college

Name: Andrea McHugh

Age: 19

Where are you from: Yorba Linda, CA

Where do you play or coach: University of Notre Dame

How long have you been playing volleyball: 7 years

Favorite volleyball memory: Playing in Peru on the Women’s Junior National Team in the summer of 2011.

Favorite God memory:

On July 8^th, 2011 the Lord revealed two things to my family. After months of waiting and guessing whether or not my dad would have a job his boss announced to him that they were going to keep him. At the same exact time, I received a phone call from the Junior National Team coach, Rob Browning, calling to tell me I was going to Peru that summer to represent the United States in the World Championships. I am in awe of God’s perfect timing and the way everything falls into place. We worship and serve an amazing God who cares and loves us so much!

Favorite Bible verse: Jeremiah 29:11

Anything else you think is cool about you or God:

When I was younger I used to do African dancing. I have eaten guinea pig, cow’s heart, and rattlesnake.

What has volleyball done for you in your life?

Volleyball has allowed me to meet a lot of cool people and travel around the world. The sport has provided with the opportunity to play in college by getting a full-ride scholarship to a school I could have never dreamed about going to.

How has volleyball brought you closer to God?

 Volleyball is a huge part of my life and practically consumes me sometimes but all too often God helps me straighten out my priorities by bringing trials into my life. Ultimately the trials bring me closer to God by me trusting in His plan for me; believing that the trials will turn to blessings.

  How do you see God on the volleyball court?

I am still trying to figure out what it looks like to play volleyball with God but so far opening up my hands to Him during serve receive or praying for the girls across from me has allowed me to focus on playing with God and feeling His presence on the court.

How has playing for/with God transformed how you play? Playing with God has transformed the way I play because no longer am I comparing or worried about what other girls are doing but rather playing wholeheartedly for the one that made me who enjoys watching me play!

How can volleyball be used as a platform for Jesus?

Volleyball can be used as a platform for Jesus by sharing this idea of playing with God because it can transform the way people play not only with volleyball but every other sport out there. Having that sense of freedom and joy when playing a sport is so beautiful and incomprehensible it cannot get any better.  

  How have you carried your relationship with God off the court? My relationship with God off the court if anything is stronger than my relationship on the court. All too often I get caught up in the moment while playing and tend to forget who I am playing with, but off the court I feel like my relationship and walk with the Lord is growing stronger and better every day!

Name: Erin Didier

Age: 21

Hometown: Littleton, Colorado

Where you play/coach: I play at John Brown University and I have coached at various different schools, clubs, and camps.

How long have you been playing volleyball: 13 years

What has volleyball done for you in your life?

Through volleyball, I have been able to travel to numerous places, compete and train at a high level, create countless memories, and form lasting friendships in an incredible sense of community.

How has volleyball brought you closer to God?

Volleyball has brought me closer to God by breaking my heart. For the longest time, I found my identity and comfort in volleyball. It was something that I was passionate about—something I absolutely loved, something that I excelled in, and was a place that I belonged. I knew that volleyball was a passion and skill that God had given to me, but hadn’t completely surrendered it all to him. I was raised to work willingly at whatever I did for the glory of God, and so worked hard to be the very best that I could possibly be, but didn’t realize that it went far beyond that. When volleyball didn’t go as I had planned, hoped or expected, and broke me down, it brought me closer to God. I was reminded and learned from a whole new angle that God has blessed me with athleticism, He has given me the ability to play volleyball, He has given me an immense desire to compete, and Hehas given me a passion for this game, and I AM HIS. When I realized that I am His above all else, that freed me. I still absolutely love the game, (maybe even more so now), and yet that looks different. I am blessed to have been broken by volleyball and built back up in Him. I am His. And so is volleyball.

How do you see God on the volleyball court?

On the volleyball court, I see God in my teammates—in the way that we interact and love on one another and encourage and challenge one another. God’s creativity is evident in the different areas of expertise and athleticism on both sides of the net.

How has playing for/with God transformed how you play?

Playing with and for God has transformed the way that I play by setting me free! He alone is the one that I play for, for He is the one who has blessed me with the opportunity, passion, and ability to play, and playing for Him sets me free from fear of failure, of pleasing others, and of not being good enough. I play with a joy, leaving it all on the court, enjoying the battle of competition and playing alongside people that I love.

