Driven by Drive: Iliana Stowers DI College Golf to Career Dominance

In this episode of the BTB project #122, host Kollman Gearhart interviews Iliana Stowers, a former Division 1 golfer from Montgomery, Texas and discusses her unique journey. Iliana shares her experiences growing up as a multi-sport athlete and how she ultimately focused on golf, leading to success in Division 1. They explore Iliana transition from a student-athlete to a professional in sales, discussing the challenges and self-doubt she faced along the way. The conversation sheds light on the importance of confidence, resilience, and the value of forming meaningful relationships beyond sports. Iliana offers advice to current student-athletes preparing for life after athletics, emphasizing seizing opportunities and leveraging connections. This episode is designed to inspire listeners to live their best lives, regardless of circumstances, and to understand the impact of athletics on personal and professional growth. 00:00 Welcome to BTB: Empowering Your Journey 00:22 Spotlight on Iliana Sours: From Athlete to Professional 03:13 The Essence of Texas and Its Impact 04:57 Transitioning from College Athletics to Professional Life 06:42 The Power of Networking and Career Advice for Athletes 11:00 Iliana's Golf Journey: From First Swing to Division 1 15:12 High School Golf in Texas: A Competitive Landscape 18:49 Building Confidence and the Mental Game of Golf 21:22 The Power of Team Support and Self-Confidence in Golf 22:08 Navigating the Challenges of High School Athletics 22:53 Transitioning to College Golf: Expectations vs. Reality 24:24 The Impact of Coaching Changes on Athlete's Performance 30:12 Finding Identity Beyond Athletics 33:33 Reflecting on the College Experience and Future Aspirations 39:47 Final Thoughts: The Journey of a Student Athlete College Profile: https://uiwcardinals.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/iliana--stowers/7987