Get to Know Former Softball & Field Hockey Student-Athlete Tanya Thear '95

BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The next alum in the Moravian College Department of Athletics & Recreation's Get to Know Series is former softball & field hockey student-athlete Tanya Thear from the Class of 1995. Thear was inducted into Moravian's Hall of Fame in 2005. On the softball field, Thear was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-East Region First Team in 1995 and the Second Team in 1994, She made the Middle Atlantic Conference All-Southeast First Team in 1992 and 1993, the MAC All-Commonwealth First Team in 1995 and the MAC All-Commonwealth Second Team in 1994. She graduated with a then school record 139 hits and still holds the school record with 51 stolen bases. In field hockey, Thear was named to the MAC Commonwealth All-League First Team in 1993 and 1994 while finishing her career with then school records of 34 goals and 83 points.

Tanya Thear
Class: 1995

How did you choose the sport you played when you were growing up? During middle school, I just got involved in anything sporty that the school offered - volleyball, basketball, softball, archery, floor hockey, track, flag football - some were actual sanctioned sports while others were intramurals. I loved competition and something fun to do. I also played for Lehigh Little League after starting in middle school and fell in love with softball.  I started playing field hockey in high school for something to do in the fall - instantly became a fan.

Why did you choose to come to Moravian College? Coach Spirk reached out to me about playing basketball and softball. Coach Legath also reached out to come play at Moravian. I thought it would be fun but challenging to be able to play three sports in college. Lehigh was also reaching out to play softball - but I knew I wanted to play more than one sport.  I ended up playing hockey and softball, as I thought basketball was my weakest of the three. I contemplated playing all three - with Coach Spirk helping in pushing the basketball :) in that decision but felt I it might be too much. I am from Bethlehem and have always loved Moravian's campus. I also wanted my parents and grandparents to see me play sports at the collegiate level.

What experiences as a student-athlete at Moravian helped prepare you for life after college? Teamwork - as an educator and coach, it is imperative that I work with others in my school community to create a safe and thriving learning environment for my students. I have also taken great pride in teaching others to find passion in their life and to appreciate those lives you cross during your journey, regardless of how small or great the time frame is.

How did you get into your current occupation? I took a "JAN TERM" at Moravian - don't remember the exact name but you got to spend 4 weeks helping out in a classroom. I choose to go back to Nitschmann (where I went to school) and partnered with my 6th grade Science teacher, Mr. Abel. I fell in love with teaching and have come full circle back to Nitschmann!

What was your favorite place on campus? The hockey and softball fields (although they looked nothing like they do today! The softball field was just a dirt field with wooden benches - Coach Byrne has committed his whole career to creating what you see today!

What activities/organizations were you involved in at Moravian College as a student-athlete? I worked part time in the weight room as part of work-study - as part of my tuition. I loved it. :)

What was your most memorable moment at Moravian? Hard to choose just one! I loved every minute during field hockey and softball games. I so enjoyed attending basketball games for the men and women, supporting your fellow hounds! The relationships built both on and off the field were lifelong friendships. Of course, you can't forget Coach Byrne giving us a "good talking to" on the ride home from Susquehanna University during a loss for softball. I remember smashing Byrne's hand on a foul ball against Allentown College. My last game of my career was a heartbreaking loss to Messiah College in Softball (playoffs).

What advice do you have for prospective student-athletes looking to attend Moravian College? Moravian allows you to truly balance your academics and athletics - loved the small town feel, with the big time passion of competing.

What advice do you have for current student-athletes as they approach graduation? Enjoy the time, atmosphere, and people whose life paths you cross. It is hard to believe I have been out 25 years!

What is the best piece of advice you've been given? "Empowered women, empower women"

Who are your role models/most influential people? My mother - my husband

Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with? My mom, Molly from Bon Appetit, and my friend Lara Ellis, who passed away from cancer

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people. I love to sew, bake and do for others:)

Quick Hits:
Favorite Color – Navy Blue
Favorite Food – I love any kind of seafood:)
Favorite Restaurant – Matunuck Oyster House in Rhode Island. My husband and I once drove round trip just to have lunch! We visit a few times a year.
Favorite Movie – Anything History or War related:)
Favorite TV Show – Friends 
Favorite Musical Artist – Band of Horses 
Favorite Athlete – Erin Stern - fitness athlete
Favorite Pro Team – Believe it or not - I don't have a favorite - I love rooting for the individual, whatever team the individual ends up on. 
Hobbies – Fitness and Nutrition. Since both my parents have passed away from illness - it has always been a passion of mine to be healthy and control what I can.
Most Prized Possession – My mom's rolling pin and grandmother's apron
Ideal Travel Destination – My husband and I head out west every summer to Telluride, Colorado and Frank Church Wilderness, Idaho - we both love the mountains
Your Spirit Animal – Buffalo - always loved learning and teaching about Native American culture….
Superpower you'd Like to Have – superhuman strength