Kristin Clevenstine

My strength did not appear overnight. It was built chapter by chapter through life’s challenges, relationships, triumphs, and lessons learned. Every chapter taught me something about myself. My childhood was not always easy, but there was beauty in it. Growing up with a single father shaped who I am today. As a latchkey kid in the ’80s, I learned independence at an early age. My father did his best, providing support and a lot of freedom, while the mothers of my friends helped fill in the gaps. Their kindness and guidance taught me that family is not always defined by blood. I made my share of mistakes, learned a lot along the way, and became more resilient because of it. In early adulthood, I was fiercely independent and determined to prove myself. I felt like I could do anything. I was very competitive, and those who knew me understood my drive. During this time, I met my soulmate, earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, built a career, and started a family. It was a chapter filled with possibility and purpose. Middle adulthood has been both rewarding and challenging. While raising my children, I also cared for my father during a significant health crisis. For the first time, our roles were reversed, and I became the caregiver for the man who had always cared for me. It was one of the hardest chapters of my life, but it reminded me where my strength came from. At the same time, I balanced a career, motherhood, and the joy of being my children’s biggest fan. Countless hours were spent traveling to games, tournaments, and events, creating memories I would not trade for anything. My strength has been tested time and again, but each challenge has made me stronger. As I look ahead, I am excited for the next chapter because no matter what life brings, I know I can handle it. My strength has a story. Every chapter has shaped who I am today.