You know my first two years of college I was far from you, desperately trying to find who I was. Fulfilling myself through my sport and other-worldly things. But your grace and mercy lovingly and patiently brought me to where I was supposed to be. You prepared a way for me to come to Tennessee and have teammates who knew you and would lead me to 1Tenn. I was reintroduced to your love for me, and your grace and mercy shone brightly on the areas of my life I wanted to hide. You grew me and provided an opportunity for me to grow in a Christ-like community with other athletes serious about you in 2:5. Jesus, you led me to meet Jessica Brewster, a strong woman of God whose real relationship with you not only encouraged me but also held me accountable in my walk with you. She became my mentor, showing me how to stand firm in my faith. I was encouraged and built up to a point where I could be a light to my teammates and connect them to 1Tenn too.

I thank you, Jesus, for your continual hand on my life because I do not know where I would be without you. You gave me a space to stay connected with the church community when I couldn’t go to church. You brought me to a place where I could learn how to use my life to glorify, honor, and serve you through my sport. You taught me how to humble myself before you in honesty, acknowledging that I did not have it all together. You lovingly showed me to take ownership of my walk with you. You showed me that my athletic ability is a gift from you and not the source of my worth and value. Jesus, you showed me that my life is better in your hands, far from my control.

You know I am a constant work in progress, so I thank you for walking with me and staying patient with me. Thank you for showing me that having it all together is not a strength. Thank you that your grace covers my good, bad, and ugly. Thank you for having your hand on my decision to come to UTK and leading me to 1Tenn, an environment that would allow me to grow and come to know you. Thank you for loving me back to a relationship with you.