Life often takes more than it gives, and some face more hardships than others.
However, through adversity, resilience and strength can emerge -- a truth embodied by Virginia Finley, one of TWCA's standout figures in the athletic training program.
“Growing up, I always wanted to go into the medical field because of my mom,” Finley shared. “She was an OBGYN here in The Woodlands, but she passed away just before my second birthday. As I got older, I knew medicine was something I wanted to pursue.”
That calling deepened during a life-altering period in her sophomore year.
“The year I joined the sports medicine program, my dad got really sick and had to go into hospice,” she said. “I spent a lot of time in the hospital with him. Watching people help each other in that environment truly inspired me to dive deeper into the medical field.”
Tragically, Finley lost her father last year. Now, she lives with her grandmother and aunt, carrying the lessons of her challenges with remarkable strength.
“It’s been tough,” she admitted. “But I try to make light of it and grow from it. Without those experiences, I wouldn’t have the mental fortitude I do now. With everything that’s happened, all I can do is keep moving forward.”
Yet, Finley’s journey into TWCA Sports Medicine wasn’t solely born of hardship.
“I got interested in training because some friends encouraged me to join my sophomore year,” she said. “After that, I fell in love with helping athletes—on and off the field—with injury prevention and everything else we do.”
Her dual perspective as a trainer and athlete gives her a unique edge. When she’s not assisting on the sidelines, Finley plays softball for TWCA. But her athletic prowess doesn’t stop there.
She’s also a Kukkiwon-certified black belt in taekwondo.
“It’s kind of my biggest flex,” Finley laughed. “I studied under a five-time Olympic coach and trained alongside Olympians like Victoria Stambaugh and three-time World Champion Bianca Walkden.
“I eventually stopped training when I started here because I wanted to focus on school sports and have more freedom. But it’s one of my biggest accomplishments.”
Looking ahead, Finley’s passion for sports medicine and helping others is steering her college ambitions.
“I’m considering Texas Lutheran or Texas State,” she said. “I want to continue in athletic training or maybe explore sports psychology. Through my experience, I’ve seen how athletes can struggle mentally when they’re injured. I want to be part of that recovery process and help them keep doing what they love.”
Despite the challenges she’s faced, Finley’s determination and optimism have made her an inspiration to those around her. Through her diverse experiences and indomitable spirit, Finley is destined to live out her dream of helping others—on and off the field.