"The Taneka" Update
The written words of Taneka LaSha Rubin, 'feeling Thankful. February 20, 2017 6:40 p.m. I ran across this picture on FB and had a serious flashback. Knee brace on and leaning to the right smh. Six years ago I tore my ACL and found myself in a place I never thought I'd be. On the bench lol but in all seriousness I faced some of the greatest adversity I had ever faced. If anyone has ever poured their heart into something just to have it taken away, then you know how I felt. I found myself several steps behind my peers who were getting basketball scholarships and living the same dreams I had. At times it made me question the vision I saw for my life.
But God! Through that trying time I learned a lot about myself. Yes, I took the long road, but I learned that I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. I said all of that to encourage anyone who might be struggling with adversity. Baby steps are still steps! If you keep pushing I promise you will come out of the storm stronger and wiser. #OnlyGod #StillPushing --- End of Taneka's FB post February 20, 2017 6:40 p.m.
February 10, 2011, the Sierra Vista Herald featured an article entitled, “The Taneka returns”. That article made me cry and pray to our Great Big God. You see as her mother, I watched my 3 year old child dribble the basketball in our military home. At 7, she played her first organized basketball game in Sierra Vista.
She loved the game, to the point that Taneka planned to major in basketball in college. As a middle school-er she wanted to know, “then what am I going to major in if not basketball”. That was her life; her dream was to one day play internationally, specifically in Italy and Spain.
What Next:
That ACL tear was nearly her undoing. I recall receiving that phone call from Coach Trish (Perez), telling me to take her to the ER as soon as the team returned from their road trip. Who can say which game it was; I just know that it was the summer before her senior year at Buena High school.
That next week, I reached out to coaches in the area, looking for someone to help my child. Coach PJ was the answer to our prayers, he worked in the field of kinesiology. Thank God he understood the mechanics of body movements. I can never say enough thanks to you, Coach for working with our daughter before and after surgery.
This is Coach PJ’s memory of that period of time, excerpt is from the February 20, 2017 Facebook post; “Haha. Wow I remember that brace too. I also remember you could barely bend your knee after surgery. I also remembered helping you rehab that knee on your living room floor. (Not an easy task). You were so determined to get back out there on the floor and you did. Honored to have played a small role in your success. Keep grinding young lady. Greatness is already coming outta you. #inspired #hardworkalwayspaysoff”
Recovery and Then What:
Taneka went on to play 2 years of basketball at Glendale Community College in Arizona. Afterwards, she was determined to move to Florida where our family had relocated. She put in countless hours looking for a college, preferably D1. Coach Rashad at Florida A&M saw something in 'The Taneka' he’d only met through watching her film and reading her email messages.
She went on to play 2 years at FAMU and graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Taneka also played Internationally at the University of East London, where she received her Master's Degree in International Business Management.
I could honestly share much of Taneka's life story with you. As her mom I know so much about her, I mean honestly, I've been with her through the thick and thin. I now have the awesome opportunity to be my daughter's business partner, mentor, and coach as she's progressing through life.
I'll allow her to share the details of her story in her time, in her way. I will say that over the years Taneka has found that basketball is not all fun and games, life deals you some serious curves, and many times life doesn’t work out as you expect. She's experienced what I call "life" and has had to make some tough decisions.
Where is she now:
As of the writing of this post, Taneka has realized her dream to play professionally overseas and is walking in this amazing experience. Her love for basketball is intense and sure. In high school she was a post player, during the ACL recovery period, she became a shooter.
Taneka has had some amazing coaches; each of you know who you are. Accept my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your influence in her life.
Check her out online, search for Taneka Rubin. She's doing some pretty amazing things.
Taneka released her very first book that you can purchase via her website.
She’s a dedicated basketball player who has matured into a beautiful woman with much passion and some pretty lofty dreams and I’m not saying that only because I’m her mom. Although, I continue to be her biggest cheerleader; always have been, always will be.
