Stovall looks to go out on a positive note

Washburn education major and senior soccer player Tia Stovall looks forward to her final season wearing a Lady Blues uniform. Stovall understands exactly what it means to accept the responsibilities of being a team leader.

Stovall first began playing soccer when she was merely 4 years old, for a team called the “Oilers” in Borger, Texas. Soon after, Stovall played for a club team, the Wichita Tigers, and then moved on to a more challenging level at Maize High School-where she first began looking into a college soccer.

After high school, Stovall decided to continue her career at Washburn University as a freshman, where she earned second team all-MIAA honors. As a sophomore, Stovall was named to the MIAA academic honor roll. Last year as a junior, Stovall was selected as a second team all-MIAA honoree for the third time in her career.

Stovall has started 45 of the 55 games she has played. She had four points last year with one goal and three assists on the season.

After graduation, Stovall plans on looking into a career that would accompany her major in education.

“Unfortunately there aren’t many options for female soccer players past college sports, but soccer will always be a part of my life,” said Stovall. “I hope that in the future I can play for fun and maybe even coach.”

The forward describes her past four years playing for Collins as something she’ll never forget.

“I have loved the entire experience of playing college soccer,” said Stovall. “More than anything, I’ve really enjoyed my time being a part of the Lady Blues soccer team.”

Being one of the few senior athletes on the Lady Blues soccer team this season, Stovall has accepted one of the team leader titles graciously.

“As a senior, you do have more responsibilities because you have been on the team the longest,” said Stovall. “Although everyone on the team is expected to be a leader and is looked at as just another player on the team.”

Each player has their own responsibilities, according to Stovall, and that is what helps them succeed. Stovall describes being a student-athlete at Washburn University as a privilege.

“It’s an experience that I would do all over again if I could,” said Stovall. “I have loved every minute of being a Lady Blue,” said Stovall.

Washburn’s season opener is coming up at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31st in Springfield, Mo., against Drury University.