For Nia Bronson, soccer has always been more than just a game. It started when she was just five years old, a high-energy kid looking for an outlet. "As a child, I always had a ton of energy so I tried soccer and softball, but softball had too much standing for me. Soccer allowed me to run around a whole lot until I got tired," Nia shared. That early connection to the sport turned into a passion that's driven her for years, both on and off the field.
At Penn State Schuylkill, Nia found a home not only because of the opportunity to keep playing the game she loves, but also because of the environment. "I chose Penn State Schuylkill because of the smaller class sizes and good relationships with professors, the close proximity to my home, and because I was able to play four more years of soccer," she said. And she made the most of it. On the field, she earned honors like USCAA All-American Second-Team, PSUAC All-Conference First-Team, USCAA All-Academic Team, PSUAC All-Academic, and the PSUAC John Fritz Sportsmanship Award. Off the field, her academic success mirrored her athletic excellence. She earned an Associate's degree in Human Development and Family Studies, maintained a spot on the Dean's List for six consecutive semesters, and was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the national student-athlete honor society.
Despite her success, the journey wasn't without challenges. Moving to a small, tight-knit town brought difficulties in proving herself as a player. Balancing school, two soccer teams, homework, and the need for rest was another mountain to climb. But through it all, Nia held on tight to the lessons being a student-athlete taught her. "Time management," she said firmly. "Balancing daily practices and games with my classes, schoolwork, working a job, and making time to rest, that was a major lesson. Especially with the amount of freedom college gives you, it's on you to control it."
A huge part of her college success has been the support she received from the PSU Schuylkill Athletics family. "They supported me through college, both in and outside of sports," Nia said. Whether it was help with academics, injuries, or even just making sure she had the right gear, she always felt seen and supported. "Overall, the staff is amazing support for both school and sports."
But the heart of Nia's story, the piece that goes beyond the jersey, is deeply tied to her younger brother, Chase. "Before my freshman year of high school, my 9-year-old brother Chase was diagnosed with brain cancer. His 6-month journey not only changed my family, but it changed our community and everyone who knew him." Out of that journey, ChaseStrong was born, a rallying cry for strength, resilience, and courage. "We watched him go through countless medical procedures, doctor appointments, and radiation while still attending school and his sporting events. That is what it truly means to be ChaseStrong."
Playing in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness and carrying her brother's legacy into every game has given her purpose far beyond competition. "Having the opportunity to play in support of Childhood Cancer and spread awareness to how devastating a diagnosis can be on a child and their family has meant so much to me over the years. The support of Penn State Schuylkill and the teams we have played, which have graciously donated to our area Children's Hospitals, has been overwhelming."
And even her jersey tells a part of this story. "When I started playing, my number had always been 37, but in college this number was unavailable. Chase's number for soccer was 33, and this was available. So in college, I was able to share my number with him and feel like he was with me every game."
Nia Bronson's journey is one of dedication, heart, and the power of legacy. As she looks ahead to a future as a Certified Child Life Specialist, she plans to continue supporting children and families facing similar battles to the one her family experienced. On the field, she played for more than herself. And off the field, she's just getting started.
