Starting at around the age of five, Goyal watched her sister take to the chessboard and decided she would like to try her hand at this hallowed game of rooks, knights and strategy. Little did she know one day she would lead a team from her native country of India on one of chess’ biggest youth stages.
“I’ve always been interested in solving problems and so much of chess is about that,” Goyal said. “That’s how I think I got into the game as much as I did. In chess, you sometimes create your own problems but often you can create your own solutions.”
As a women’s international chess master, she downplays it as the lowest of major levels, but few people can even rise to the level she has attained.
“I’m proud of it but I have larger goals,” she said. “I believe I can become better and I want to try.”
Gaurav Shekhar, director of the MS business analytics flex and online programs, says Goyal has been a standout at the school in multiple ways.
“UT Dallas is about more than doing well in school but being well-rounded,” he said. “Her commitment to chess has gained her success, it’s a great social outlet and that same critical thinking you use in chess applies in so many areas. She just seems to go after many pursuits with thought and effort.”
Goyal’s experience at the Jindal School has been a strong fit. A course she took — Advanced Statistics for Data Science (BUAN 6359) — is one of the most memorable classes for her so far.
“I like anything that can improve my statistical knowledge,” she said. ”I find I’ve been particularly drawn to healthcare statistics as there are aspects to the field that aren’t easy to see at first glance.”
Goyal also applied for the UT System’s Archer Fellowship to engage in policy-related study and obtain an internship at a research company involving technology. She was selected for it this past summer.
“Policy can be very confusing and this gave me an opportunity to understand it much more from an insider’s point of view,” she said. “I felt very appreciative to be around the U.S. capital, learn from people and experience all the energy going on.”
Shekhar says the fellowship gives an important opportunity to learn interdisciplinary skills.
“The Archer Fellowship helps you understand and share about organizational policies,” Shekhar said. “It requires analysis from many different perspectives and that expands your skills when you want to help a company in analytics — to see beyond the numbers to people affected.”
That was already exciting enough and then she got the call to serve as National Coach for India’s U-20 national chess team.
“I’m extremely young for the opportunity and it actually happened because the initial coach could not be there,” she said. “It was very surprising that the federation had me in mind and I was honored to represent my country in this way. You never know how a chance can happen. I’m just trying to make the most of it.”
During the tournament, Goyal shared her coaching philosophy — finding balance and trying to help players without pushing them too much.
“There are coaches that have more experience than me and it’s a mistake not to respect the coaching that the players have already had,” she said. “But I can give them direction, support them and I can let them know where my knowledge might benefit. We work together.”
She relished the opportunity, seeing the game from a different vantage point.
“It’s a mixed feeling to watch instead of play,” Goyal said. “But what doesn’t change is cheering others on — that’s a big part of our team’s success at UT Dallas. With coaching, I feel badly for them if they don’t do well and it’s a different kind of thrill when they do. I remember being their age not so long ago and competing then. It’s inspiring to me to see them at it.”
The results of the tournament? The best showing was WIM Bommini Mounika finishing 10th in the Girls Section and GM Pranav Anand placing the same in the Open Section.
Shekhar said Goyal is someone who always seems to stretch beyond and was proud that she took on the coaching responsibility.
“Chess is a natural talent and it’s so important that she keeps working at it,” he said. “For her to play wonderfully and then share it with others younger than her, it’s not surprising. There is a spirit to how she’s going about her future and it’s not a wonder that she wants to help others with theirs. We have a highly ranked chess program but we want to turn out not just unbelievable players but great people.”
Chess Travels Well
Wherever Goyal is, she feels fortunate to have a game that people play around the world.
“It’s true that you can always make new friends through the game,” she said. “You are part of a community that has a common interest and a love of this kind of competition. Being a part of the team at school, for example. We support each other, study together and help each other through so much. The team benefits me far more than just a chance to compete.”
After graduating, Goyal said she will be far from ready to retire her chess pieces.
“I want to keep going and I want to choose a profession that will complement that happening and where the game complements the profession,” she said. “It’s early. I want to see what I can do.”
In other words, she’s considering her next move thoughtfully.
