They didn’t expect me to live. My twin brother and I were born premature and by 12 years old, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. I was told I should never play sports as one wrong hit could result in paralysis. My mom had a choice: take me out of track, which at that time I had been doing since the age of 7, or allow me to continue the path I was on. She decided to put her trust in God with faith that He would guide my steps. I’m so glad she did! Her trust in God allowed me to remain active in sports and to receive a full scholarship to Texas A&M Kingsville for track and field.
After college, it was my intention to go pro in track, but I suffered an injury before I had the chance to prepare for the trials. That injury ended my track career, but when one door closes, another one opens. I discovered and fell in love with flag football which ended up taking my sports brand to the next level. In 2015, the USA Olympic Rugby coach invited me to a tryout despite the fact that I didn’t know much about the sport. I was recruited because of my speed and agility and so I hopped on the plane to the Olympic training center. A week later, I was told the head coach was being fired and the replacement coach, who wasn’t focused on speed, was sending me home.
That plane ride home was deflating.
However, due to the natural talent I displayed in flag football, when I landed back home in Atlanta, I received an invitation to try out for the Atlanta Steam Ladies Football League. I did very well at the tryout and made the team. After playing LFL for half a season, I decided it wasn’t for me and went back to flag football.
Eventually, rugby came back into the picture and I finally decided to learn how to play the sport properly and really give myself a chance to play on a competitive level. My determination paid off and I did so well, my coaches felt I could make the USA Olympic team. So, in 2020, I embarked on my Olympic journey.
I took my mind, body, and spirit through the ringer. So much so, that I burned myself out before getting the chance to compete in front of the USA Olympic coach. I ignored a hamstring injury from March of 2019 because I was so determined to get a tryout with the USA team. That cost me my chance to make the team.
I went through a depression and was completely lost. I remember getting on my knees and crying my soul out for God to help me understand what was happening. At that moment, I surrendered to Him and allowed Him to take control of my life.
Once I did, EVERYTHING changed for me. After being told I wasn’t going to be a part of the 2020 Olympics, I signed a history making deal with the WFLA and I’m now the highest paid female football player in history.
For more information on Santia, visit her at: @trackbaby001
* Photo Credit: Jeffrey Moustache
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