PORTLAND, Ore. - Welcome to a new feature of pccpanthers.com - the PCC Panthers Athletics Spotlight.
Our first athlete to be featured is Callista Kiner from the women's soccer program.
NAME: Callista Kiner
HOMETOWN: Dallas, OR
PARENTS/GUARDIANS NAMES: Cynthia & John Kiner
SIBLINGS NAMES: Caleb Kiner
PREVIOUS SCHOOL- HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE: Dallas High School
ACADEMIC INTEREST OR MAJOR: I'm currently working on my A.A. Transfer Degree, but I plan on majoring in pre-law with a minor in sociology once I hit university.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC TO KEEP YOURSELF MOTIVATED BOTH ACADEMICALLY AND ATHLETICALLY?
To be completely transparent, navigating through this pandemic has been challenging for me. My grades began to slip and my overall mental health started to plummet; I lost sight of my own self, all the motivation and discipline I had built for myself was crumbling. Thankfully I had a few key people within my life that showed up for me and gave me support. These people gave me space to voice my struggles all while pushing me to get back to who I was. There were times where I failed and would backslide, but never once did the people in my life allow me to forget who I was and what my purpose is, in this moment.
If you take anything away from this, let it be the fact that it's so important to prioritize you and your well-being. Regardless if you are someone that has continued to thrive throughout this pandemic, or if you were like me and lost your way, taking time to center and realign with yourself is essential to your progress as both a person and an athlete. Be willing to reach out to your people for help, but also seek out tools that will help you detox and reach clarity.
CAN YOU TELL US SOME OF YOUR GOALS FOR YOUR UPCOMING SPORTS SEASON?
My main focus for this season is to just give it all I have in every aspect. This could potentially be my last season playing soccer and I want to cherish every single moment. My hope is that with a new team and a new coach, we can build a solid foundation that paves the way for the next group of girls to come in and dominate the NWAC.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY AS AN ATHLETE?
One of my favorite memories that I've gotten to experience while being an athlete is when my entire U12 Dallas United Team got the chance to be escorted out onto the field by the Portland Timbers before one of their matches. We got to meet the players individually and experience what it was like to walk out of the locker room tunnel and come out onto the big stadium field in front of hundreds of fans. It was a surreal experience for me as a young kid, being able to witness what it's like to be a professional soccer player. I think for myself and a lot of other kids, that's an experience that redefines your intentions and goals as a player. I also got to keep a signed Timbers skateboard that I still have to this day, so that was a plus HAHA!
CAN YOU SHARE SOME INSIGHT ON YOUR WORK/CAREER ASPIRATIONS?
In thinking long term and where I see myself in the future, a high-level Civil Rights/Criminal defense attorney is the goal. I've always been outspoken and passionate about social justice issues and putting myself in a position of being a lawyer would allow me the opportunity to be at the frontlines, fighting and litigating for reform and change, while also providing a voice for those who have been oppressed for so long.
