Ana Garcia is a sophomore on the women's cross country team at Judson University.  She is from Maywood, Ill., and is one of Judson's top runners.

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"Sports at Judson revolve much more around God and developing my talents for Him than what I was used to before," claims Ana Garcia. Originally from Maywood, Illinois, this 5'4'' freshman thoroughly enjoys running cross country at Judson. "I really like focusing on what God can do with me rather than what I can do myself," she says.

After running cross country for three years, Garcia is excited to be apart of this family atmosphere. She tells how the team gets along so well and always enjoys spending time together. It is with these peers that Ana feels she can be transparent; "I like the feeling that I can be open with my teammates about certain spiritual aspects of my life when giving a devotion," she shares, "and I like praying before a race."

Ana is also learning Christ's role as Lord in her life. "He is a huge part of my life. I am constantly asking Him for guidance and praying throughout runs and races," Garcia claims. "I try to focus on God instead of [focusing on] me." She is determined to win the ultimate prize, as written in 1 Corinthians 9:24-26:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like one running aimlessly…"

Judson's mission is to train its scholars to be perseverant in their race for Christ, and Ana is able to play this imagery out in her everyday life.

Although Ana's main incentive for coming to Judson was the cross country scholarship, she has since realized that was a "God thing". This university was the perfect affordable option for her and is thankful for the opportunity to run the race for the Lord.

At Judson, Garcia claims, "I am ALWAYS learning something, even re-learning things I should already know. One thing I keep reminding myself is to never give up." In addition, balancing college life and sports has taught Ana how to manage time. "My experience with running here will help me in the future as a coach, which is what I hope to be someday," reveals Garcia.

Ana reminisces of all the great memories from the season, "There is a ton of fun stuff that happened. I can't even pick a favorite!"

Between studies and sports, Ana is finding her balance and focusing on the most important truths in life: God being the prize at the ultimate finish line. She resolutely states, "[I choose to] run for God instead of for myself."