For many student athletes, the desire to succeed comes from hours of practice, support from teammates, and the excitement of competing. However, for others, their motivation runs deeper. Throughout school, athletes are finding ways to connect their religious beliefs to their performance whether it be on the field, track, or court.
This year, there is a group of athletes within the girls cross country team that have displayed their devotion to more than just themselves.
Senior Brooke Franzen describes certain team traditions that contribute to their faith driven dynamic.
“Before every meet, we pray in a circle,” Franzen said. “It creates a calming atmosphere for the team and all of the girls are really encouraging towards each other.”
This moment is where many of the girls find their focus and courage to continue through the uphill battles and burning lungs.
“My goal is to still be competitive, but If I am not, I feel it’s not as detrimental,” Franzen said.
These moments however, do not tell the whole story. Oftentimes, the hardest part of being involved in a sport is practice. For these girls, the long miles, sore legs, and early mornings seem easier when they are not focused completely on the clock.
Senior Jenna Polking describes that during practice everyone is supportive of each other even when things start to get difficult.
“Sometimes we say a prayer quick before practice and it goes, ‘God bless this run and help us have fun,’” Polking said. “Our team is so loving and that really bonds us together.”
Christianity can also serve as a reminder that people are more than their performance. Even if one is not religious it still serves as a powerful message, that worth isn’t defined by how fast one can run a mile or how many goals are scored in one game.
“My motivation is to work hard instead of focusing on good results,” Franzen said. “It takes a lot of the pressure off and I can thank God for pushing me through.”
Polking has a similar outlook.
“I still want our team to win and do really well,” Polking said. “But if we don’t, God can do more than I can imagine and I keep peace in him.”
Amongst these girls, their trust in God has become a system of support, rather than a division. Of course, not everyone on a team believes the same things, but arguably that’s what makes it more meaningful. They find ways to respect each other without pressuring others to join in.
“Before meets we write verses and different forms of encouragement on our arms and legs,” Polking said. “It stems from the selflessness that helps us stay rooted in Christ.”
Connecting with other athletes all over the state that have the same beliefs can show that there is more in common than just playing the sport together.
“They are able to see other people in that sport which is something that is emphasized throughout extracurricular activities,” Fellowship of Christian Athletes advisor Spencer Peterson said. “It’s more than just the activity.”
Expressing Christianity can be intimidating because many fear the judgement it may bring, but it can be even more difficult to stand by individual beliefs if it’s not what everyone else is driven by.
“Sometimes it’s scary, but I am comfortable doing it because everyone should be able to express what they believe in,” Franzen said.
