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FCA Magazine > Adaora Elonu, Texas A&M University

Adaora Elonu, Texas A&M University

Published on March 01, 2012

FCA

 

Adaora Elonu
daora Elonu
School: Texas A&M University Hometown: Houston, Texas
Year: Senior
Position: Forward
Notes:
- 2011 NCAA National Champion - Two-time Academic All-Big 12 Second Team (2010-11)
- Three-time team co-captain (2010-12)

Originally Published: March 2012

“...let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

STV: Tell us about your family’s Nigerian heritage and how that’s influenced you.

AE: It’s really all I’ve known since I was young. Our household has always been influenced by the Nigerian culture, and that, along with the spiritual background my parents established in our family, is part of everything I do.

My name comes from our Nigerian language, Igbo, and means, “princess of public.” I was taught at a young age that it is very important for me to set a good example for whomever may be watching me.

STV: Is your athleticism something you inherited as well?

AE: My parents aren’t that good at basketball, but my mom was very good at handball in Nigeria, and my dad excelled in tennis and soccer. My four siblings and I all grew up learning tennis and soccer from my dad, but eventually we ventured to basketball.

STV: Tell me what it meant to win the NCAA National Championship last season.

AE: It meant so much. We were all dedicated and focused, and we put our faith in God. I can honestly say our team’s strong collective faith helped our chemistry on the court and allowed us to play together.

STV: After reaching the top, how have you stayed hungry for success?

AE: Once you’ve had something that great, you definitely want to experience it again. That’s how we’ve approached this season. We have a different team now, but we’ve explained to the new players how great of a feeling it was and that it’s something they’ll want to experience, too. And as a team we all have an inner drive to win it again.

STV: How does faith play a part in your relationships with your teammates?

AE: At a recent team-building experience, some of my teammates told me they look to me as a positive influence. That was really touching, and it encouraged me to push through every difficulty and frustration on and off the court because others are watching.

I try to keep my emotions and attitude positive and always look to God. In doing so, I can be an example to my teammates who want to pursue the life God wants for them.

STV: How has FCA impacted your faith?

AE: Being involved with FCA has helped me understand that sports aren’t the only things in life. It’s taught me and my teammates that there is something greater than being athletes, and that’s being followers of Christ.

Through FCA I’ve met so many great people and developed close friendships. Their passion for the Lord has helped increase my passion for Him as well. Being a part of the leadership council the past three years has pushed me in my faith. It challenges me to get out of my comfort zone and reach people for Christ.

Photos courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics

FCA Magazine > Adaora Elonu, Texas A&M University

Adaora Elonu, Texas A&M University

Published on March 01, 2012

FCA

 

Adaora Elonu
daora Elonu
School: Texas A&M University Hometown: Houston, Texas
Year: Senior
Position: Forward
Notes:
- 2011 NCAA National Champion - Two-time Academic All-Big 12 Second Team (2010-11)
- Three-time team co-captain (2010-12)

Originally Published: March 2012

“...let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

STV: Tell us about your family’s Nigerian heritage and how that’s influenced you.

AE: It’s really all I’ve known since I was young. Our household has always been influenced by the Nigerian culture, and that, along with the spiritual background my parents established in our family, is part of everything I do.

My name comes from our Nigerian language, Igbo, and means, “princess of public.” I was taught at a young age that it is very important for me to set a good example for whomever may be watching me.

STV: Is your athleticism something you inherited as well?

AE: My parents aren’t that good at basketball, but my mom was very good at handball in Nigeria, and my dad excelled in tennis and soccer. My four siblings and I all grew up learning tennis and soccer from my dad, but eventually we ventured to basketball.

STV: Tell me what it meant to win the NCAA National Championship last season.

AE: It meant so much. We were all dedicated and focused, and we put our faith in God. I can honestly say our team’s strong collective faith helped our chemistry on the court and allowed us to play together.

STV: After reaching the top, how have you stayed hungry for success?

AE: Once you’ve had something that great, you definitely want to experience it again. That’s how we’ve approached this season. We have a different team now, but we’ve explained to the new players how great of a feeling it was and that it’s something they’ll want to experience, too. And as a team we all have an inner drive to win it again.

STV: How does faith play a part in your relationships with your teammates?

AE: At a recent team-building experience, some of my teammates told me they look to me as a positive influence. That was really touching, and it encouraged me to push through every difficulty and frustration on and off the court because others are watching.

I try to keep my emotions and attitude positive and always look to God. In doing so, I can be an example to my teammates who want to pursue the life God wants for them.

STV: How has FCA impacted your faith?

AE: Being involved with FCA has helped me understand that sports aren’t the only things in life. It’s taught me and my teammates that there is something greater than being athletes, and that’s being followers of Christ.

Through FCA I’ve met so many great people and developed close friendships. Their passion for the Lord has helped increase my passion for Him as well. Being a part of the leadership council the past three years has pushed me in my faith. It challenges me to get out of my comfort zone and reach people for Christ.

Photos courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics

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