Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Class: Junior
Position: Midfielder
Notes:
• 2012 All-Big 12 Second Team and All-Newcomer Team (at Texas)
• 2011 All-Conference USA Third Team and All-Freshman Team (at Houston)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” – Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Texas soccer player Sharis Lachappelle is mature beyond her junior class status. A broken leg and school transfer strengthened the San Antonio native’s reliance on her Creator and helped her understand the true purpose of playing—to bring God the glory and share His light with those around her.
FCA: Was it difficult to transfer from Houston to Texas?
SL: I originally went to Houston because I loved the coaches. But they left following my freshman year, and I felt I needed to go as well. It was a stressful and difficult time not knowing if I was going to have a spot at Texas. I had to trust God, knowing He provides and that His plan is always perfect. I leaned on that, and my family encouraged me during that time.
FCA: How was your faith affected through the transition?
SL: I know my faith grew stronger through the experience and that Texas is where I’m supposed to be. I have stepped into a role here of helping girls when they have faith-related questions or inviting them to Bible study. We’re really close as a team, so it’s been easy to be open about my faith.
The transition has shown me that God is faithful. Even when we’re scared, lost or stressed, He is there for us.
FCA: How else has your faith been challenged?
SL: A big challenge for all athletes is not finding our identity in our sport. The world wants us to think that it’s all about us, that we’re the reason for our success. The challenge is to recognize that we’re blessed with talents from God; they’re not our own. My sport is so much bigger than just me. It’s not all about me; it’s about the team and what God has blessed me with.
I struggled with that my freshman year at Houston when I broke my leg and had to have surgery. Everyone had always known me as the soccer player. That’s what I did, who I was, my entire identity. Through the time away from the game, I recognized there’s so much more to life than soccer. Yeah, it’s a huge part of my life, but if I don’t use it to glorify God then there’s no point in me playing. I’m here to shine the light of Christ every day because that’s what we’re all called to do.
FCA: How has FCA poured into your faith?
SL: I have been involved with FCA since high school. It’s a neat place to see other athletes and know that you’re not the only one who is walking in faith while facing temptations and sin. It's a great place where you can share your faith with other athletes who are encouraging one another.
I’ve also spoken at middle school and high school FCA Huddles and shared the message that there’s more to life than just the sports we play. It’s so important for kids to understand at a young age that one day their sport will be over, and their identity will be lost. But they can find eternal identity in Christ.
FCA: What does your relationship with Christ mean to you?
SL: Christ is the only thing that’s constant in my life and the only thing that’s never going to change. Knowing that gives me a sense of peace, especially when school and soccer and other stresses build up. Having that consistency in my life helps me realize that if things are not going well, there’s a purpose and a plan. God is going to be faithful and will provide, just as He always has.
*****
FCA Staff Quote:
"Sharis is the kind of person other people love to be around, not only because of her big and bright personality, but also because of her sincere heart. On the soccer pitch, she’s a hard-working, deceptively good player who helps her teammates play at a higher level. Her faith is solid, as she plays and lives life to glorify God in everything she does.”
–David Sanders
North Area Representative
Greater Austin FCA
Originally Published: November 2013
Photos courtesy of UT Athletics Photography