Team Captain 2011-2012, All-CAA Second Team honoree 2012, All-CAA Second Team honoree 2011, Selected to Soccer America Team of the Week 2011, CAA Women's Soccer Player of the Week in 2011, All-CAA Third Team Honoree 2009, CAA All-Rookie Team 2009, and VaSID Virginia Rookie of the Year 2009.

Tiana Now

I am currently back in school to earn my teaching credential. In my free time I play soccer in co-ed leagues and I love to travel. I am also on the board for a nonprofit called Sandy Feet Initiative, that facilitates beach days and surfing for the siblings of special needs children and special needs children.

You Know Your Heart

Growing up I was never the most skilled player, or the most athletic. I always had to make up for my weaknesses with my effort. I have my coach’s words, “give me 110 percent” forever engrained in my identity. It takes a lot of hard work mentally and physically to play NCAA sports, while going to school, working, and having a social life. So I commend all of my fellow athletes for their dedication. But for me my biggest strength was also my biggest weakness after sports.

At the end of my junior year of college, my youngest sister was diagnosed with stage four cancer. My priorities immediately changed. I had been studying Global Affairs and Business in the hopes of working in embassies or for a nonprofits abroad. And I was faced with a new reality. My family meant more than anything to me and I wanted to be home as soon as possible after graduation. I moved home and worked for my family’s business to help out and to allow my parents to spend more time at the hospital. After a long battle with cancer my sister is healthy and happy, and my family is closer than ever.

But I struggled, even after all the clear bills of health. I watched my sister, now healthy, blossom into a beautiful strong woman. While I struggled with my identity. What would I do next? I had given 110 percent to my family and now that effort was no longer needed. I needed to find my own calling that I could pour my heart into. I left the family business in search of my own path and I found a job that on paper was great but, after a while, I found that it did not fulfil me. Playing sports has taught me to be strong, give it your all, and to never give up. But that does not always work in the real world. I needed to quit for my own happiness, but I agonized over the possibility of letting people down or being a “quitter”, that didn’t try my best to make it work.

I eventually quit, with no plan! I took this as an opportunity to travel abroad, but that only confirmed to me that my priorities had changed. I cared not only about what I was doing, but who I was with, and how I could better the world. I reflected on my strengths and weaknesses, before deciding to go back to school to be an elementary school teacher. I am currently completing my teaching credential and I plan on giving all the students in my class 110 percent. I have never been happier and the support of my friends and family have really been influential during this journey.

My advice to athletes wired like me, is to not be afraid to ask for help or to take time for yourselves. We are used to challenging ourselves and always accomplishing our goals. But sometimes life changes things and being flexible and positive is key to happiness. Don’t continue on a path just because you are supposed to or you don’t want to look like a quitter. The bravest thing you can do is take a step back and reflect. You know in your heart what is best for you and for the world. You got this!

You Got This: Tiana Kallenberger