Miller (center) walks with teammates across campus
More Than an Athlete | Madelynn Miller
9/3/2020 7:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
SFA Athletics is continuing a new series called My Lumberjack Life. As we navigate the world of college athletes in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 atmosphere, we wanted to give our athletes a chance to demonstrate what makes them MORE than just an athlete. These stories give us a glimpse into what drives each student-athlete, both on and off the field of play.
Being an athlete has been something that has always been my go-to and reason why for a lot of things. It has shaped me into who I am, it has given me many life lessons and experiences that I would never have gained without sports. But for me, I AM more than an athlete. There are so many emotions that I have felt throughout my experience playing college volleyball. It's the pressure of being perfect, managing friendships, family, and academics, keeping myself healthy, and most importantly finding who I am and what my calling is.
This is where my story began. Going into college I had zero confidence, I was shy, looking for my place of where I belong and who I was. I was going through lots of changes that were occurring in my life and I really turned to volleyball to be my outlet, to fix how I was feeling, to shy away from what was occurring. I turned away from my friends and family and isolated myself to figure it out. I strived to be perfect. I strived to please everyone. I strived to be the best at this one thing called volleyball and lacked at developing a better version of myself.
I quickly learned that was not it. After my sophomore year of college, I decided to sit and set many goals for myself in all aspects of who I am and what defines me. I am a daughter, a sister, a friend, a student, and a daughter of Christ. All of these aspects make up who I am and the reason behind where I am today. During this time, I decided to give my life to Christ and get baptized. It was by far the most powerful and accomplished thing I have ever done. It was something bigger than me. I surrounded myself with people who pushed me and supported me, and I soon learned that I had found the strength to transfer schools to get a new start, a new beginning, and a change of scenery. This was by far the best thing that could have happened to me and led me to transfer to SFA for my junior year of college.
I found who I was. I loved who I was. My confidence exploded knowing that I am worthy, I was believed in, and I was loved. After taking part in focusing on who I am outside of sports, I began to step outside of my comfort zone and explore new things. I am a better person because of this. I have pushed myself to develop stronger and deeper relationships with those who are close to me. I am proud of who I am as a person.
Outside of the gym, I am a human being with many emotions. I get stressed, angry, upset, confused, excited and happy, but most of all I am THANKFUL.
- M
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