Spotlight Athlete: Ava Landstra #85

SPORTS: Soccer (Basketball & Golf)

Tell us your story. What life experiences have impacted your journey? What motivates you? What is your “why"?

I think for me what has impacted my journey is how late I started soccer. I started when I was 9 and what really motivated me to get better was I always thought I was behind and wanted to get better, so I would train really hard and a lot. My “why” is Jesus Christ, I am so blessed to be given these talents and abilities and I want to use them as much as I can to give God all the Glory and Honor.

What role does your faith play in your life and in your sports career?

Faith is the biggest role in life. The Lord is the center of my life and soccer is just a hobby and talent I fell in love with. Sometimes my sport might be drifting into my center of focus and I need to redirect soccer because it is not an idol rather a hobby the Lord gave me.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If so, which one and why?

I do not have one, but one of my favorite passages is Psalm 23 because it reminds me of so much of Gods truths. It reminds me he is MY shepherd. He guides me and he finds me when I am lost. It reminds me that Gods presence is always with me, he is all powerful. I also love this passage because it helped me through a very difficult time when I was really struggling with soccer and what that meant to me. I love this passage so much I could go on and on but one last thing I love about it, is the amount it says personalized words. It doesn’t say us or them it says My and Me. The Lord specifically applies this to me!! 

What accomplishment are you most proud of personally and athletically (name one of each)?

Personally: Committing my life to Christ, not just I believe, but making it personal having an intimate relationship with the Lord.

Athletically: Always work hard even when it is hard. So, I would say going to play college soccer. The amount of work and support that took and I couldn’t have done it without so many people beside me and the Lord my God!! 

What do you feel sets you apart from your competition and what skills do you currently possess that are your biggest assets?

My distribution really is beneficial as a holding midfielder and my way to see the field. Also my presence in the midfield and the ground I can cover while winning 50/50’s.

What skills are you most focused on improving?

I am working on my technical skills along with turning with my back facing the goal and continuing to break lines.

Tell us what a typical day or week is like for you:

I am very much a morning person so I like to wake up early and do my bible study and then either have soccer or go to the gym before school and then once school is done I have basketball currently and maybe another training or workout depending on what the day looks like. And obviously homework also!! Currently my days vary because I am on basketball season!

What are your plans for the future and what is your number one objective for the next year / season?

My goal is to grow in my relationship with the Lord first and foremost. I am doing the whole bible in 365 and also re-reading through the gospels! But I am also really focusing on finding abundance. That is my word for the year and seeing all of the little blessings that are really so big!! And last just keep working hard and preparing myself for college in June!! Go Owls! 

What is the biggest challenge you see in achieving your upcoming goal or where could you use help?

My biggest challenge is probably comparing in soccer, if that’s to other players or other games I had etc, I need to focus on my talents and gifts and know I wasn’t gifted with all the ones others got! 

What words of advice do you have for younger athletes that are up and coming?

I would say keep up the hard work and never stop trying even if it’s hard or if you’re failing. But I would say most importantly know your why because your sport is only a temporary thing and why are you doing it if there is no purpose?

Who was your favorite player growing up or who's style of play do you most admire?

I admire Carli Lloyd because of her work ethic and determination even when things didn’t go her way. 100% recommend her book!

What one question would you have for your favorite athlete if they were sitting here now?

How do you balance life? I think it’s a simple question but it is very hard with so much going on. Or, what is your why?

Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?

Just put God in the center. You can’t bring your sport to Heaven!!