Inspiration at "The Circuit"

Elizabeth is majoring in Mass Communications and Journalism and minoring in Photography. Her first article was published October 5th HERE.

I also copied it below.

Inspiration comes in many forms for Women’s soccer

October 5, 2015

Elizabeth Helfenberger, Special to The Circuit

Inspiration for the Women's soccer program mirrors Benedictine's theme of the year -
Called to Greatness.

The team celebrates in their win against No. 8 Spring Arbor. Photo by Casey Splane

The team’s goal to return to the national tournament provides incentive for playing well; but that’s not all that motivates them.

Some players write their intentions on their wrists before games. Others write scripture verses or inspirational phrases.
“Collectively and individually, we are all driven by something greater,” said Rosie McShane, sophomore midfielder.
McShane says she is inspired by teammates who offer up their games for prayer intentions.
“Not only do we want to win and work hard, but we are motivated by something beyond winning.”
Other girls on the team agree.
Senior midfielder Liz Enna has been taping her wrist since high school with the words “FINAO,” meaning “failure is not an option,” “audience of One,” and “surrender and offer it up.”
“It’s a constant reminder that, despite the refs’ calls, despite your coaches yelling at you, despite excess praise, excess criticism, all of those are things—you are performing for God,” Enna said. “That’s the only person you need to please, because He is the One who has given you your talents and your gifts.”
Enna says soccer gives her an outlet not only to use her gifts, but also to offer things up for her family and her team. This practice of surrendering herself for a higher purpose is the drive that pushes her to play better when things get rough, she added.
Senior Kara Hines says she sees a difference in the soccer team’s performance since her freshman year.
Although the soccer team was good freshmen year, something that hurt them was that they weren’t a really unified team, Hines said.
“But this year, there’s just something greater that is pulling us together and pulling us forward,” she said.
Along with the other girls, Hines offers her games for a higher purpose.
“It has always been a way to motivate me,” Hines said. “But then, as I grew older, it’s kind of a way to share my gifts with everyone else.”
Hines writes the initials of family members or friends who have died on her wrists as a way to offer up her game.
Besides offering games for personal intentions, seniors Hines and Enna offer games for teammates who are injured.
“I think it’s really important, because not only are we playing for ourselves, we’re playing for people who don’t get that opportunity,” Hines said. “And I know that they’d give anything to be out there with us.”
“You’re sharing your gifts, but you have those gifts because someone greater than you gave you those gifts to share with everyone else.”
The next home game is at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 at the BC Soccer Complex against Central Baptist College.