Hometown: Durham, N.C.
Class: Redshirt Senior
Position: Quarterback
Notes: • AP Third Team All-American (2014)
• Second Team All-CAA (2014)
• Walter Payton Award Finalist (2014)
• Bill Dudley Award (2014)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.”       -Proverbs 3:5-6

Vad Lee has excelled at the game of football since his Pop Warner days. Shifted to the quarterback position in seventh grade, he felt he truly found his calling. After two years at Georgia Tech, he transferred to James Madison University and quickly fell into a calming rhythm of leadership on and off the field. The senior captain now hopes to continue to keep the team focused on one game at a time while he gives everything he has for his program, teammates, university, and God. 

FCA: Do you feel like playing quarterback naturally places you into a leadership role?

VL: I think so. You’re a quarterback 24/7 and everybody’s watching your next step. I like the fact that you have the ball in your hands every play, and you can change the game. You’re the guy who’s calling the shots. You’re leading all the time—on and off the field. Some days may not be as good as others, but sometimes you have to bring the positive energy and make sure everybody stays focused and sees you being positive. Life will knock you down sometimes, but you’ve always got to be able to get back up.

FCA: Always in the spotlight, how important is your own quiet time?

VL: It’s really important. Sometimes you can’t do what everybody else is, but it’s a blessing to be able to take time to think on your own and not have outside forces help you make irrational decisions. It’s important that you recharge so you can be prepared for good and bad situations.

I feel like a lot of people just want to test their boundaries and see how far they can get you. You have people who want you to be just like them and be involved in things. That’s a challenge because we can only play sports in college once. You want to take advantage of that; at the same time, you have to know who you are and what you stand for.

FCA: How long have you been involved with FCA?

VL: Since my first year in college. I enjoy the fellowship and the friendships you build among other sports. Sometimes we’re so busy as student-athletes that we don’t have time to really hang out with each other on other teams and get to know each other. I think FCA brings college campuses together and brings student athletes together, and focuses on one mission: growing closer to God. And I think that’s pretty special, being able to bond with them, talk about our sport with each other, what’s going on and how God is using us in leadership roles to benefit our team.

FCA: What was the process of your transfer from Georgia Tech to James Madison like?

VL: It was an easy transition when I took it up with God. It was something that I wanted to do. I left in January, and the new semester started here in less than ten days. I was trying to figure out my purpose and the plan God had for me. I went on a three day Daniel Fast before making that decision. I think I came across Jeremiah 29:11 in FCA one day in a Huddle. It had me confident that I can make it because God has a plan for me. It was a decision that I struggled with, and wanted to do before but couldn’t because I had no confirmation. I felt like Jeremiah 29:11 was confirmation to me.

I feel like I see the fruit of that decision, and just trusting Him along the way. I knew that things would be taken care of. That’s a special part, being able to trust Him and not worry about what’s next or how I really need to know, because I am really leaning on my faith.

FCA: Who has been an influential person in your life?

VL: My grandma. I call her my Godma because she’s someone who has devoted her life to doing ministry with God. She’s a woman I lean on, who texts me scriptures each week and calls me to check up on me. She is somebody I feel spiritually connected with because it seems like every time something’s going on or wrong with me, she knows about it before I even have to say it. It’s good to have people in your life that you can walk with and talk with about your faith and build a better relationship with God. I’ve been blessed to be in a position where I have people who want to help me and who I can lean on for more understanding.

FCA Staff Quote:

“Vad is passionate about his relationship with Jesus. He welcomes the opportunity to be used in helping to make Jesus famous. On his initial visit to JMU, Vad requested that the coaching staff introduce him to the FCA staff serving the campus. FCA has provided Vad opportunities to grow and lead as he represents Christ on the JMU campus and in the community.” 

-Jason Stuhlmiller
Virginia Valley FCA Representative

Photos courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications