From Olympic Dream to Collegiate Reality: Why This Athlete Prioritized an NCAA Education
For former Virginia Tech javelin star Irena Gillarová, a single moment of doubt changed her life. After failing to reach the finals at a major European championship, she was approached by a Virginia Tech coach. At the time, she was a full-time athlete with no college degree. The offer to become an NCAA student-athlete was a chance to pursue a long-held dream—and a much-needed backup plan.
A Different Kind of Training
Irena quickly learned that the U.S. collegiate system was unlike anything in her home country of the Czech Republic. While she was accustomed to focusing solely on athletics, her coaches at Virginia Tech emphasized her academics, providing resources like tutors and academic advisors. This balance of sports and school was a revelation. “In Czech, we don’t have a system which supports education and sports,” she said. “It’s a huge difference that decides the rest of your life.”
Irena excelled in both arenas. On the field, she broke school and national records, winning two NCAA championships. In the classroom, she earned degrees in international relations and religion and culture. Her time as a student-athlete gave her the tools to become a professional, an experience that prepared her for the Olympic stage, where she competed in the 2020 Tokyo Games.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Despite her Olympic accomplishments, Irena’s most treasured memories are her NCAA championships. “To me, they are the most important ones because it’s the moment where your team relies on you, the school supports you,” she said.
Now, she’s dedicated her life to helping other international and para-athletes find the same opportunities she did. Through her organization, usFutures, she helps international athletes navigate the process of becoming NCAA student-athletes. She also works with the Czech Paralympic Federation to create pathways for para-athletes.
Irena firmly believes in the value of an education. When asked if she’d choose an Olympic medal or a U.S. education, she said she’d “100% go with the education.” Her journey proves that sports can be a powerful vehicle for not only athletic success but for life-changing opportunities.