No Matter What Happens

Mid-September Soccer & Volleyball Games

There is a movie called Facing the Giants produced and directed by the Kendrick brothers. In this movie, a high school football team with an attitude and a losing streak heads into another season knowing that they will lose. The coach is on the verge of being fired, and the players are soon to be kicked off the team because of behavioral choices and bad grades. This all changes when the coach opens his Bible and shares a new team philosophy with his players. This philosophy is “If we win, we praise Him, if we lose, we also praise Him.” This changes the entire team’s thinking. When they win, they take a knee and praise Him. When they lose, they do the same. 

Although it is an entirely different sport, this soccer season for the Warriors has had a lot of ups and downs. On Tuesday, September 24, the Warriors had a home game on the 49ers field against Spurgeon College. The Warriors put up a good fight but lost in the end 2-5. Greg Gaines, a second-year nursing student and the goalie for the soccer team, said this about the match: “We didn’t have the best first half and made a few big mistakes, but we pulled it together after a good halftime talk and the fans cheering us on. Peter Maniriho knocked in two crazy free kicks from way outside the box and Almas Smith came in clutch with some key defensive saves. A lot of the guys were pushing through injuries and sickness, but we give thanks to God for the strength to keep going.”

The volleyball team has also faced its struggles this year. They’ve played well and fought hard at each game, though many haven’t resulted in a victory. On the same night that the soccer team was home, the volleyball team was away. This was also a tough game for the girls and they came close but lost all three sets. Darian Horst, a freshman exercise science major, talked a little bit about her experience: “While we lost yesterday, I think the team as a whole did so much better. We went for the ball, talked to each other, but most of all had so much fun! I’d especially like to shout out Sally Trana and Jovanna Maldonado, two of our freshmen, who played amazing yesterday and have improved so much!” 

The Warriors work hard in everything they do, whether it be school, life, or athletics. God is important to them and it is evident in the way they play and how they live. They give glory to Him, no matter what happens. 

by Sami Hoffer