Janelle Bekkering – Gonzaga

On being a leader within FCA...
"I started going to FCA my freshman year of college but didn't really go every week. As I entered my sophomore year, it was kind of the same thing. Starting this year – my junior year – I made it a commitment to go every week and joined the leadership team because I wanted to see the group grow and become a place where Christian athletes can come together and hang out with one another. This year it has been awesome being a leader, and I really feel like we are getting a core group of athletes and expanding our club."

On an injury refocusing her priorities...
"The summer before I entered college, I tore my ACL and meniscus and strained my MCL. This injury really challenged my faith because I was questioning why God would put me through this. I had just been invited to try out for the Canadian National Team, and I was entering into my college career that fall. I had everything going for me at that point, and I was angry and upset that this had all happened.

"It took me awhile to realize why God had put me through this. Before that point, basketball was everything to me, and I forgot about other aspects in my life – especially God. This injury really taught me that there is more to life than basketball. My faith had kept me positive and to persevere through rehab and an additional two other surgeries along the way."

On the example she tries to set...
"I try to set a positive example and have humility. I try to do this by always encouraging my teammates and owning up to my own mistakes."

On an influential piece of Scripture...
"Philippians 4:13 – 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.'

"I picked this verse because whenever I am having a hard day or struggling at practice, I know that I can persevere through these challenges no matter how hard or strenuous the situation is. Through Christ, anything is possible."

Photos courtesy of RAM Photo, Explosive Illusions.