Transitioning from collegiate athletics into the next chapter of life can be both exciting and challenging. For former soccer student-athlete Breanna Nine, that transition has been filled with purpose, growth, and new opportunities.

After graduating in 2024 with a degree in Nursing, Breanna quickly shifted her focus toward launching her professional career. “After Piedmont soccer I was busy completing my nursing degree, interviewing for jobs, and taking the NCLEX,” she shared. Her hard work paid off, as she secured a position at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. “I was fortunate to accept a job as a Neuroscience ICU nurse. I love my job and living in Nashville!”

Breanna credits her time as a student-athlete for preparing her to handle the demands of life after college. Balancing athletics with the rigor of a nursing program required discipline and intentionality. “Being a student athlete, especially a nursing major, taught me about time management and prepared me for life after college,” she explained. “Managing my time well allowed me to be fully present wherever my feet were standing.”

Beyond time management, Breanna emphasizes the importance of community and support, something she learned deeply through her team experience. Moving away from home for college taught her valuable lessons about resilience and connection. “I learned quickly that whatever I was facing I didn’t have to do it alone,” she said. “The team really is a big family… I learned that it was okay to ask for help and lean on others. I carry that with me today.”

As she reflects on her journey, Breanna highlights a simple yet powerful mindset when it comes to leadership and teamwork: “Do your part and do it well and the rest will fall into place.”

Now navigating life beyond sports, Breanna acknowledges that the transition can be difficult, especially when leaving behind the built-in community that athletics provides. Her advice to current student-athletes is both honest and encouraging: “I feel like this transition is not talked about enough… If you want to create a community in a new area I suggest going to local events, befriending coworkers, joining a gym, run club, church, adult league sports, etc.”

From the soccer field to the ICU, Breanna Nine exemplifies how the lessons learned through collegiate athletics can translate into meaningful success beyond the game.


Next Chapter Friday Feature is a new series highlighting former CCS student-athletes from across the conference who have transitioned from competition to life beyond sports. Each month, we’ll share their journeys—how the lessons, values, and experiences of being a student-athlete continue to shape their careers, communities, and lives after graduation.

 
ABOUT THE COLLEGIATE CONFERENCE OF THE SOUTH (CCS)

The CCS is an NCAA Division III athletic conference that began play during the 2022-23 academic year. The conference features nine member institutions (Agnes Scott College, Asbury University, Belhaven University, Covenant College, Huntingdon College, LaGrange College, Maryville College, Piedmont University, and Wesleyan College) and sponsors championships across 14 sports. In addition to sharing the member institutions' geographic identity, the name 'Collegiate Conference of the South' is indicative of a shared commitment to academic excellence, which is commensurate with the NCAA Division III philosophy.
 
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