How can volleyball be used as a platform for Jesus?

For me, volleyball is a platform for Christ to shine through in the way that I play. I want people to ask why? “Why does she chase after a ball that she may not get up, that everyone else thinks is already dead? Why does she train so hard? Why does she sacrifice her body? Why does she expect so much out of herself and her teammates? WHO DOES SHE PLAY FOR?” I want them to see that the answer to the question, “Who does she play for?” is not “John Brown University” or for myself, or for anyone other than the One who has given me the ability and passion to play. When others see Christ in us on the court, we are effectively using volleyball as a platform for him. TGBTG. (To God Be The Glory)

Name: Staci Williamson
Age: 20
Hometown: Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Where do you play or coach: John Brown University, Ozark Juniors Volleyball Club
How long have you been playing volleyball:  11 years
Favorite volleyball memory: Being a part of three state championships in high school.

     What has volleyball done for you in your life?

Volleyball has given me a community to be around that I did not have at home.

    How has volleyball brought you closer to God?

God is the one who has given me the ability and desire to play volleyball.  I have had coaches and teammates who have also pointed me to Christ.

    How do you see God on the volleyball court?

I see God in the ability that He has uniquely given each player that I see.  There are many times when God gives me hope and perseverance in situations that seem impossible. 

   How has playing for/with God transformed how you play?

Playing with God gives me peace and joy!  I know that He has given me the desire to play and I want to use that to glorify Him. I believe that God finds joy when I succeed and forgets my mistakes when I mess up.

   How can volleyball be used as a platform for Jesus?

 I hope that others are able to see Christ in me through the way that I play, not based on how good I am.  I want to love and care for my teammates and encourage them on and off the court. 

How do you think that Jesus would coach volleyball?
Jesus would be the best coach ever!  Jesus would bring joy and passion to the game that He created.  He would value each player equally and show no favoritism.  Jesus would see His payers as more than just an athlete and would desire to get to know each player personally. 

Jesus would easily let go of mistakes and always have hope no matter what the score is.  I think Jesus would expect His players to work hard players would have a natural desire to work hard based on the love that they receive from Jesus.  Jesus would have a desire to win but loving His players, respecting others, and having integrity would come first.


What are some verses that you live by as a coach?
“All men are like grass, and their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall but the word of the Lord stands forever.” ~1 Peter 1:24-25

“Encourage the young men to be self-controlled.  In everything set for them an example by doing good.” ~Titus 2:6-7

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.  Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” ~Romans  15:1-2

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans  15:13

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

  How can you use your platform to glorify God?
Coaching isn’t about me, my knowledge or my success.  I can glorify God by giving Him the glory win or lose.  With God I can make disciples as I use my platform to reach out to others. 
How does your relationship with Christ affect your relationship with your players?
I am trying to see my players the way that God sees them.  I want them to know of the love God has for them through my words and actions.

Name: Kaye Proctor
Age: 18
Hometown: St. Simons Island, GA
Where do you play or coach: College of Coastal Georgia
How long have you been playing volleyball:  About 7 years
Favorite volleyball memory: In high school, we were playing the defending state champions. We lost, but we stuck with them. Final score: 17-25, 19-25.
Favorite God memory: More like favorite God moment… happens rather often. He assures me that my future husband, somewhere in the world, is praying for me.
Favorite bible verse: He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there.’ And it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” -Matthew 17:20

     What has volleyball done for you in your life?
Volleyball has opened up doorways I could’ve never imagined. I play for a college team and playing volleyball helped lead me to Christ.

    How has volleyball brought you closer to God?
Thanks to my team, our “girl time” influences me incredibly. With bible study and discipleship, we share ways to glorify God on and off the court.

    How do you see God on the volleyball court?

I see God on the court when we are down points and everyone’s attitude is positive. And when we are up points, no one boasts. Especially when someone gets an amazing save but we lose the point. Everyone is happy regardless!


How has playing for/with God transformed how you play?
I have someone to play for. Playing for myself was never as satisfying.


How can volleyball be used as a platform for Jesus?

 Teaching perseverance and passion


How have you carried your relationship with God off the court? 
Bible studies, discipleship, small groups, worship nights, and house church. And of course, quiet time.