DIII Week Student Spotlight- Tierra Russell

MONTGOMERY, Ala.- Our fifth and final installment in our DIII week student-athlete spotlight series features one of the original members of Huntingdon's inaugural Women's Flag Football team, Tierra Russell.

Coming to Huntingdon in the Spring of 2024 from Alexandria, Virginia, Tierra has made an immediate impact both on and off the field in her first full year at Huntingdon. Majoring in Bio-Chemistry/Pre-Health with plans to attend Medical School after she graduates, Russell has quickly moved to the forefront of student involvement at the college. This year alone, she has become a member of the Black Student Union and the Art Club, has been named an Ambassador for the college, and has served as a Chemistry Tutor/Peer Mentor in the Staton Center for Learning Enrichment.

When asked about what drew her towards Division III Athletics, Russell shared that the unique ability to balance athletics, academics, and student life is what really drew her in, stating that "Here(at Huntingdon), we get the rare opportunity to truly balance academics, athletics, and personal growth. I love that DIII programs emphasize the "student" in student-athlete, which allows me to pursue a rigorous academic path toward medical school without sacrificing my passion for the sport. At Huntingdon, there's a tight-knit community where professors know your name, teammates become family, and everyone supports your goals, on and off the field. I wanted a place where I could grow not just as an athlete but also as a leader, scholar, and servant. That's exactly what Huntingdon and Division III athletics represent to me."

Appreciative of every moment since arriving on campus, Tierra told us that her favorite memory as a DIII student-athlete at Huntingdon has been all of the home games for the Hawks Flag Football team. "Nothing beats the atmosphere, energy, and crowd cheering us on, making you feel as if you're a part of something way bigger than yourself", she said. " It's really not about the competition, but about the community that supports us. Seeing people like your classmates, friends, and professors in the stands creates a strong sense of belonging. Moments like these remind me why I love being a student-athlete at Huntingdon: the shared pride and the joy of playing the sport I love alongside teammates who've become my sisters. Some of my most meaningful moments, however, have come before or after the actual game, like praying with teammates, talking with young kids who come to watch us play, and realizing that we're paving the way for a sport that's still growing. Samford Stadium feels like home, and every game there is a reminder of how far we've come and how far we can go."

Tierra and Huntingdon's inaugural Flag Football team are set for the final two games of their historic first season this Saturday, April 12th, against Milligan University. The first game is scheduled for 4:00 PM with game two to follow.