About Qiana

Where are you from? A small town in South Carolina.

Where do you reside currently? I am splitting time between Atlanta and Los Angeles.

What was the first sport you learned? My uncle taught me how to throw a football around age 6.  My uncle and brother would play 1 on 1, and they needed a quarterback.  I was a quick learner, knew the plays and had a great arm!

What got you started on your current soccer journey? I began daydreaming about playing soccer in the Olympics, and it motivated me to start playing in pickup games with guys at a Los Angeles park.

What sports do you like to watch? Soccer, football, basketball, boxing, tennis, beach volleyball, footvolley, futsal, action sports, and track and field.  I watch NFL football from start to finish.  I pickup basketball only after the NFL is totally done, and more serious play begins.  As for soccer, I will watch it all day long if I can - any league, any language.

What are the keys to your training success? I train with mainly male professional athletes.  It always forces me to keep my energy high.  Those guys don’t want me to beat them, and I don’t want them to beat me so especially in our endurance/speed training sessions there is a lot of competition.  I also like to workout with trainers that have unorthodox training methods­.  It pushes my body and shocks a variety of muscle groups which I believe gives me an edge on my competition. 

What would be your ultimate achievement? To know that my soccer adventure inspired someone else to pursue their dream.

How do you set your goals? Ever since I was little, I have been a daydreamer.  When I see something in my mind's eye, I start to think "what if ..."  I have always been a planner so I put these wild dreams on paper and begin to research the actions that I need to take to make them manifest.

What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge? My daily challenge is to not be so focused on the future that I neglect the present.  

What is your diet like? I eat a lot of vegetables, rice, salads, beans, chicken and fish.

What is something you really love to eat? I am addicted to eating frozen grapes.  I cannot get enough of them.

Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? I say quite often that "life happens in 5 seconds."  Circumstances, people and situations can change for the better at the drop of a hat, and I have witnessed it firsthand.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? What motivates you? I draw my inspiration from the many stories that I have read about people (from various walks of life) who have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve goals.  I have a desire to be a spark of inspiration for someone else that may not have access to those types of people in their immediate environment.

What are your favorite things to do in your free time? I love to bargain shop for designer clothes.  I will read for hours.  I love to ride roller coasters.  If I am near a beach, I can spend every waking moment there.

Favorite book(s)? The Alchemist (all time favorite), and it is always with me when I travel.

Favorite TV show(s)? Jimmy Fallon, Shake It Up!, Modern Family, The Voice, Revenge and Smash

Favorite movie(s)? Peaceful Warrior, National Treasure, Lord of the Rings, and Zoolander.  I love funny movies or those girly romantic comedies with a happy ending.

Which athletes do you look up to (current or former athletes)? I admire any athlete who has pushed themselves to be the greatest.  There are countless athletes that have inspired me with their stories of courage and perseverance.  From Danica Patrick to Michael Jordan to Marta to Dara Torres to Michael Oher to some of the lesser known guys that I have played pickup soccer with.  It is common for me to reflect on their experiences as a way to push through the tough days that I may experience on and off the field.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone who wants to pursue their dream? Keep in mind that there is more than one path to reach your desired goal. Do not worry if your journey does not unfold in the same way or within the same time as another person. Your journey is tailored just for you!