Ciera Thacker '23 Recruiting Profile

Throughout my time involved in track, I have realized mental strength beats physical strength; since eighth grade, I struggled finishing even one season. In eighth grade, I could not complete the season due to a small fracture in my knee, then in ninth grade, Covid-19 ended the school year early, and in the middle of my tenth grade year, I sprained my ankle. Given these interruptions, I've taken the time to re-focus my efforts on competing at the collegiate level and building my skills. These situations have also given me the time to focus on school and realize I want to become an industrial-organizational psychologist.   

I am looking for a university that will help me progress as both an athlete and a student - one that is diverse and student prioritized. After being captain of my roller derby team for a year, I was able to travel and meet new people, which made me realize that diversity is extremely important. Meeting others from different areas and backgrounds has helped me to become a more understanding, considerate, and responsible person. Also, making sure I am a priority as a student is crucial, which is why I am a part of several clubs that act as a voice for students, such as the superintendent's student leadership board. My goal is to achieve my best learning targets from others on and off the track, but I also intend to support these same classmates and teammates.