HT Student-Athlete of the Month: Emili Taclibon

AUSTIN – Huston-Tillotson University women's soccer player Emili Taclibon has been recognized as her sport's HT Rams Student-Athlete of the Month for the month of September.
 
Emili is a freshman at Huston-Tillotson, where she is majoring in biology with an emphasis on the pre-med track. She earned her sport's monthly recognition after scoring three goals and adding two assists during September matches, according to head coach Ori Gimeno.
 
A graduate of Copperas Cove High School northwest of Austin, Taclibon was named the HBCU Athletic Conference's Freshman of the Week on Sept. 14 after scoring three goals and tallying an assist during a 2-0 week for the Rams. That included a goal in the team's 2-0 win at Texas Wesleyan, their first over their former Red River Athletic Conference opponent since 2014.
 
GET TO KNOW EMILI:

Why did you choose to attend Huston-Tillotson University?
I chose to attend Huston-Tillotson because the atmosphere and community here is like no other. Not only in sports but also academically. The unique programs aligned with my goals right here in Austin.
 
What does being a student-athlete at HT mean to you?
Being a student-athlete is a demanding balancing act, but the exhaustion is worth it for the grit and discipline you gain. It has prepared me to thrive under any pressure.
 
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far this season?
My biggest accomplishment this season has been being able to consecutively get a starting position on my team. The competition is not easy, so I am glad my coach and team trust my performance to help win us games.
 
Who or what motivates you to excel academically and athletically?
I'm driven by the desire to see exactly what I'm capable of achieving when I push myself to the limit in
both the classroom and on the field. Knowing that the discipline I build now will set me up for success later is what keeps me going on the tough days.
 
Who has had the biggest impact on your athletic journey and why?
My coaches have had the biggest impact because they taught me how to push past my own mental limits and showed me that my potential is much higher than I ever thought. Their belief in my growth during the hardest seasons is what really pushed me to keep showing up.
 
How do you balance academics, athletics, and personal life?
I stay organized by using a strict schedule to block out time for studying and training, making sure to
prioritize my top tasks so I still have a little room left for myself without burning out.
 
What goals have you set for yourself for the remainder of the season?
My reminder of goals is to help my team win conference with a few more goals, while also staying on top of my classes.
 
What is something about you that most people don't know?
Something about me that most people don't know is in my senior year of high school I was able to get my CMA certification at 17 years old.
 
What advice would you give to future HT student-athletes?
My advice to future HTU student-athletes is while staying on top of sports and academics, don't forget to be a part of the community and make time for yourself. You are more than just a student-athlete.
 
What song gets you hyped before a game?
The song that gets me the most hyped before a game is "No te veo" by Casa De Leones
 
Social Media Handles
e_il.tac (Instagram)
 
– HT –