Tianna Rivera | Kennesaw State Women's Soccer

Hometown/Current City: Miami, FL
Undergraduate Major: Marketing
Postgraduate Field of Study: Master of Business Administration: Concentration in Management
 
How did playing college sports shape who you are today?
Playing college soccer shaped me into a more disciplined, confident, and goal-driven person. It taught me how to work under pressure, work as part of a team, and lead through both wins and losses. Being far from home taught me how to adapt, maintain focus, and manage my responsibilities both on and off the field. Being an athlete has forced me to develop not only as an athlete but also as a person, learning how to set a good example, communicate clearly, and maintain consistency under pressure. I now have a strong work ethic and a perspective that I apply to all aspect of my life and career because of the experiences, friendships, and challenges I faced while being a student athlete.

What career path are you pursuing after college?
I want to pursue a career within the sports marketing or sports operations industry. I want to combine my experience as a student-athlete with my background in marketing and business administration to work in any realm that deals with brand development, athlete management, or team operations. Being a part of the KSU soccer program made me realize how much effort goes into making teams and events successful behind the scenes and how marketing creates deep connections between athletes, brands, and fans. Supporting athletes in their careers, developing experiences that bring people closer to the game, and assisting in the development of strong, genuine brands are all aspects of that process that I would like to be a part of.

Which class has been your favorite and why?
My favorite class was Sports Marketing during my senior year of undergrad. It connected my love for sports with my interest in marketing and showed me how the two worlds work together. I enjoyed learning how brands, teams, and athletes build connections with fans through strategy and creativity as well see how important marketing is to build a loyal fan base.

What’s the best advice you ever got from a coach or teammate?
My best advice I have been given was not to allow a single bad performance to define you. It is through the difficult times that we grow. True growth occurs when you persevere through setbacks, such as missed goals, difficult losses, or long nights juggling practice/games and academics. It's easy to maintain motivation while things are going well but every obstacle you face teaches you how to be resilient and overcome it. Remind yourself that one bad day does not diminish your talent or work. On the field and in life, keep going, keep learning, and have faith that your efforts will be rewarded.

What advice would you share with today’s student-athletes?
I would say enjoy every moment because it goes by way faster than you think. Don’t let the pressure of competition make you forget why you started playing. Sports will help you build long term relationships, stay grounded, and remember that your sport helps shape you. But it is important to remember that it doesn’t define all of you. Also, don't forget to look after your physical and mental health. Because a collegiate athlete can be so demanding and it's easy to become obsessed with giving your best effort. Take some time to relax, enjoy the moment, and show thanks to your teammates, coaches, and support staff.

How has being a student-athlete helped you succeed in the classroom?
Being a student-athlete taught me discipline, structure, and time management in the classroom. Balancing practice, weights, meetings, travel, and schoolwork forced me to learn how to plan to meet all my responsibilities on and off the field. The same motivation that pushed me on the field helped me stay focused academically because in the college world, if you aren’t preforming well in the classroom, it will affect your time on the field since academics always comes first.

What’s your best tip for balancing athletics and academics?
The best tip would be to stay organized and plan ahead. Treat your study time like practice because just like how you show up, stay consistent, and give it your all in practice/games, you can do the same academically. Your college or university will give its athletes as much support as it can off the field so make sure you aren’t afraid to lean on your support system like your professors, teammates, and academic advisors. Everyone is on your team to help you succeed. Your education prepares you for the future while your sport challenges your physical limits, so give both your all and take pleasure with managing both responsibilities.