My journey through Ukraine continues, and this time, it leads me into the vibrant, often overlooked world of women’s football. It’s a story of resilience, passion, and the intricate threads that weave together the lives of those who dare to dream. A story of women, of sport, and of the battles fought both on and off the field.
Tetiana Levyska. A name that might not yet echo in the grand stadiums of the world, but one that carries the weight of a fighter. By trade, she is a midfielder, currently donning the colors of FC Vorskla. That’s the dry, factual way to introduce her—the way a match report might. But behind the statistics and the tactical analyses lies a story far richer, far more human. A story of a young woman who carved her path through determination, setbacks, and an unyielding love for the game.
Like many teenagers, Tetiana drifted restlessly between hobbies and interests, none of which hinted at the future that awaited her. Football, back then, was little more than a pastime, a fleeting distraction. She never imagined it would become her life’s calling. Dreams of professional glory seemed distant, almost forbidden, in a world where the beautiful game was still seen as a man’s domain.
turning point
But every great story needs its turning point, its moment of fall and rise. For Tetiana, it began on a patch of green grass, where she first laced up her boots and joined a team. From that moment, the field became her sanctuary, a place she never truly left. Football was no longer just a game—it was her anchor, her passion, her identity.
Then came the injury. That cruel, life-altering twist of fate that every athlete fears. It forced her to the sidelines, a place of frustration and pain, but also of reflection and growth. Adversity has a way of shaping us, of teaching us who we are. For Tetiana, it was no different. The setback became a catalyst, a moment to rebuild, to come back stronger.
Her aspirations are lofty, her idols inspiring. To play like Toni Kroos, she says—a midfielder renowned for his elegance, precision, and intelligence on the ball. A worthy role model, though her true hero might be closer to home. Her father, a footballer in the lower leagues, never achieved fame or fortune, but his love for the game left an indelible mark on her. It’s a reminder that greatness isn’t always measured in trophies or accolades, but in the quiet dedication to one’s craft.
before the war
Ukraine, before the war, was a place of contradictions. On the surface, it wasn’t so different from many Western nations, yet beneath lay deep-rooted stereotypes that kept girls like Tetiana from pursuing what was deemed a “man’s sport.” But Tanya, as she’s known to those close to her, turned rejection into fuel. Every “no” became a reason to fight harder, to prove that football is not defined by gender but by heart and skill.
Her passion became a movement. Through her efforts and those of others like her, women gained access to training facilities once reserved for men. Slowly but surely, the tide began to turn. What started as a ripple became a wave, a positive force for change in Ukrainian football. Tetiana’s pioneering spirit, born in an era when few fields were open to women, now stands as a testament to what perseverance can achieve.
But Tanya is more than just a footballer. She is a model, a fitness coach, a student, and a dreamer. Even when the world seemed to stop on February 24, 2022, she refused to let her spirit break. Forced to leave her homeland, she carries Ukraine with her every day, her heart aching for the land she loves. Football, for her, is more than a game—it’s a lifeline, a way to momentarily escape the weight of the world.
dreams
She dreamed of playing for Ukraine again, of stepping onto a pitch in her homeland and she did. For those fleeting moments on the field, the war, the pain, the uncertainty fade away. But the thoughts always return—to the soldiers on the front lines, to the sacrifices being made so that she can do what she loves. It’s a burden she carries with quiet strength.
Tanya believes in the power of art and sport to heal, to unite, to remind us of our humanity in the darkest of times. She sees herself and her peers as cultural ambassadors, carrying the spirit of a nation that refuses to be defined by its struggles. Ukraine, she believes, will rise again—not just as a battleground, but as the breadbasket of Europe, a land of freedom and hope.
Her gaze is fixed firmly on the future, on a world where gender no longer defines opportunity, where skill and passion are the only measures of worth. It’s a vision of equality, of progress, of a world where young girls can dream without limits.
As I leave her, I carry with me the image of her smile—a smile of hope, of defiance, of unshakable faith. Even in the face of despair, she sees not just snow and rubble, but the promise of spring, of flowers waiting to bloom. Hope, she reminds me, is beautiful. It’s the light that refuses to be extinguished, even when the world seems darkest.
Good luck, Tanya. Your story is far from over, and the world is waiting to see what you’ll do next.
