Stephen Drew is a freshman on the men's soccer team at Judson University. He is from Elgin, Illinois, and is a starter for the Eagles.
By Leslie Talley
Judson Sports Information Student Assistant
Stephen Drew credits his love of soccer to a childhood friend who lived across the street growing up. As his neighbors were passionate about the game, Drew naturally gravitated to soccer. The passion he has come to feel for soccer is something he loves sharing with so much of the world's population. He feels it is a great way to link different cultures, creating a "common language," in a sense.
Drew grew up in Elgin and graduated from Larkin High School, but says Judson University has been a whole new experience for him. According to Stephen, "School just takes a lot of discipline and time management to make sure that my free time is used productively so that my school work gets done."
Drew is adjusting well to the rigorous schedule of school and making lifelong relationships. He claims he is still trying to get used to the late nights, which may be a result of all those trips to downtown Chicago with friends in his free time.
Judson's a good fit for Drew. "I felt [Judson] was where God was calling me to go. The community is awesome as well as the soccer program. Also financially, it was the best fit."
God has impacted Drew in more ways than his college decision. "Jesus has been my motivation for everything I do," Stephen confidently states. "He has saved me from a life of sin and death and has given me purpose and meaning in my life. I attempt, even though I fail many times, to bring glory to him in everything I do. He has changed my life and given me true joy."
Aside from the Lord, Drew states that both his father and youth pastor have made a huge positive influence on the life he leads and the decisions he makes. "They are both traffic leaders and men after God's heart," he says of his role models.
Because of his role models that he has had in life, Drew has expanded his boundaries to spread the word of Jesus. This past summer he traveled around the Midwest playing soccer and talking about Jesus. Since that time, too, he has been able to witness to students at Judson, even leading a fellow men's soccer player to Jesus.
Drew will now try to impact Judson with the talent and skills that God has bestowed upon him.
