This fall, Christians and young Salvationists across the country venture back to school for another year of higher education, representing themselves and God. Many of those talented young people are also using their gifts from God to represent Him in their schools’ athletic departments in a surprisingly wide range of sports. Despite their busy lives, Peer was able to speak with four such amazing students.

Jordan Tuck: George Mason University

Jordan originally started running to condition for other sports like soccer and football. After juggling multiple teams during high school, he switched exclusively to track in his senior year after his coaches told him he could likely qualify for scholarships with his running record. Jordan proactively contacted coaches from over 50 schools, receiving plenty of responses. In the end, he chose George Mason University for their business program and the proximity to his home. 

Faith greatly influences his athletic career. Being a Christian reminds him to be humble in a setting that’s fueled by ego. “In sports, there’s not really a humility aspect,” said Jordan. “I try to focus on being humble regardless of what times I hit or what happens, being content with my situation.” 

Ben Lloyd: Gannon University

Ben started playing football, but upon starting middle school, he was told that if he wanted to do football, he should wrestle in the offseason. He instantly fell in love and never looked back. Since then, he’s built up an impressive record of 104 wins to 56 losses in his high school career. He reached out to colleges, sharing his highlight clips and accomplishments. Gannon University then contacted him on Instagram to invite him to wrestle for the school. 

He started classes at Gannon this fall, and is more than prepared to continue a life of active soldiership. “I’ve already found the closest Salvation Army and met the officer there,” Ben said, mentioning plans to get his fellow wrestlers involved in bell ringing this holiday season. “By all means, I’ll do it. I just want to bring as many people as I meet there, show them the Army, show them all the amazing things we do, because it’s always been a big part of my life. I love it so much.”

Abbigail Hartt: Life Pacific University

When Abbigail started sixth grade and expressed interest in sports, her parents suggested two options: volleyball or basketball. Abbigail chose basketball because “basketball has pretty cool shoes.” Thankfully, she found more to enjoy than the footwear. She fell in love with the reward of seeing hard work pay off on the court, and she greatly appreciates bonding with her teammates, her sisters in Christ. She played basketball throughout middle school and all four years of high school before being guided by the Lord to choose to play at Life Pacific University. 

Abbigail credits The Salvation Army for instilling her with leadership skills that she brings to her basketball career. “The Salvation Army taught me servant leadership. I’m serving my teammates. Not just by what I say, but I’m showing it through actions. And that’s what Jesus did when He was on earth,” she said. That mentality permeates her life and is critical to maintaining her faith on campus. “What I do in my secret place is just as important as what I demonstrate on the outside, because ultimately the love and grace that I show on the outside is an overflow of what God is doing within me privately,” Abbigail said.  

Zayden Amick: Indiana Wesleyan University

A few years ago, Zayden never would have believed you if you told him he’d be a competitive cheerleader at college. He played lacrosse throughout middle and high school. But upon entering university, a couple of guys tried to convince him to join the cheer team. It seemed like a joke at first, but after bugging him several times about it, Zayden agreed to attend a practice and found himself intrigued by the routines.  After trying some moves, he ended up enjoying himself. After practice, the coach asked him to join the team, and Zayden said yes. It didn’t hurt that everyone on the team gets scholarships, he remarked.  

Zayden and his team aren’t the cheerleaders you see on the sidelines at football games. They put together rigorous, challenging routines and compete in cheerleading tournaments. The time spent traveling with the team to various competitions makes for a reliable, tight-knit community. “We have such a Christ-centered team where everyone shares the same mindset and goals,” Zayden said, mentioning regular Bible studies and group outings. “I’m just truly blessed to have a team like that.” 

Advice for Athletes, from Athletes

What advice do these college all-stars have for other Christians looking to get into collegiate-level athletics? “Be humble, because it can all flip in a moment,” Jordan said. “You’ve got to be content and understand that you’re going to get curveballs thrown at you. You’ve got to understand who you are.” 

Ben encourages aspiring collegiate athletes to keep their trust in their Creator. “It’s going to be rough,” Ben said. “But you just got to stay willing to accept God’s plan because He’s just going to send you to the right place for you.” Abbigail’s advice is similar: “You can’t be complacent about it. God has taught me that sometimes the dreams He’s put on your heart do require sacrifice,” she said. “Sometimes you’re going to have to do the work that you don’t want to do, but it’s all worth it.”

Zayden approaches each practice with reverence. “Do everything you do as an act of worship,” Zayden said. “When you’re working out, or you have a practice, it’s super hot outside, nobody wants to be there, do that in an act of worship. That will really help you stand apart. You’ll appear different in the best way possible.”