Hometown:
Brookeville, Md.
Class: Junior
Position: Goalkeeper
This story appears in FCA Magazine’s May/June 2014 issue. Subscribe today!
“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.” – Romans 12:1
Lacrosse stick in hand since her childhood, Johns Hopkins University’s KC Emerson seemed destined to play the game forever. Through the sport and FCA, however, the Brookeville, Md., native has learned that the game and all its glory are temporary, but a relationship with Christ and playing for His glory is eternal.
FCA: How did you start playing lacrosse?
KE: I’ve been playing lacrosse since I was four years old. My dad was always a big fan of the game, and my older brother played. Naturally, I had to play because I did everything my brother did.
As I’ve grown up with the game, I’ve learned that I can glorify my Creator just like the Native Americans did when they created the game to honor their Creator. I was given this talent and this amazing opportunity to play at Hopkins, and I’m going to take advantage of every second I get to play and use it as my form of worship.
FCA: Is there added pressure to perform as a goalkeeper?
KE: In the past I felt pressure, but with more experience playing college lacrosse, and with my coach emphasizing that we play with joy, it’s taken a lot of the pressure off me. Now I see it as an opportunity. I am the last line of defense to save the team.
Playing goalie is more mental than anything physical. Over the years I’ve seen the same shots hundreds of times. It’s not a function of being in shape and knowing how to make certain saves. Instead, it’s about tuning in and focusing on the ball. I’ve started spending more time in prayer and Scripture and visualizing the games ahead of time, so I feel like I’ve already played half the game before I step on the field.
FCA: How do you keep your identity from being wrapped up in lacrosse?
KE: I think it’s easy to lose sight of that, especially after a big win or loss, but as an athlete you have to be able to let things go. I can’t dwell on a mistake I made in practice or in a game; I just need to learn from it and move on.
And, ultimately, I have to be secure in knowing my identity rests in Christ, not in how I perform in lacrosse or what other people think of me.
FCA: What has FCA meant to your faith?
KE: I would not be following Christ the way that I am today if it weren’t for FCA Lacrosse. It was because of a lacrosse tournament in Ocean City [Md.], where I met and connected with a group of FCA Lacrosse girls and women on FCA staff, and I decided to fully commit my life to Christ.
I’ve gotten plugged in more to the Christian community at Hopkins and am part of the FCA leadership team. Getting involved has shown me that I can’t live out my faith alone; I need others around to join me in reading the Word and keeping each other accountable.
FCA: How has your perspective on athletics changed as you’ve grown in your faith?
KE: Athletics are awesome because they’re a vehicle to glorify God and create community and relationships, but they are temporary. It is so important to understand that our identity should rest in Christ, not in our athletic accomplishments and talents.
FCA Staff Quote:
"KC never takes for granted that the Lord has provided her with an incredible talent that she can use as a platform for influence. She takes advantage of every opportunity for personal spiritual growth and is always seeking to make a positive impact on those around her. She is a leader on and off the field who sets a great example as a role model for younger female players.”
–Merissa Bogdanor, Women’s Director , FCA Lacrosse
Originally published May 2014
Photos courtesy of Johns Hopkins Athletics