Hometown: Odessa, Texas
Class: Senior
Notes:
• All-Big 12 First Team (2012) and Second Team (2013)
• 2013 All-Big 12 Tournament Team
• 2013 Academic All-Big 12 First Team
This story appears in FCA Magazine’s September/October 2014 issue. Subscribe today!
“Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us …” – Ephesians 3:20
Coming from a small town obsessed with football that offered limited soccer opportunities, Paige Strahan challenged herself to reach further and work harder to play a major role on the Texas Tech women’s soccer team. With an audacious faith in God’s power, the Odessa, Texas, native is pursuing her full potential by believing that God is big and by her side.
FCA: When did you start playing soccer?
PS: I started playing with a bunch of my friends when I was really young. We would travel to Dallas every weekend to play. I did that through high school and club soccer, and that developed my love of the game.
My junior year of high school I contacted the head coach at Texas Tech, went to one of their camps, and he offered me a walk-on spot. Now, four years later, I’m a team captain as a senior.
FCA: How do you feel you’ve taken advantage of your time on campus?
PS: I’ve been so blessed to have this opportunity at Texas Tech. It’s taught me life skills and provided me with relationships I’ll never forget.
It’s definitely showed me not to be content where you’re at. I think it’s easy for people to get on teams and just accept their role. But being here has really taught me that there’s always room for improvement to reach your maximum potential.
FCA: How have you seen God growing you spiritually at Texas Tech?
PS: Each year I’ve gotten to see God stretch me. My freshman year was really hard. I sat down one day and said, “God, I’m giving You all this. None of this is me, and whatever You do with it is all in Your hands.” My sophomore year I had a good year and got to see what God could really do if I would just let go of the reins and let Him work in me.
All of that transferred over to this past spring, when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. No one can really prepare for cancer, but because God showed me so much just within soccer, it allowed me to release my grip on trying to control everything. I never really felt freaked out or stressed out; I always felt peaceful because I knew how God had already provided for me and knew He would provide for me even in this bigger moment.
FCA: How has FCA been a part of your spiritual life?
PS: We did a team Bible study with [FCA chaplain] Brandi Cantrell. Two summers ago I went to Uganda with fellow female athletes at Texas Tech through FCA. It was really great; we got to share our love for sports and our love for Christ with the children.
That trip was life-changing and taught me what true joy is about. God is the only One who can provide true joy—not soccer---, not material things, not winning a Big 12 Championship. It’s been amazing how much God has grown me and how much closer I’ve gotten to Him.
FCA: What does your relationship with Christ mean to you?
PS: It means everything. Without Him I wouldn’t be in the position I am in. He’s shown me so many things about myself and things about Himself I never knew. I love the saying, “Come as you are.” God doesn’t require you to be perfect. I’ve definitely had my share of mistakes, but my whole outlook on God has changed overwhelmingly because He has been doing all these great things for me. He’s an unfailing God who never turns His back no matter how many times we feel like we let go.
FCA Staff Quote:
“Paige is not only a talented soccer player who represents Texas Tech at the highest level in every area, but more importantly she reflects the love and life of Christ in all she does. I love that Paige continually seeks Him and desires to go deeper in her walk with Him while encouraging her teammates and those around her to do the same.”
-Brandi Cantrell, Women’s Athletic Chaplain, Texas Tech FCA
Photos courtesy of Texas Tech Athletics
--This article appears in the September/October 2014 issue of FCA Magazine. To view the issue in its entirety digitally, click here: Sept/Oct 2014 Digital
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