By Leslie (Talley) Sullivan '09

Kelli Johnson, a freshman from Elgin, has enjoyed playing several sports, including volleyball and tennis. But the activity that has captured the love of Johnson most is soccer. After playing for 13 years, she still finds herself a student of the sport. "This year I have learned not to give up no matter how difficult things get," Kelli shares. "Through Christ, all things are possible!"

Now playing for Judson at an elevated level, she tells that participating on Judson girls' soccer truly challenges her. "Playing with this team has allowed me to see all different kinds of aspects in the game of soccer," Kelli states. "I have never been so close to a group of girls in my life and this experience had opened my eyes and taught me so much already."

All signs point to Johnson becoming only more and more involved in her sport of choice. Judson is proving to be a great fit for Kelli. "I chose Judson as my school because I wanted to do what I love in a Christian environment," she reveals. Participating in soccer is fostering her desire to honor God through her game.

"Our devotions have been phenomenal this year, so many great experiences and chances to minister have come up in the season!" Johnson exclaims. The solidarity Kelli feels with her team spurs her to honor God through her relationships and her play. "Our team is more than a team; it's a sisterhood," Kelli says. "We are all so close and have learned so much through each other." The Judson soccer team puts into practice the words of 1Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." The soccer girls are wonderful sources of support for one another!

Because of the close-knit friendships Kelli has formed off the playing field, it is purely fun to be apart of a sport she loves with a team she cherishes. "This is truly a team sport!" Johnson continues, "We do everything together and if we are all in it, we can do anything we put our minds to."

In such a performance-based arena, it can be difficult to rise above the pressure to perform, but Johnson strives to reject the ‘play for the crowd' mentality. "The way I play is to honor God through whatever I do. I need to be a light and example on the field…even if no one is watching," she tells. Being apart of such a Christ-centered school and team supports Kelli in her endeavor to play for an audience of One.

Regardless of whether the Judson women's soccer team wins or loses, they choose to enjoy the game for the game's sake. Most importantly, playing Judson soccer has made an eternal influence on Kelli Johnson. "Jesus Christ has impacted me and my team throughout the whole season. He has allowed doors to open for our team and my relationship with Him has grown so much stronger in the process." The Judson women's soccer team will continue to walk through those open doors and seek to glorify God in the process.