Growing up, I watched a lot of Shirley Temple movies.

It was strange to go off the path that everyone takes and not finish college, but it's been a great adventure.

I hone my craft. I keep going. I light a little fire under myself. I look around for roles that will challenge me. And I'm grateful for all the ones I get.

I had trouble in high school, and it has really pushed me to do something big and make a difference.

Had I been a great athlete, I'm not sure I would have even gone into coaching. I may have turned out feeling that my life ended when my athletic career ended, as happens so many times with various athletes.

Acting was something I did growing up. I never it took it too seriously; it was just one of those things I got into high school and was like, 'Nah, I don't want to continue acting.' Cause I got into it professionally by local theater, and from there, I just decided to do sports and be more a high school kid and have my fun.

My mother is a strong woman. Her strength comes from being tested by life's unpredictability. It comes from soldiering on for her children, even when she might rather have given up. I know it hasn't always come easily, but I also know it's her greatest gift.

Parents - especially step-parents - are sometimes a bit of a disappointment to their children. They don't fulfill the promise of their early years.