During her time as a Fatima Comet, competing in volleyball, bas-
ketball, and track, she leaves behind a legacy built on perseverance, leadership, and determination. Vivian’s athletic journey has been losses. “In almost any sport, there is a winner and a loser,” she said. “The hardest part about competition is learning how to accept losing just as much as winning.” But even in defeat, she remains grounded in what matters most. She told us, “Being gracious in defeat means a lot to me. I believe your words and actions during a game last longer than the numbers on the scoreboard.”
“Being gracious in defeat means a lot
to me. I believe your words and actions during a game last longer than the numbers on the scoreboard.”
it’s built over time through persistence, setbacks, and steady im- provement. That mindset helped guide her from her early days on the track team through four years of volleyball and basketball and “Nothing can prepare you as an athlete to get that news,” she said. But Vivian didn’t stay on the bench for long.
“It was a long rehab and something I still work on today. I spent a lot of time in the weight room and gym,” she told us. But she When her sneakers hit the hardwood again, she was so proud of herself, and everything felt right. She credits her family, especially ery process. “I owe a lot to my parents, who helped me tremendous- ly through that time,” she said. “They have coached me through ev- ery tough decision I’ve faced and pushed me to be a better person.”
and emulate. “I spent a lot of time, as I was growing up, in a gym watching my older sisters compete. I couldn’t wait for it to be my turn,” she said. “I hope I set a positive example for those younger kids watching me.”
Community has always played a big role in Vivian’s athletic ex-
Show-Me Sports /// 47
the Comet teams and make it to nearly every game. They are some of my biggest fans, and playing in front of them meant a lot to me.” Throughout all of these seasons, Vivian has earned numerous acco- lades, one of her proudest being a trip to State with her 4x800 track team as a freshman. But, more than that, she said her favorite part of playing sports is the friendships you make along the way that will last long after athletic careers are over. After graduating from Fatima in the top 10% of her class with a 4.0
ue her basketball career and pursue a degree in healthcare. “I chose Columbia College because the team had such a unique bond that I couldn’t wait to be a part of,” she said. “The coaches and girls were so welcoming, so it felt like home.” And as she prepares to take the “Nobody can make you work hard or show up, so you have to want to get better and compete,” Vivian said. “I know every time I com- pete I am playing for more than myself today. I am playing for my younger self, who only dreamed of being in the position I am in today. And for future me that will be grateful knowing that I had the chance to do what I am doing right now.” And with that perspective, she’s not just ready for the next chap-
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