diverse community of yo-yo enthusiasts. Each article delves into the unique stories of players from different backgrounds, showcasing their journeys, skills, and contributions to the yo-yo world. The series aims to highlight the passion and creativity that drive these individuals, offering readers an inside look at their personal experiences, favorite tricks, and the impact yo-yoing has had on their lives. Whether they’re seasoned competitors or inspiring newcomers, these profiles celebrate the people who make the yo-yo community so dynamic and inclusive.