“Left, right, left… keep pace. Eyes forward.”
The cadence rings out as Kaylee Potter moves in step, posture steady, each movement deliberate. There’s a rhythm to it, one built over time through discipline and repetition. It’s the same rhythm that has followed her through long practices, demanding classes and the quiet pressure of preparing for what comes next.
Now, that rhythm is carrying her toward something bigger.
Earlier this year, the Cypress Ranch High School senior received news that would shape her future: she had been awarded the highly competitive Navy ROTC (NROTC) Scholarship, a national program that will fund her college education while preparing her to serve as a Navy officer.
“I was so stoked. I was so excited,” Potter said. “It was just a shock… especially because they said that this year was really, really competitive.”
At first, the moment didn’t fully sink in. The scholarship is known for its selectivity, requiring strong academics, leadership and commitment. Potter had applied knowing how competitive it was, but still felt disbelief when she received the acceptance.
For her, the impact of the award goes beyond recognition. It answers a question that had been lingering for years.
“College is so expensive,” Potter said. “I just didn’t want to go hundreds of dollars in debt.”
The scholarship removes that uncertainty. By covering tuition and, in her case, even housing through her program, it allows Potter to focus on her education without the burden of financial stress.
“This was my way of being able to go to college knowing that I won’t be under any financial stress,” she said.
Still, her decision to pursue this path wasn’t only about affordability. It was shaped by her background and the people around her.
Growing up, Potter was surrounded by two strong influences. On one side, many of her family members served in the military. On the other, she was raised around healthcare, with both her mom and grandmother working as nurses. Over time, those influences began to connect.
“I have a lot of family that’s in the military… and my mom and grandma are nurses,” Potter said. “So I thought, why not combine both?”
That idea led her to pursue the Navy Nursing pathway, where she will earn her nursing degree while training to become an officer. For Potter, it’s a career that aligns with her values and her desire to help others.
“I’m the oldest of all my siblings, so helping people was something that was really important to me,” Potter said. “I wanted to be a support system for people in their lowest moments.”
Her journey to this point has been shaped by the experiences she’s had throughout high school. Balancing sports, academics and career-focused classes, Potter developed not just skills, but consistency and discipline.
She credits much of that growth to the mentors who guided her along the way. Coaches and teachers like Coach Torres, Mrs. Rivera and Coach Jackson played a significant role in shaping her work ethic and mindset.
“The idealisms my coaches installed in me… making sure what you’re saying matches what you’re doing… that really helped,” Potter said. “They really installed work ethic… putting in that effort every day.”
At a school as competitive as Cypress Ranch, that mindset is essential. Students are constantly surrounded by others striving to succeed, creating an environment that pushes them to do more.
“Everyone is under competition here, even if you don’t think about it,” Potter said. “It kind of pushes you to try harder.”
For Potter, that environment became motivation rather than pressure. It pushed her to take opportunities, challenge herself and commit fully to her goals. Now, as she prepares for college, she is looking forward to stepping into a new environment. The transition comes with uncertainty, but also excitement.
“I’m excited to meet new people,” Potter said. “I’ll be able to connect with people I wouldn’t usually reach out to.”
Through the NROTC program, she will take naval science courses alongside her nursing studies, developing both the technical knowledge and leadership skills needed for her future career. It’s a path that requires both compassion and discipline, and one she feels ready to take on.
When asked what advice she would give to others considering a similar path, Potter keeps it simple.
“Just take the chance,” she said. “Even if you think it’s not going to get you anywhere, you’ll learn from it.”
For her, success isn’t defined by a single moment like receiving the scholarship. It’s built over time, through effort, consistency and the willingness to keep going even when the outcome is uncertain.
“The only person that’s going to hold you back is yourself,” Potter said.
As Potter looks ahead, her path is clear. With her future set in motion, she continues forward with the same steady determination that brought her here, one step at a time.
