Born on November 20, 2006, and raised in Lakewood, California, my Jiu-Jitsu journey began when I was just 7 years old. My sisters and I were spending the day with our uncle when he encouraged us to try out a Jiu-Jitsu class at a small gym near our house. From that moment, something clicked. A month later, we moved to AOJ to take the sport more seriously, and by the time I was 10, we had transitioned to homeschooling so we could train full-time.

Before Jiu-Jitsu, we were involved in all kinds of sports — Krav Maga, boxing, Muay Thai, and soccer. We trained consistently in all of them, always pushing ourselves to try new things. But when we found Jiu-Jitsu, nothing else compared. It became clear that this was more than just another activity — it was the thing we were most passionate about and the one we wanted to dedicate our lives to.

One of the most meaningful highlights of my journey has nothing to do with medals. It was when my sisters and I — especially Mia Funegra and our younger sister — started braiding our hair before competitions. It may sound simple, but it became a signature part of our identity. We were juveniles at the time, and we wanted to express our individuality while bringing a feminine touch to the sport. What started as a personal tradition turned into something bigger — today we receive messages from girls all over the world showing us their own braided hairstyles and telling us how we inspired them. It’s a reminder that the way we carry ourselves can impact others, and that’s something really special.

In 2025, just three days before the IBJJF World Championship, I was promoted to black belt. It was one of the most emotional moments of my life — a symbol of years of dedication, consistency, and love for the sport. What made it even more special was stepping onto the mats that same week and becoming the Black Belt World Champion. I won my division with full dominance, imposing my game from start to finish in every match. It was a dream come true — and a moment I’ll carry with me forever.

I currently compete in the light featherweight division, and my style of Jiu-Jitsu reflects a mix of pressure, speed, and creativity. My favorite techniques include the Crazy Dog Pass, which allows me to apply constant pressure while staying mobile and adaptable. I also love the knee slide pass and baseball bat choke, techniques I studied from Professor Gui Mendes and later incorporated into my own game.

Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, I love reading — especially with my sisters — spending time with my family, and cooking (when I’m not cutting weight!). These little moments away from the mats help me recharge and stay connected to who I am beyond competition.

To me, a champion mindset is built on consistency. It’s about doing the hard things every day — showing up when it’s not easy, outworking everyone in the room, and holding yourself to the highest standards even when no one is watching. Being a champion isn’t just about winning medals — it’s about how you train, how you carry yourself, and how you grow through the process.

This is just the beginning of my story, and I’m excited for everything that’s still ahead.