Penn State Schuylkill's Tajae Stevenson's Inspiring Journey: Triumph Over Adversity
This is the thirteenth in a series of feature stories during the fall 2023 semester. Each campus will be featured once throughout the semester as we highlight happenings, people and interesting stories from around the PSUAC.
Story courtesy of Mahda Brewah, Penn State Schuylkill.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa.- Tajae Stevenson's story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. After facing setbacks with a torn ACL during her senior year of high school and at the beginning of the 2023-2024 season, Stevenson, a Paterson, New Jersey native, overcame numerous challenges to find success both on and off the court.
Stevenson, who secured county championships during her sophomore and junior years of high school as well as state group 4 sectionals, unfortunately missed her entire senior season due to the ACL injury. Despite this setback, she managed to maintain her basketball scholarship at Temple University.
Her time at Temple presented its own set of challenges. Adhering to protocol, Stevenson restarted her rehabilitation process upon arrival at Temple and began engaging in team activities midway through the season. However, she ultimately cut ties with Temple, returned home, and embraced motherhood.
"My child pushed me to want to do better. I want to push to be the best not only for me but for her,” said Stevenson.
Seeking a change of scenery, Stevenson decided to move to Pottsville, Pennsylvania with her family and attend Penn State Schuylkill to complete her college journey. Initially without plans to play basketball, she aimed to focus on earning a degree.
“I wanted to try something new,” said Stevenson. “I wanted to be in an environment that would help me grow as a person and as a mother.”
It was during this time that Stevenson encountered Athletic Director Kayla Felty and Head Women’s Basketball Coach Charles Killian, who encouraged her to join the basketball team. "It was welcoming; they didn't force me to do anything but instead encouraged me to give it a try and see how it goes," said Stevenson. "Everyone welcomed me with open arms, Basketball took my mind off of things that I was going through at the time."
Balancing basketball, motherhood, a part-time job, and full-time studies, Stevenson demonstrated exceptional commitment.
Stevenson excelled in her first year on the court, leading Penn State Schuylkill in scoring and contributing to the team's first 20-win season in program history. She received national and conference post-season recognition, including being named PSUAC Rookie of the Year.
Her success continued into her sophomore year, where Stevenson earned honors as the PSUAC Player of the Year and the PSUAC Defensive Player of the Year. Another 20-win season culminated in a PSUAC Championship, a historic first for Penn State Schuylkill.
“All the hard work and ups and downs we went through as a team all paid off at the end,” said Stevenson. “We came together and figured it out. It was joyful to see how our coaches believed in us. They did a great job in game planning. It was up to us to execute, have mental toughness, and be ready and focused for whatever came our way as a team”
In addition to all her success, Stevenson was honored two years in a row by the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee. Her jersey now hangs in the "Ring of Honor," recognizing her as one of the best college basketball players in America.
"My hard work didn't go unnoticed,” said Stevenson. “Being in the hall of fame with the likes of Brittney Griner and Candice Parker shows that if you put in the work, your talent will always be noticed regardless of where you play.”
Anticipating a new season and continued success, Stevenson faced another challenge by tearing her ACL in Penn State Schuylkill’s season opener against Point Park University.
"I'm doing better, but it's hard because I didn't want to fail. I am hard on myself and expect a lot from me. I want my kid to see me doing good."
With close to 1000 career points and only 27 points away from reaching this milestone, Stevenson is driven to return stronger and better. She also has an opportunity to notch her 1000 career rebounds, being less than 200 rebounds away.
"My injury set me back more than I wanted it to, but it also gave me another opportunity to go above and beyond,” said Stevenson. “My mindset is very different since the injury. Through it all, I just have to stay positive. I have the support, the help, and the mentors willing to help me with the getting back process. I just need to do my part and mentally be prepared for that."
“It’s all mental toughness, you must have tough skin in certain situations and scenarios,” continued Stevenson. “You also need a lot of heart because I could’ve given up plenty of times. Instead, I got up every time and figured it out, it’s not in me to quit. I am not a quitter.”