At age of 6, while all her peers huddled around the ball, Civana Kuhlmann was already setting herself apart as she had learned about proper spacing. Her ability to view the soccer field like a problem to solve cultivated a “no quit” mindset that helped her become relentless, aggressive and determined. The same belief system that helped her excel also ended up hurting her emotionally and physically.

As an athlete, Civana has represented the United States in multiple World Cup Qualifiers, a U17 FIFA World Cup, won 2 National Championships and played in 3 Final Fours as a member of the Stanford University women’s soccer team, and was drafted to the Washington Spirit in January 2023.

As a human being, she has endured seven surgeries for four major injuries since August 2019 including 2 torn ACL’s, 2 hip surgeries, and a fractured femur. She has also lost a close friend and teammate to suicide.

Through her experiences, she continues to ponder everything that got her to this point, and most definitely uses everything she has learned so far while still searching for lots.

@civanakuhlmann

Pro Soccer player Civana Kuhlmann On the Fear of Losing Your Sport While Finding Your True Identity