University of South Carolina Aiken Athletics

Many USC Aiken student-athletes have overcome adversity during their lives and have thrived. Another student-athlete that thrived after being faced with a major problem is freshman dance team standout Shelby Kirkland. 
 

A 5-5 standout from South Aiken H.S., Kirkland was diagnosed with scoliosis at the tender age of 11. Due to how severe her case of scoliosis was, Kirkland was unable to get by with a back brace – and needed surgery to correct the issue. 
 

The problem forced her to take a year off of school and dance in order to heal from surgery.
 

Check out the latest Innovative Solutions “A Closer Look” as Kirkland talked with Dyneise Symone Conner-Johnson about overcoming adversity.

Previous Seasons