Emory University junior Zia Tomlin is redefining what it means to be a modern scholar-athlete. While she is a familiar face to the 17s for her clinical finishing with the Emory Women’s Soccer team, her recent performance in Washington D.C. suggests she is equally adept at scoring wins in the tech world.
Tomlin recently participated in Career Discovery Week (CDW) 2026, an elite recruiting trip in partnership with Scholar-AthELITE. The program bridges the gap between high-level athletics and Fortune 500 opportunities, and for Tomlin—a Computer Science major and former Amazon Software Development Intern—it was a natural extension of her drive for excellence.
The “Elite Captain” of CDW 2026
Out of 40 global participants, Tomlin was one of only four students selected for “Elite Captain” status. This recognition, awarded by Scholar-AthELITE CEO Rashard Hall, highlights her ability to lead across diverse groups and backgrounds—a skill honed through years of high-pressure competition on the soccer pitch.
During the week, Tomlin engaged with global tech giants Cisco and World Wide Tech Company, participating in:
- Executive Value Proposition Pitches: Presenting high-level business solutions to corporate leaders.
- Innovation Challenges: Applying technical problem-solving to real-world business hurdles.
- Intensive Preparation: Weekly “practice” sessions focused on professional acumen and networking strategy.
“Zia Tomlin is the epitome of a scholar-athlete. Her intangibles refined through sports, coupled with her technical skills, make her a top candidate for any company.” — Rashard Hall, CEO and Founder of Scholar-AthELITE
Impact on the Pitch: The 2025 National Finals Run
For those who follow Emory Athletics, Tomlin’s success in D.C. comes as no surprise. She was a key contributor to the Eagles’ historic 2025 season, which saw the team finish as the NCAA Division III National Runner-Up.
2025 Statistical Breakdown:
- Goals Scored: 6 (including a season-high 2 against Covenant)
- Postseason Heroics: Netted a critical goal in Emory’s NCAA Tournament first-round victory over Belhaven.
- Efficiency: Posted a team-high .261 shot percentage, making her one of the most efficient attackers in the UAA.
Building a Career Beyond the Final Whistle
Tomlin’s resume is a blueprint for the future. As a recipient of the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship, she has already proven her technical potential in the technology sector. By utilizing programs like CDW, she is ensuring that her “road warrior” mindset translates into a career in software development and leadership.
“Scholar-AthELITE gives student-athletes opportunities to grow outside of their sport. Experiences like Career Discovery Week help athletes build confidence and see what is possible beyond college athletics.” — Zia Tomlin
Related Coverage from AtlantaSoccer.news
- The Emory Standard: How the Eagles Became a National Powerhouse in 2025
- From the Field to the Front Office: Why Soccer Players are the Next Generation of Tech Leaders
- World Cup Workforce: How Atlanta’s Universities are Preparing Students for the 2026 Spotlight
ASN Fan Voice: Whether it’s an NCAA final or a boardroom in D.C., Zia Tomlin is representing the “A” at the highest level. How much do you think competitive sports help in professional life? Give us your takes and show some love for this standout Eagle in the comments! #ZiaTomlin #EmorySoccer #ScholarAthlete #CareerDiscoveryWeek #WomenInTech #TheA #SoccerNews #ASN #ScholarAthELITE
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.