Northwestern athletes spend hours training and striving for greatness, both on and off the field. But what drives them to keep going, even when times get tough? One approach to this answer can be found in the figures they look up to – role models who inspire them.
For many athletes, role models can be found in professionals in their sport. Tennis player Pietra Ferreira, for example, looks up to Aryna Sabalenka. Not only is she a great tennis player, but she is incredibly resilient, and she refuses to give up the fight in her matches.
“She works hard and has faced many challenges during her career, but she always finds a way to overcome them,” Ferreira said.
While professional athletes are an obvious source of inspiration, those who use their position in the spotlight for more than just fame are also role models for many of our athletes. NW track athlete Elijah Weaver admires Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Daniel Roberts. These athletes are incredible in their sport and Weaver finds inspiration in their commitment to sharing their love of Jesus through their platforms as professional athletes.
“Some of the best hurdlers in the world, they also are totally in love with Jesus and are not quiet about it,” Weaver said. “It is encouraging to watch them use their platforms to share the Good News of Jesus’ grace!”
The village of people behind each student includes those who inspire passion and motivation in all endeavors. Among these are coaches, friends, family, dedicated fans and many more. Volleyball athlete Cadence Goebel is one among many athletes who find their inspiration closer to home. Goebel deeply admires her mom and godfather, both in their excellence in sports, but also in their leadership. Striving to be like her mom, Goebel admires her for being an incredibly hard worker and doing it all with love. In the world beyond sports, Goebel is inspired by her godfather.
“He inspires me to work hard, reach out when needed and rely on God,” Goebel said.
Whether it is a professional athlete or someone who encourages success no matter what, these role models offer valuable lessons to the athletes they inspire. It is their influence that shapes our student athletes into who they are – champions, both on and off the field.
Several Northwestern athletes look up to professional athletes.
