This story appears in FCA Magazine’s March/April 2018 issue.

Hometown: Roscoe, Texas
Class: Senior
Position: Forward/Center

Notes:
• Southland Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll (2017, 2016, 2015)
• Air Force Classic All-Tournament team selection (2015)
• Big Country FCA Game All-Star and Julie Goodenough MVP Award winner (2014)

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” — Colossians 3:23

Growing up, Sierra Allen's parents taught her the importance of trusting God. They also instilled in her the dream of playing for Abilene Christian, their alma mater-her father, Brent, as a pole vaulter and her mother, Michelle, a volleyball player. One of Sierra's biggest blessings in life was God orchestrating a chance for her to meet coach Julie Goodenough at an event. Sierra's prayer was answered when Goodenough offered her a scholarship.

FCA: How has your faith grown at Abilene Christian?

SA: Since my freshman year, every single morning or evening (depending on my schedule), I always try to find a quiet time just to read Scripture. That has definitely played a huge part. Just to sit and read Scripture and go into prayer with the Lord, it really has impacted not only my spiritual journey but also on the court and academically. Once I get that time, I'm just kind of at peace with everything. It's really neat how, over my four years, I've seen how much I've grown. It's not something that comes overnight. You have to work at it each day.

FCA: How has FCA impacted you?

SA: My freshman year, I remember Whitney (West) Swinford. I looked up to her, and she encouraged me to come to FCA. It was such a great feeling having people who were athletes, who were going through the exact same thing I was, and having that community to share your faith. As I've grown more and gotten to go to more FCA events, it's just been really awesome getting to sit there and even witness to the younger athletes and help them on their journeys.

I want to be successful, and I want to help my team succeed. I want to please my coaches, but what's most important is making sure that what I'm doing is leading my teammates closer to Christ. 

FCA: Has your faith been challenged?

SA: My faith has really been challenged a lot. I've had to learn to find my role on the team, to find that role God is calling you to play each year. That's probably been the hardest thing, understanding where I stand and just holding my ground.

There's a lot of different individuals you meet through your time as an athlete. One thing that's been very challenging is standing up for what I believe in, being sure that I'm supporting the morals and standards that I want to uphold for myself.

FCA: In what ways has your coach influenced you?

SA: Coach Goodenough has always been a wonderful example. I relate to her a lot. My favorite thing about her is she wants us to excel in everything we do. She's a Division I coach, yet her most important goal for each and every one of us is that someday we're going to be amazing, godly wives and mothers. That speaks so much to her character and her love for each of us. She wants us to see God first and make sure that even after our journey here, when we build a family someday, He is the center of our household. It has been a privilege getting to play for such an awesome woman.

FCA: Why is Colossians 3:23 one of your favorite Bible verses?

SA: That's one I've always held onto. As an athlete, you get so caught up in wanting to be the star, wanting all this individual attention. You're always striving to be the best you can be. That verse just really spoke to me because, at the end of the day, I'm here doing this work for the Lord.

That verse has just really blessed me. It's definitely brought me a lot of peace when I get frustrated with my performance. I try to remember it's not about me; it's about Him.

FCA Volunteer Quote:

“Sierra's faith shines through her 24/7. She has this joy about her that could only come from having faith and hope in Jesus Christ. Her faith allows her to have a positive attitude during practices, games and just in life, no matter the circumstance.”

— Whitney Swinford
FCA Campus Representative
Abilene, Texas

-FCA-

Photos courtesy of Jeremy Enlow/ACU Athletics.