LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Tackling two sports and a college degree at the same time is not for the faint of heart, and neither is joining the Army the summer after graduating from college. Taylor Venegas, Biola alumni and former soccer player and track & field athlete, did both.

Venegas graduated from Biola in the spring of 2017 and spent the fall of that same year completing basic training for the Army. Taylor's unique decision was fueled by her knowledge of the benefits that come with the military lifestyle, a deep admiration for the sacrificial work of soldiers, a desire to be a part of that work and a dream of adventure.

"I wanted to join because not only would it help me financially, but it would give me endless opportunities to explore the world and meet new people and have crazy experiences," said Venegas. "I also love how sacrificial soldiers are. The fact that they risk their lives to save people they don't even know is just so inspiring and definitely something I wanted to be a part of"

Basic Training

Taylor first spoke with an Army recruiter in July 2017, and within a few weeks was on her way to Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma to complete basic training, an experience she described as nothing short of crazy.

"Basic training was very interesting," said Venegas. "I actually expected it to be a lot more physically demanding, but it was definitely more exhausting mentally than physically, for me. The drill sergeants would mess with our heads a lot and make us do a lot of pointless stuff that you just had to do no questions asked. Looking back, I actually had a really awesome time. Obviously in the midst of it I hated it, but I was able to form some solid friendships and I definitely had some wild experiences. I would never want to do that experience again, but I learned so much about how to be a good soldier so I am extremely grateful for that time."

Growing at Biola

Erin Brunelle, head coach for women's soccer, coached Venegas during her four years on Biola's women's soccer team. When she first learned that Taylor was planning to join the military, she was not surprised.

"Taylor matured in her faith and grew in her confidence and knowledge of the Lord working in her life and in the lives of others," said Brunelle. "She came in to the program as a shy, quiet freshman, but developed into a confident, vocal leader (and captain) by her senior year. She is bold, brave, tough as nails, loves her country and respects authority."

Although the environments at Biola and a basic training camp differ greatly, the skill set Taylor learned while at Biola helped her thrive:

"Biola helped prepare me more than I would have ever anticipated. The army is full of a lot of great people, but also a lot of not so good people," said Venegas. "There are soldiers here who were raised differently and are from so many different backgrounds that it makes developing fluid teamwork very difficult. This environment is the exact opposite of Biola University actually. I am so thankful that Biola gave me the tools to build my faith and mold myself into the person I've always wanted to be. I am proud to say that I have been able to stay true to myself. Even more, I have strengthened my faith. I have never been in a situation where I had to rely on God so much."

Taylor is currently completing her Advanced Individual Training and will be sent to her first assigned duty station in just a few more weeks.