While many of her classmates were learning to drive, Tatiana Demcovich was learning to fly.
Demcovich’s love for aviation and her path to The Citadel began in high school, when she took an aeronautical science class at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest university specializing in aviation and aerospace. As the only female in the class, she thrived in the competitive environment and was named the highest-performing student.
“I finished first in merit ranking,” said Demcovich. “That’s when I knew I could put my talent together and go as far as I wanted.”
The realization took her from her hometown of Ocala, Florida, to the U.S. Air Force Academy— but the academy was not the right fit.
“Everyone there is competing for a pilot slot. I found The Citadel, and the ROTC program here is incredible. I wanted the structure, the routine. I wanted to be in an environment where I was around like-minded people,” said Demcovich. “The Citadel has so many incredible opportunities.”
There’s little doubt that The Citadel was the right choice. Now a senior, Demcovich is a double major in criminal justice and modern languages, vice president of the Flight Club and an Air Force contract cadet who has already received a pilot slot. On top of that, she serves as Palmetto Battery company commander.
While her schedule may seem daunting, Demcovich said it’s all about balance and consistency. Flying has become her form of peace—when she’s in the air, the stress of cadet life fades away.
“I get to turn off my phone and have me time. I’m focused only on the moment and executing what I need to do right then and there for a couple of hours. It’s very relaxing and peaceful. I love that part of the day,” said Demcovich.
As vice president of the Flight Club, a group of more than 50 cadets, Demcovich has helped others get started in aviation. The club offers discounted flight lessons at the Charleston International Airport, access to flying simulators on campus and biweekly meetings where cadets share information and updates.
“The Flight Club has helped me further develop the leadership skills I need as company commander. I’m able to help provide resources and materials, answer questions, help people and see over the course of time how much they have grown. Knowing that you’re able to help someone is extremely satisfying,” said Demcovich.
Cadet Marcus Evans, president of the Flight Club, agreed and added that being part of the club is also helping him achieve his goal of earning a pilot slot in the Air Force.
“The Flight Club helped me learn about aviation basics and connect with the right people to log flight hours—all things that the Air Force looks for,” said Evans.
Demcovich also spoke about the strong connections between her role in the Flight Club and her leadership role on campus.
“In terms of similarities between my role in the club and my rank, the biggest is that you have to remain calm under pressure. You have to be able to be decisive and consistent. You have to be disciplined in your training and in the way you handle people, whether it’s good or bad. That’s something that I’ll take into my role as a company commander: consistency, having the integrity to know and say when you’re wrong, and being open and honest with your people.”
Even with all the logistics and planning that go into Demcovich’s daily life, the best moments often happen midair.
“Sometimes, I’ll fly over The Citadel, do one or two laps and see the entire quad all lit up, and you can see people walking around. Flying is so amazing because it combines aviation and The Citadel community. It’s the people that I love and am taking care of, and then the passion of flying. It gives me a greater purpose,” said Demcovich.
That same sense of connection and purpose is what drives Demcovich on the ground as well.
“My number one rule is: be a good person. If you’re a good person, if you’re leading with love and consistency, your true character will be shown. Being a good person shows how much you care about your people, how much work you’ll put in. It’s really the little things that matter, and building trust and unit cohesion is incredibly important. Getting to know your people—it’s important because they will remember every single thing,” said Demcovich.
It’s a philosophy that stems from her upbringing. Demcovich comes from a military family. Her brother is an officer in the Marine Corps, and her grandfather and great- grandfather both served in the Air Force. But she is the first woman in her family to pursue a military career.
“I wanted to pave the way for the rest of our family and let my sisters know that they can do anything. It’s an extraordinary feeling—to know these people have my back, and I’ll have theirs. I have six siblings, and they’re all very supportive. We have a family group chat we use all the time to send our daily updates. They are extremely supportive of absolutely everything I do,” said Demcovich. “My family is what motivates me to succeed because they’ve pushed me so far and given me that drive to go and be whoever I want to be.”
As she prepares for her future as an Air Force pilot, Demcovich continues to build a legacy of service, mentorship and excellence—in the skies above The Citadel as well as on the campus below.