Carly Schumacher School: Saint Louis University
Hometown: Clinton, Ill. Year: Senior
Position: Middle Blocker
Note:
-2011 Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team FCA Staff Quote: “Carly has brought a new sense of commitment to the Saint Louis University FCA Huddle, and leading it has impacted her relationship with Christ. I love meeting with her and encouraging her to use her athletic influence for Christ with her teammates and on campus.”
– Whitney Bruce FCA Field Associate St. Louis, Mo.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

As Carly Schumacher’s collegiate career nears its end, the middle blocker reflected on how she’s grown as an athlete and follower of Christ during her four years at Saint Louis University. The Clinton, Ill., native has learned through leading the FCA Huddle and the tragic death of a former teammate that what she’ll remember most are the relationships developed and lives touched for the Lord.

FCA: As a senior, what’s your time at SLU meant to you?

CS: My time here has definitely been life-changing. I've learned a lot about myself and grown up inside and outside of sports. I’ve realized the most important things to me are building relationships and making sure that everyone feels comfortable as a part of our team. I really like being able to help the freshman girls, showing them the ropes, and letting them know how special this time is.

As an athlete, my strength and ability has grown each year, too. My coaches have helped me along the way so that now, as a senior, I feel like I’m playing the best I ever have.

FCA: What’s one experience you’ve grown from while at school?

CS: Just before this season, we lost one of my former teammates, Megan Boken. She was a junior when I was a freshman, and she took me under her wing like a mother. Losing her put into perspective how much relationships matter and what it means to be there for your teammates. Entering our first game, we were mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted, but it made our team extremely close and allowed us all to realize what a truly special experience being a student-athlete is.

God's been my strength through all of this, and I think my teammates have been able to see that. It’s opened opportunities on our team to talk about having a relationship with God because I don't know how I would have gotten through it all without my relationship with Him.

FCA: How has FCA impacted you?

CS: Prior to my sophomore year, FCA’s Whitney Bruce approached me about leading our campus Huddle. I hesitated at first, but we prayed about it and I decided to go for it. I can honestly say it was the best decision I’ve made.

God’s definitely equipped me to lead. He gives me the words to say at just the right times and the courage to ask tough questions. It's been awesome to see how we have an FCA community at SLU. We’re there for each other as we're going through the same things as athletes. It's been a blessing in my life, and it continues to grow each year.

FCA: Why do you feel it’s important to have FCA on college campuses?

CS: It gives us a place to fellowship with and support one another as athletes. It teaches us to have the right focus in everything we do. When we wake up, when we're in class, when we're around other people, just focusing on living our lives for God and sharing Him with others through our actions. We have a different outlook on the sport we’re playing and why we're playing it—not to please coaches or parents or anyone else, but to please God. That outlook is hard to keep on your own, but having the support of FCA behind you really helps. Your teammates, friends and FCA community become your family away from home.

Originally Published: November 2012

 Photos courtesy of Bill Barrett