Hometown: Ellicott City, Md.
Class: Junior
Position: Attacker
Notes:
• Member of the Women’s Lacrosse NCAA DIII National Championship Team (2014)
• CAC All-Academic Team (2014)
This story appears in FCA Magazine’s May/June 2015 issue. Subscribe today!
“For I know the plans I have for you’—this is the Lord’s declaration—‘plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
-Jeremiah 29:11
Relationships at her core, Salisbury University lacrosse attacker Megan Wallenhorst takes what she experiences in FCA and extends herself to her team and campus. The Ellicott City, Md., native is focused on helping the Seagulls win their third straight NCAA Division-III national title while continuing to grow in her spiritual life.
FCA: What do you like about lacrosse?
MW: Winning the national championship last year was such an amazing experience, to see all of our hard work pay off at the end of the season and accomplish all of our goals. I just love being part of a team. The relationships you build with your teammates and coaches and even players from other teams—the whole lacrosse world is such a cool experience to get to meet people.
FCA: How have you been involved with FCA?
MW: I was having a tough time during my freshman year when I was at Winthrop, and I really looked to God to help me get through. I was lucky enough to find FCA on campus there, and they really helped me stay focused on my faith and turn to God with any troubles I was having.
We have a pretty strong FCA presence at Salisbury, too. It’s nice having another group of athletes there to support you and be there for you in your faith journey. I’ve been fortunate to get involved with FCA Lacrosse in the summers, and that’s been really important for me in getting to share my faith a little more, especially with the younger girls I coach.
FCA: How has it helped you develop your faith?
MW: The biggest thing for me is I really try to go to my FCA meetings every week because it is a constant reminder to be doing something every day. I know if I have a few days where I didn’t spend the time with God that I should have, I can go to FCA and get back on track. I make a goal for myself every night to either pray or read my Bible or spend time to reflect. During the season, it’s really hard because I'm so busy with school and practice, but it really is important to take time with God.
FCA: How has God grown you recently?
MW: Being able to trust that He has a plan, no matter what. And even though we’re putting all this hard work in, we have to turn to Him. You may not know why things happen when they do, but take the time and be patient and wait. He knows what’s going to happen, and He knows what He’s doing, so don’t get frustrated with not having the answers right away.
I try to be a leader by example on my team. I’m kind of a quiet person, but I try to let my faith shine through in the way I play. My teammates may not be Christians, but they may see it in how I treat others and stay positive and try to be a good role model.
FCA: What’s something you’re trusting God to show you about yourself?
MW: How to share my faith more by giving me the tools to do so. I struggle with feeling as though I don’t know enough to back up what I’m saying. He could help me have more confidence [with that]. I have the personal relationship, but I could do more on my part to learn about God and the Bible in order to spread that faith.
FCA Staff Quote:
“Megan has been involved with FCA Lacrosse as a player, Huddle leader and coach. She is extremely servant-hearted and committed to making a positive impact on those around her, especially in the lacrosse community. She is making a huge impact with FCA on her campus, growing spiritually, and inviting other athletes to join FCA.”
-Merissa Bogdanor, FCA Lacrosse Women’s Director
–This article appears in the May/June 2015 issue of FCA Magazine. To view the issue in its entirety digitally, click here: May/June 2015 FCA Mag Digital
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Photos courtesy of Joey Gardner of FotoJoe Photography