ST. JOSEPH, Minn. - It started rather simply.

Rhianna Anya was studying abroad in Ireland during the spring semester this past offseason and the weather was often rainy. That made it hard for the College of Saint Benedict senior goalkeeper to get in a lot of work on the soccer field.

So, for the first time in her life, she took up distance running as a way to keep in shape and maybe get in some added sightseeing as she visited other European countries during her down time.

Rather quickly, though, the Bloomington Jefferson High School graduate discovered a new passion - one that led to her completing a half-marathon in Stillwater this past summer and has her now eying Grandma's Marathon in Duluth next year.

"If you told me two years ago that I'd have run a half-marathon, I'd have laughed in your face," said Anya, whose first race was actually a 10K in Ireland while she was taking part in the study abroad program CSB and SJU offers at University College Cork. "Why do you think I became a goalkeeper in the first place?

"But I really grew to like running. It taught me that I was so much more mentally strong than I thought I was. Running forces you to challenge yourself - not only physically, but mentally. There are times when you don't think you can finish and you have to push through that.

"When you're able to, it's such a satisfying feeling."

That mental edge - and, of course, the added endurance - has benefitted Anya as she begins her final season of collegiate soccer.

"I feel much more confident now than I did even last season," said Anya, who broke into the team's rotation in net as a junior, starting eight games and finishing with a save percentage of .863.

"I went from not really playing at all my first two years to splitting time as the starter. But there were times I still didn't feel like I deserved it. This year, the confidence is coming naturally. I know I can do hard things and even help motivate others who might not be comfortable stepping out of their comfort zones."

Indeed, CSB head coach Steve Kimble said Anya has embraced her role as one of the Bennies' leaders as she continues to rotate in goal for a team that is off to a 3-0 start heading into a nonconference matchup at University of Wisconsin-Stout at 5 p.m. Saturday in Menomonie, Wis.

"She's always set a good example because of her positive energy and how hard she works," Kimble said. "But it's even more the case this season. Her commitment to tackling something as rigorous as a marathon is inspirational to her teammates. It helps set a higher bar for everyone."

Anya - who has yet to allow a goal in two starts this fall – first got into soccer when her mom signed her and her younger brother Malachi up for YMCA soccer camps when they were younger.

"We both played two sports," she recalled. "He was in basketball and soccer and I was in volleyball and soccer. But when high school came
around, we each started focusing on soccer only. It's something we both love doing."

The two siblings remain close. In fact, it was Malachi with whom Anya ran the half-marathon in Stillwater before he departed for his freshman season at Division I Drake University.

"It was the day before move-in for him, but he did it with me and we challenged each other," Anya said. "Maybe halfway through I told him I was never doing this again. But we kept each other going.

"He's not just my little brother, he's my best friend," she continued. "As we've gotten older, we've gotten a lot closer and soccer has been something we've bonded over. It's fun now because I can stream his games on ESPN and he streams ours on the MIAC Network."

Anya, a political science major with a minor in English, is planning to pursue a career as a lawyer following graduation. She got a head start on that this past summer, interning with a human rights advocacy group as a court observer in Hennepin County.

"I've always felt a passion for advocacy, and as a lawyer, you have the chance to advocate for people who may not necessarily be able to advocate for themselves," she said. "I really want to be a voice for people who don't have one. I had the chance to see public defenders do their work while observing the courts this summer and I found myself drawn to that.

"I think that's a job that would be very fulfilling."

For now, though, Anya wants to make the most of her senior season.

"We have a young team, but that's super exciting because it means we have so much room to grow," Anya said. "There is so much talent on the roster, and as long as we play the way we're capable of, I know we can make this a really great season."