Elizabeth Milhan Enjoying Her Busy Life As a College Student

"It is very difficult and there are times when I want to give up, but I do everything for my daughter. What would she think of me if I quit? I am doing it so I can take care of her and provide a great life for her," expressed University of Tampa softball player Elizabeth Milhan.

Apart from being a swimmer, playing on the softball team and being the head cheerleader in high school, 22 year old Elizabeth Milhan is a student athlete and a dedicated mother of her 18-month old daughter Abigail. She was born and raised in Seminole, Fla., and has attended two different universities. "Yes, I know is it crazy that I have been to two different schools, but I am very happy for choosing UT as I love it here," said Milhan.

She attended Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C., for a year and then transferred to Hillsborough Community College for her sophomore year. She appeared in 32 contests for the Hawks with a .357 batting average during the 2007 season.

Milhan picked up her first bat at the tender age of 3. Competition with her brother heightened her competitive nature and is the main reason why she wanted to play softball. She wanted to better than him. Things went her way as she was awarded a scholarship to The University of Tampa to pursue an accounting degree.

She transferred in the fall of 2010 as a junior. The 5-foot-5 utility player is very impressed by her team. The season will be a big one for her as it is her first time representing the Tampa Spartans. Milhan says "I have high hopes for the team. This is a very promising season". Her training consists of five days a week for about two to three hours including weight training three days a week.

As a junior, she works extremely hard in all her endeavors on and off the field. She is a role model for many young women and student athletes.

Imagine having that equilibrium. Being a student athlete and a mother, those responsibilities carry a heavy weight. According to Milhan, "time management is my biggest challenge. I have so much to do in so little time keeping up with school work, softball and taking care of my daughter is a lot, but I never give up."

Milhan has a lot on her plate but doesn't let it bother her. In order to survive these challenges, she always thinks of her travel coach who was stricken with breast cancer a few years ago. She never gave up even when she was in chemotherapy. She would still attend all the games to support the team. The best advice she received came from her. "Softball is how people are going to remember you," said Milhan. She lives by the motto," tomorrow is another day."

Supermom is the best description for Milhan. Her responsibilities stretch far beyond the average college student. She is a great student with a cheerful personality. A very goal oriented young lady who knows exactly what she wants in life. Not many students can say that at this point in their college careers.

Milhan will be a force to reckon with as an amazing, courageous young lady with a bright future.

Written by Nickola Johnson (SPM 385)