Hometown: Chesterfield, Va.
Class: Senior
Notes:
• Member of the US Women's National Gold Medal Soccer team at the 2012 U-20 FIFA World Cup
• 2011 NSCAA Division I First-Team All-American
• Atlantic 10 All-Conference Soccer (2010, 2011-First Team; 2012-Second Team)
• 2011 Atlantic 10 Soccer Offensive Player of the Year
• 2010 Atlantic 10 Soccer Offensive Rookie of the Year
• 2012 Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Most Improved Player of the Year
“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1
Playing two Division I sports is nothing new for Richmond senior Becca Wann. For the past three years the Chesterfield, Va., native has immediately gone from the soccer field to the basketball hardwood, a yearly routine that occupies eight consecutive months at a time. With those days soon coming to a close, Wann is looking to build on her already stellar athletic résumé and to utilize her platform to share her faith.
FCA: Are there any skills you possess that help in both soccer and basketball?
BW: I’m not the most technical player in either sport. I’m more of a hard worker, and I like to play tough, so hustling and never giving in are a part of both my soccer and basketball game.
I also love the team aspect of both sports. When I’m having a bad day or if I know a teammate is, we pick each other up and help one another out. When you have that chemistry away from the game, it translates well in it.
FCA: What’s the two-sport college experience been like?
BW: I’m in season from August through the end of March, which takes a toll physically and mentally. Without my faith and walk with God, there’s no way I would be able to do it. It’s exhausting at times, but I know this is where God has called me.
Plus, playing two sports means I’m blessed with 43 different teammates! I’ve developed so many friendships during my time at Richmond, and it’s cool to think about how they have influenced my life. Hopefully I’ve been able to influence theirs in a positive way.
FCA: How have you grown while at Richmond?
BW: I’ve learned so much in each area of my life. As a student, I’ve learned how to manage my time between school, practice, lifting, travel and games. As an athlete, I’ve learned what it means to be a leader on each of my teams.
I’ve also grown in my faith and learned I’m not invincible; in those times when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I have to lean on God. He knows what’s best for me, and I’ve found such encouragement in understanding that and letting Him sustain me.
FCA: What’s FCA meant to your faith?
BW: FCA has been great because through it I have made strong Christian friends on cam-pus. Like it says in Proverbs, “iron sharpens iron,” and that has been true with my friends. As they have graduated, I’ve been able to build new friendships with younger athletes, and I now realize how important those relationships are when you’re in college.
FCA is so important because connecting with others who share an athletic bond and similar lifestyles and mindsets really helps from a spiritual perspective.
FCA: What does your faith mean in light of all of your accomplishments?
BW: My accomplishments do not compare to Christ. All that stuff—awards and acco-lades—are great, and I’m grateful for those things because they have given me a plat-form to share my faith. But, in the end, it’s about the impact you have on the people around you.
I believe that my sports are my mission field because I’ll never know if someone’s encounter with me is the only time they’ll be exposed to the message of Jesus.
*****
FCA Staff Quote:
"God has blessed Becca with a unique set of athletic gifts, and she is passionate about using her platform to bring Him glory. She has a heart for the Lord and to serve others in whatever capacity she can. She is a real jewel in the FCA ministry.” –Paul Henderson Richmond FCA Area Representative
Originally Published: September 2013
Photos courtesy of Frank Straus, Richmond Athletics