For Monique Blanco, there was never any other sport for her but soccer. Growing up, P.E. was the only place she spent exploring other avenues in athletics. "I dedicated all my free time to [soccer]...when it came down to it, I was always playing soccer," Blanco tells. After playing a total of 11 years, she has only fallen more in love with the active competition soccer has to offer.
"Playing at Judson has strengthened me by stretching me beyond what I thought I could ever accomplish physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually." Monique says. She proceeds to explain, "I have endured three serious injuries to the same bone in my left foot within a span of two years. Transitioning from someone who has never stopped playing to just resting to let my body heal was the biggest physical battle I have had to endure, not just from the pain, but because it also effected the other dimensions of my health." In addition to the obvious physical struggles Blanco has had to face, she reveals, "Mentally, I began to battle the decision of continuing soccer. Socially, I lost time with my teammates because I could not participate. Spiritually, I was stretched to cling to the Lord and his faithfulness and love for me."
In regards to this painful growing time, Blanco states, "At times I questioned His will for this area in my life and why he would take something away that I loved so much."
"But, in the end, I waited and waited and God was faithful to heal me and bring me to a higher level within these areas of my life that I now believe I would not have reached if it was not for that injuries," Monique concludes.
When asked about the greatest lesson learned through playing soccer, she resolutely responds, "The most valuable lesson I have learned is that being an athlete requires more than what I do on the field for 90 minutes. It is what I say and do before and after, wherever I am and whomever I am around." She goes on to further tell, "It is pursuing and achieving excellence in every area of my life, from my academics to cleaning my room. Above all, it is putting first my teammates before myself, considering their interests and loving them and pushing them through the battles we'll face on and off the field."
She continues to give some information regarding the lessons learned for life or a future career, she states, "[I am learning] how to exhibit the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) and that hard work NEVER goes unrewarded!"
With teammates coming from all parts of the world - from Elgin to Scotland, Zambia, and Germany, I was excited to ask Monique the question asking what she loves most about the Judson soccer team. Her response gives a glimpse into the various personalities and cultures represented on the field: "I love that we are so diverse [which] can be uncomfortable at times," she reveals. "I love this because it gives me a chance to grow by choosing to not let disagreement hinder friendship and sisterhood. We are all very different but have the love of our sport in common, and while we sometimes clash in other areas of our lives we are still united and we work through everything with hope for more growth and love." For Blanco, it is more about uniting in the commonalities than splitting because of differences. This adds a whole new dimension on unity on the field - as teammates and friends.
Monique reminisces on her favorite memory from her four years of Judson soccer: "My favorite memory was going to NCCAA Nationals in Florida my Sophomore year." She proceeds to explain why this was such a memorable trip, "Although we did not meet our goals we had a blast growing as teammates and friends, basking in the sun and playing the game we love! There is no greater feeling!"
In regards to her reasons behind attending Judson for four years, Monique simply states, "I choose it because the Lord called me here." In addition, she tells, "For a long time I resisted, but He used soccer to draw me in, and now I am doing the best I can to follow His will for me!"
The impact Jesus has had on Monique is awesome. "In the simplest terms, He reminds me that I am not just an athlete," Blanco states. "He keeps me grounded because I am so passionate. When I don't always succeed or meet my expectations, He reminds me that he loves me and that every time I'm playing, I am doing it for His glory, not my own," she says. "I have found that when I do it for Him, I don't focus on what I do wrong but [rather] the wisdom that comes out of it." She concludes by saying, "That has kept me happy and loving my sport and Who I play for."
