This story appears in FCA Magazine’s November/December 2015 issue. Subscribe today!
Hometown: Guntersville, Ala.
Class: Senior
Notes:
• 2014 All-SEC
• 2013 SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll
“We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.” - Romans 5:2-4
Growing up around athletics with both parents in the coaching world, LSU senior Cati Leak picked up a volleyball in elementary school and never put it down. The outside hitter found her home away from home in Baton Rouge, while also finding a refreshed relationship with Jesus during her junior year. Leak loves the speed and pace of the game and dependence on teammates, and she looks to her senior year as one of continued trust and transformation for God to do His good work.
FCA: How has your faith been revived during your time at LSU?
CL: For the longest time I thought my purpose in coming to LSU was to get out of my comfort zone, play volleyball and earn a degree. But I used volleyball as a crutch, an outlet to get away from my struggles.
In January our FCA took an athletic retreat, and I gave my life back over to Christ. Suddenly, I knew volleyball was a platform instead of a crutch, and I could use the tools He’s given me to glorify Him and bring others to Him. LSU is such a huge school, and you can reach so many people through so many avenues, but I didn’t open up to that until I relied on my faith instead of volleyball.
FCA: What do you need to keep handing over to God as you grow in your faith?
CL: Self-doubt and constant temptation. In Division 1 you’re facing so many good athletes every day, so you have to work hard to maintain. Self-doubt and lack of confidence have been big issues for me. Through FCA and constantly relying on the Bible, I haven’t had that doubt or lack of confidence. It’s just been a complete turnaround. He has a plan, and if we trust in that and in what He wants to do, then it’s ultimately going to set our paths straight.
FCA: How does FCA help you face the challenges of being a Christian athlete on campus?
CL: FCA’s done such a good job of attracting like-minded people who keep you grounded. It keeps perspective on the real reason you’re here and why you do things: to glorify God and bring others to Him. Having that accountability is a big reason why FCA continues here.
I started going when I was a freshman, but I didn’t continue to seek it. Since the retreat I’ve been going each week. We have a women’s Bible study on Mondays, so that’s also been awesome. It’s a good reminder to constantly do a daily devotional, keep God No. 1, and everything else will come into place.
FCA: What do you hope God shows you in your personal walk this year?
CL: To trust that His plan is going to work out and that He’s given me all the tools to succeed, whether it’s leading other people towards Him or having His light that people see in me. Even though I don’t know everything about the Bible, I should believe His plan is going to work out in His way.
In volleyball, I want to make God and our faith as a team the main focus and glorify Him through the sport.
FCA: Do you have any advice for younger female athletes looking to further their game and their faith?
CL: Don’t try to do it on your own. Depend on others to help you, and seek God out. Seek out someone you know who’s further along in their walk to guide you. Continue to work and grow in what you believe, because one day there will be relief if you have faith.
If it ever is tough or things get hard, keep trucking and know you’re doing the right thing. At the end of the day, you still have God, and that’s all you need. He’s a constant every day.
FCA Staff Quote:
“Cati is one of my favorite people. Her hunger to learn more about the Lord has influenced her teammates to get involved and many are coming to know Christ. She is also one of the most competitive people I know. It’s awesome to see how that personality trait is now translated to her walk with Christ.”
-Marla Stroup
LSU FCA Chaplain
-FCA-
–This article appears in the November/December 2015 issue of FCA Magazine. To view the issue digitally, click here: November/December 2015 FCA Mag Digital
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Photos courtesy of LSU Athletics Staff Photography