Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Leading from a Distance
10/19/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
If you ask any student athlete what they are passionate about, their answer will most likely be playing their sport. For Kristi Tekavec, a captain on FAU's volleyball team, that feeling is no different. She is passionate about volleyball, and specifically FAU volleyball. However, after suffering a shoulder injury, she has been forced to take a break from playing alongside her team. Tekavec has had a hard time watching her teammates practice without her, but she has kept her spirits high and is continuing to lead her team.
"Personally, I tell myself everything happens for a reason and I believe God has a plan for everybody. I feel like it happened for a reason and I will only become a better person because of my injury," said Tekavec about her feelings following the injury.
Although her injury prevents her from playing, Tekavec is still able to positively influence her teammates while remaining on the sidelines, even though she has had to take a step back from participating in their practices.
"I've become more of a vocal leader since I'm limited physically. They call me the 'hype man' because whenever they get a big kill or a big pass I always give them little pump up speech and stuff like that."
As captain, Tekavec is responsible for all of the things that go on behind the scenes of the team. Even though she is unable to participate in practices and games, Tekavec continues to go to every workout. Being injured has not stopped her from motivating her teammates to continue to be the best they can be.
"When you have an injury or when you go through something, it can never be a selfish thing and it can never be about you. You have to focus on your teammates. If you can't do a whole lot, do whatever you can to make your teammates better. Then when your time comes around, you're going to want it that much more."
An injury is hard for any athlete not only because of the physical pain they have to go through, but also because of the fact that they are unable to play the sport they love. One of the quotes that motivates Tekavic to continue pushing through is "Faith and fear both require you to believe in something you cannot see...you choose."
Tekavec is a role model to those around her. She shows that no matter what life throws at you, you will always be able to get through it.
