Hometown: Sweetser, Ind.
Class: Senior
Position: Guard
Notes:
• 2013 All-Big Ten Third Team and
2011 Big Ten All-Freshman Team
• Set NCAA Tournament record with nine three-pointers against South Dakota State in 2012
• 2010 Indiana Miss Basketball
“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
– Colossians 3:17
A third straight Big Ten Conference Tournament title would be a satisfying swan song for Purdue senior Courtney Moses, but she’s aware that wins and losses will soon be forgotten. The Sweetser, Ind., native and former Indiana Miss Basketball has perspective: the relationships and impact for Christ she’s made with teammates and fellow athletes through the campus FCA are what she’ll cherish forever.
FCA: What do you love about the game of basketball?
CM: I love that there is always something in the game to improve upon. You can always get better defensively, offensively, or grow as a leader.
The game has given me amazing opportunities to grow as a leader during my time here, and I’ve learned how important relationships can be. When I look back I don’t think about the games we’ve won or lost; instead, I remember the times I’ve had with coaches, the talks and moments with teammates, and the relationships that will continue for a lifetime.
FCA: How do the lessons learned through the game parallel with spiritual growth?
CM: There are so many similarities. First, you have to start with the fundamentals in both. In the game, that’s dribbling, shooting, playing defense. As a Christian, you learn who God is and what He did for you. As you grow in the game, you learn that when you make a mistake you have to go on to the next play, and it’s the same with your faith. We’re going to sin, but we have to know that once we humble ourselves before God and ask for and receive His forgiveness, we can move on.
Last, basketball is a team game, not an individual sport. That’s the same in the Christian walk. We’re all on a team with others who have unique gifts, trying to grow together and strengthen one another.
FCA: When your career comes to a close, how do you hope your teammates remember you?
CM: I really hope the first thing they’d say has nothing to do with basketball, but that they saw me as a woman of God and someone committed to making others better. I hope those who didn't know Christ were exposed to His love through me during my time here.
FCA: How has FCA impacted you?
CM: I’ve been involved with FCA since seventh grade, so it’s had a huge influence in my life. During my time at Purdue, FCA has opened the door to so many great relationships and opportunities with other Chris-tian athletes. We’ve gone on mission trips to South Africa and Haiti and experienced a lot of ups and downs together as teammates and brothers and sisters in Christ. Through the influence of our chaplain, Marty Dittmar, we’ve each grown in our faith, helped strengthen one another, and have seen how God can use things that appear to be negative to display His power and holiness.
FCA: What does it mean to have this platform as a Christian athlete?
CM: Since seventh grade, it’s been my goal to get to the highest level in sports and use that platform to glorify God. The awards and accolades I’ve received are great, but ultimately they don’t mean anything and cannot compare to knowing the Lord and the salvation that comes through Him. I strive every day to live out Colossians 3:17, so that in all I’m doing, I’m giving God the glory.
FCA Staff Quote:
"Courtney has demonstrated a clear love for Christ and commitment to the FCA ministry during her time at Purdue. Addi-tionally, I deeply appreciated her impact on her teammates and coaches during her recent summer internship with FCA.”
–Marty Dittmar, FCA Campus Director, Purdue University
Originally Published: March 2014
Photos courtesy of Purdue Athletics