Today@Sam Article

Bearkat Spotlight: Dana Hanson

Nov. 22, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Emilee White

When graduating Bearkat Dana Hanson is out on the pitch, nothing else matters in the world except her and the soccer ball. As soon as she steps out on the field, the adrenaline rush that comes with the high-pressure environment of the game is something Hanson has always thrived in.

Hanson’s story began when she was just a little girl with an abundance of energy to expel. Like all high-stamina kids, Hanson was put in sports to help channel her energy, but the moment she tied her cleats and kicked the soccer ball, there was no going back.

“I started playing soccer when I was around six, but I actually loved T-ball,” Hanson said. “I thought it was so fun, but I got really bored of it because I didn't get to run. My mom thought I should try soccer to get my energy out; I’ve loved it ever since.”

Gravitating to soccer at such an early age was what made her realize how important the sport was in her life. While Hanson faced hardships in her childhood, she always had soccer. No matter what was going on behind the scenes, when she went to practice, she would be filled with joy, a feeling she’s clung to ever since.

“Soccer is just my outlet – it gave me a sense of joy and peace growing up and I got to see just how beautiful the game really is,” she said. “As I've gotten older, I've met all my best friends through this game. I owe so much to soccer. I'm grateful for it.”

As she grew within the sport, so did her passion and skill, eventually making her way to the Olympic Development Program (ODP), where she was able to showcase her talents. Little did she know, her time at ODP would change the trajectory of her career forever.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic halted almost all operations in the United States, including college recruitment. It was Hanson’s junior year in high school when the pandemic swept through the nation and, like many others, was figuring out how to navigate the new landscape.

Hanson knew her goal was to play Division I soccer, but didn’t know if that dream would be obtainable. One day, she got a call from Michael O’Hare, the former assistant coach for women’s soccer at Sam Houston State University. She had known the previous head coach, Tom Brown, during her time at ODP and O’Hare had also seen her play in the program. When the time came to offer her a spot, Hanson took a leap of faith.

“It just kind of fell in my lap because I didn't think I would even have a Division I opportunity, but [Brown and O’Hare] had already watched me play growing up,” Hanson said. “I was like, ‘You know what? This is where I'm going to go because I feel like this is the exact opportunity that God has placed in my lap.’ Looking back on my years here, it was so intentional, because I can't imagine being anywhere else.”

During her time at SHSU, Hanson has seen her fair share of highs and lows. At the start of her collegiate career, she described herself has a bright-eyed freshman, but soon faced uncertainty when all three of her coaches left after her first season. In addition to a change in the coaching staff, Hanson and her fellow Bearkat athletes had to adjust playing in a new conference when Sam Houston moved to Conference USA.

Regardless of the uncertainty, that hasn’t stopped Hanson from leading her team to conference tournaments, playing in the semifinals and even beating Power 5 schools. To Hanson, it’s been an honor to watch her team progress and to be a part of SHSU’s journey.

Hanson is still figuring out what’s next for her after graduation. As a marketing major and sports media minor, she knows whether she’s out on the field playing or in the press box reporting the game, she’ll never give up sports in her life.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the sports industry,” Hanson said. “Sports bring so much to our lives. I have grown and learned so much through sports. It’ll be fun to just enjoy playing the game. I'm totally confident that I'll be either playing pickup games in the street, indoor leagues or women's leagues. I'd play Sunday leagues until I'm 60, I don't see myself hanging up my cleats.”

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