September 2019

   My journey of faith began here at St. Catherine of Siena. My first grade teacher scared me into attending mass, explaining that if I did not start going to mass every Sunday that I could not receive my first Communion the following year. After expressing my concerns to my mom, we made the change to ensure that I could receive Jesus. At this point in my life there was a shift in my relationship with the Lord: He drew me near to Him.  Attending Catholic grammar school and high school, I always knew the importance of faith and setting aside time for God. I thirsted to know God, but my time with Him was implemented in my school schedule. My community in faith was my class, who were predominantly Catholic. My desire for Him grew stronger, yet I did not know how to dive deeper into my faith.

   Once I started LSU in the fall of 2015, I realized that God called me to become more active in my faith. Unsure of where to turn, one of my volleyball teammates, who I now consider a mentor, invited me to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting. As a freshman college athlete, the concept of combining God and volleyball was foreign to me, but it sounded awesome.

   I noticed that I was the only one making the sign of the cross when we prayed during the meeting, so I knew I was out of my comfort zone. For the first time in my life, I was in a group of mostly non-Catholic Christians, but I knew that nothing great ever came from the comfort zone. There was a reason God called me there: Before I could grow in faith, I had to invite God into this area of my life that consumed most of my time. My identity was in my sport rather than in my Lord and Savior. When I cracked the door for the Holy Spirit open, He flooded my heart with joy. Then, I understood that I can glorify my God with my gifts and talents as an athlete.

   The Fellowship of Christian Athletes gave me a new community of faith that I needed for my four years as a college athlete. Even though most of my FCA friends were not Catholic, learning about their faiths enriched my own. I discovered the importance of discipleship and accountability in community. I learned how to implement Holy Scripture into my daily prayer life. Most of all, I grew to better understand my Catholic faith.

   Catholic schools gave me a firm foundation of faith, and FCA allowed me to develop a relationship with my Heavenly Father. Now, I seek to allow Him into every aspect of my life to bring glory to His Name!
 
    “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31