Heart of an Athlete

Anna White University of Nebraska Soccer, Midfielder

Chosen Attribute: Motivation

Dictionary definition: "Something that causes one to act."

My definition: "What compels you, what drives you, and what your life is plugged into in order to truly live."

Favorite Scripture that deals with motivation: 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV) – "For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."

Why I chose this passage: "Christ's love is the only true motivator that drives people to not live for themselves. The word 'compel' in this verse paints a beautiful picture of how His deep, passionate love is so pressing and how it ignites us to truly live in Him. We can't force ourselves to be motivated, but when the eyes of our souls meet the eyes of our Creator, how can we not be deeply moved and driven to surrender our lives to Him?"

"I know He is being honored and that the field is being covered with His glory and real presence."

How I stay motivated in sports: "I struggle to stay fully motivated by the love of Christ when I'm playing soccer. There are so many worldly distractions: expectations, times, goals, coaches, fear and my own pride. I continually fight against playing out of fear of failure, fear of pain or fear of letting teammates and coaches down.

"But, like 1 John 4:18 (NASB) says, '…perfect love casts out fear...' Love is the only pure, lasting and pleasing motivation to the Lord. It drives me to completely exhaust my body and mind on that field for Jesus, my Savior and King. Love is the motivator that drives me to pursue excellence and that unleashes the potential God gave me. When this happens, I feel God's pleasure. I know He is being honored and that the field is being covered with His glory and real presence. And I see Him smile."

How I stay motivated in life: "In my life, Christ and His Word are everything. It's the key that unlocks purpose in all I do. Whether I am going to class, hanging out with friends or eating lunch, none of it means anything or is an acceptable act of worship to God if it isn't done in His love. This makes me crave and rely on His grace even more."

About the Athlete: Hometown: Warrensburg, Mo. Class: Junior Position: Midfielder Career Highlights: • 2008 First-Team Academic All-Big 12 • Started in 12 games and appeared in all but three contests in each of her first two seasons. • Four-time member of the Olympic Development Program state team (Mo.) • Competed internationally for the Bayern Munich (Germany) club team in 2005 FCA Involvement: White's FCA involvement began in high school when she and a friend received scholarships to attend an FCA Leadership Camp. Following that experience, White helped start FCA in her high school and now serves on the University of Nebraska's FCA leadership team. She has also has served as a Huddle Leader at FCA Camps, and she attended the FCA National College Conference in 2008. Says White: "Jesus has impacted me through FCA in so many ways. I've seen the Spirit move radically in many lives through this ministry, and the Lord has connected me to several people who have challenged me, led me and pointed me to the cross." FCA Staff Quote: "Anna tenaciously pursues the Lord. She strives to offer her body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, both on the field and in the way she interacts with her teammates and coaches. She also has a great desire to see the entire athletic department be impacted for Christ. She wants to maximize her talents on the field and take the platform God has given her to impact her team and the community for Christ." – Robbie Trent, FCA Area Representative

--For more stories about faith and sport, visit www.sharingthevictory.com, the official magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. To subscribe to STV, click here.

Photos courtesy of Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations.