Julia Czurylo's journey has been shaped less by results and more by the work that happens when no one is watching. At Stetson, that work shows up in early morning practices, late-night study sessions, and the constant push to be better than yesterday. "Being a female student-athlete means constantly learning how to balance a lot at once," she said. "It's taught me how to be disciplined, resilient, and confident, even when things feel overwhelming."

At Stetson, Julia has become the kind of competitor who embraces pressure and channels it into growth. Whether she's on the court or in the classroom, the lessons she's learned through sports shape every part of her life. "On the court, I've learned how to handle pressure, accept feedback, and stay focused on improving," she said. "Being part of a team has taught me accountability. What I do matters not just for me, but for everyone around me."

Away from competition, those same lessons guide her daily routines. Organization, time management, and communication have become second nature. "Being a student-athlete has helped me find my voice and be confident speaking up or taking on leadership roles," she said. "It's shown me that I can handle challenges, push past limits, and succeed in different areas of my life, not just in sports."

Long before she arrived at Stetson, Julia had already tested herself on the international stage. Winning the U18 Polish Championship, finishing second at the U20 level, and qualifying for her first European Championship were milestones that shaped her belief in herself. "Competing internationally and representing my country gave me a new sense of confidence and pride," she said. "It made me realize that I had earned my place through dedication and persistence."

That success, however, came with its own pressures. Like many women in sports, Julia felt the constant need to prove herself again and again. "There's often pressure to validate your spot, your effort, and your ability," she said. "For a long time, that feeling pushed me to be overly hard on myself and doubt my abilities."

Over time, she learned to trust her preparation and focus on progress instead of perfection. "Having to prove that I'm good enough has made me mentally stronger," she said. "It taught me how to quiet self-doubt, believe in myself, and show up with confidence even when I don't feel perfect."

That growth didn't happen in isolation. Julia credits much of her development at Stetson to the people around her. Her teammates have become a steady source of support and accountability. "Being surrounded by women who are driven, supportive, and honest has made a big difference in my confidence and sense of belonging," she said.

Her coaches have challenged her to step outside her comfort zone while holding her to higher standards. "They've been honest with feedback, but always supportive, which has helped me trust myself and the process," she said. "Knowing that they believe in me has made me more confident in my abilities."

Mentors across campus have also played a role, encouraging her to think beyond athletics and see her potential in different spaces. "They've helped me stay balanced, reminded me of my strengths, and supported me through challenges," she said.

When Julia reflects on what inspires her, she doesn't point to a single public figure. Instead, she looks back on moments when others doubted her—and how those experiences fueled her drive. "Those experiences pushed me to work harder, prove myself, and build confidence from within," she said.

Her family has been a constant source of stability, especially her father. "He's always encouraged me to stay strong, work hard, and not give up when things get difficult," she said.
As she continues her journey, Julia hopes more people recognize the commitment behind women's sports. "What people see on game day is only a small part of it," she said. "There are countless hours of training, lifting, recovery, studying, and mental preparation that happen behind the scenes. Women's sports deserve respect not because they're compared to men's sports, but because of the resilience and passion behind them."

To young girls dreaming of playing at the next level, her advice is simple and honest: "Believe in yourself early and don't let doubt or outside opinions decide what you're capable of. Confidence is built over time, not something you're born with."

Her experience at Stetson can be summed up in three words: growth, hard work, and challenge. And through each season, Julia continues to prove that those words aren't just a description of her journey—they're a promise she keeps to herself every day.
 
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About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.