Meribeth Feenstra-Anderson and Katie Feenstra rarely go unnoticed. At 6-feet-7 and 6-feet-8 respectively, the sisters stand head and shoulders above most people, on and off the basketball court. Their combined height, strength and work ethic make them a dynamic basketball duo. Universities across the country coveted their skill, but Meribeth and Katie chose Liberty University, an educational institution that would help them grow even more—not in feet and inches, but in their relationship with Christ.

They were destined to be tall. Their father, Wayne, who is 7-feet tall, and their mother Pat, who is 6-feet-4, knew that God could use their daughters’ extraordinary height. When Meribeth and Katie started playing basketball in junior high, they considered it a gift from God. “This sport has given them an avenue for their height,” Pat comments. “The Lord always provides.”

Although their height gave them a natural advantage, the sisters had to work hard to excel. The hours of practice, which targeted coordination, running and strength training, paid off for Meribeth and Katie. In high school, they played together and lead Grand Rapids Baptist to a 23-1 record and a quarterfinals appearance in the state tournament.

Their individual statistics from high school also were very impressive. Meribeth had 334 blocked shots from 1996 to 1998. Katie averaged 31 points per game her junior year and 30 points her senior year. Her all-time best was 46 points on two separate occasions.

The sisters’ high school success opened many doors for college scholarships at prestigious schools across the country. With countless options available, both sisters chose Liberty University.

Meribeth, an elementary education major who married Seth Anderson on June 22, 2002, wanted to attend a college that would meet her spiritual needs. “People said, ‘You can be a light’ (to unsaved classmates at a secular school), but I wanted four years to grow and be grounded in Christ,” she said.

Katie, who is two years younger than Meribeth, also was looking for a godly environment when she decided on a college. She has dreams to go on to the Olympics or the WNBA, but realizes that relationships are more important than recognition. “I wanted a Christian atmosphere. You have to be close to your teammates, and I felt I could be at Liberty,” she says.

But Meribeth and Katie are more than just all-star athletes. They are carrying on the torch of the godly heritage passed on to them by their parents. They embody Liberty’s motto, “Building Champions for Christ.”

On the court, the sisters constantly try to be aware of their testimony for the Lord. “My faith has made a big difference on the court. I know that not everyone I play (against) is a Christian,” says Katie. “I try to play physically out there, within the rules. People notice my actions and language both on the court and off.”

Both sisters also are involved in community service. Meribeth ministers through Awana, a ministry that encourages Scripture memory and good sportsmanship. Katie has gotten involved with the FCA Huddle at Liberty, which has given her the chance to combine her passion for basketball with her passion for souls. Being a part of FCA has given Katie “a good opportunity to get into a public school to witness.”

FCA Area Director Tim Hill has directed the natural union of Liberty University with FCA. Meribeth and Katie, as well as many other athletes at Liberty, are involved in FCA service in Lynchburg, Va. “FCA is a great fit at LU,” Hill says. “Student-athletes at Liberty are fed the Word of God daily through team devotions, Biblical worldview classroom instruction, church services and convocation.

“FCA provides the outlet for individuals to live out their faith through various service projects and youth activities. During FCA meetings, students interact with peers in a casual atmosphere, often discussing real-life issues that Division I athletes deal with on a daily basis. Many students have the opportunity to share their testimonies with children, thus strengthening and deepening their faith in Christ.”

Carey Green, the head coach of the Liberty women’s basketball team, is just as proud of the sisters’ spiritual fervor as he is of their basketball success. “I feel extremely blessed to have young ladies with such spiritual maturity,” he beams. He knows that both Meribeth and Katie could have attended school somewhere else, but chose Liberty because of their focus and commitment to Christ.

Green tries to encourage his players’ spiritual growth while they are on his squad. He is not only their basketball coach, but a spiritual coach. He creates this environment with times of prayer and Bible study throughout an intense basketball season. His deepest desire is to see his players grow in every part of their lives-physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. “Our mission is to develop women to be successful in basketball and in life,” he said.

The Lady Flames find direction in Luke 2:52 as a team verse: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Meribeth and Katie have been blessed with great stature, but even more important, they stand tall in their faith.

Whether or not they make it to the Final Four this season, or to the WNBA after their collegiate careers are done, the sisters already have been guaranteed the final victory through Jesus Christ. For Meribeth and Katie, being “Champions for Christ” is more important than being champions on the basketball court.


On top of their game

As head coach of the Liberty Flames, Carey Green is thrilled that Meribeth Feenstra-Anderson and Katie Feenstra decided to attend Liberty. “Their presence demands your attention,” he said. “Their height is a dominating force.”

Their statistics show how much of an addition they are to the squad. Meribeth ended up seventh in the nation in blocked shots last year. She set the new blocked shot record for Liberty just five games into her junior year. She was honored on the first-team All-Big South Conference for the 2001-2002 season, primarily because of her dominating defensive prowess.

Unfortunately, Katie spent half of her first season on the team recovering from a knee injury that required surgery. She worked hard for months doing rehabilitation exercises and was finally back on the court in early January.

It didn’t take long for Katie to get back on top of her game. After returning from a challenging rehabilitation, she was the leading scorer in her fourth game with 17 points. She made the Big South Conference All-Rookie Team, was selected for the Big South Conference All-Tournament Team and received an invitation from USA Basketball for the USA Junior World Cup Team.