Spiritual Formation | 5/1/2026 2:32:00 PM

Written by: Hannah Wright

If you were to tell me that I would be where I am now when I first started my collegiate athletic career, I would think you were crazy. How did I end up at Lipscomb University? How did I end up running track? Two questions that can only be answered by: "God's plan, not mine."

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

Sports have been a part of my life since I could walk. After playing many sports, why track? My track career did not begin like most. I ran track for one year in high school, and the year I decided to get serious about it was my senior year; that was a God moment.

My question was, LORD, am I supposed to play this sport? And if so, how in the world is this going to happen for me collegiately?

After being awarded a scholarship to attend Lee University, I spent four years there, one of which was marked by an unexpected hip surgery. I was told I would never hurdle again, and that broke me. I did not realize how much track had become my identity until it was taken away. I said it wasn't, but in truth, it had become an idol in my life, and at that point, my relationship with Christ was on the rocks. However, God redeemed that season in ways I could have never imagined.

By His grace, I was able to hurdle again my senior year, and as I considered what was next, continuing my track career was not in my plan. However, God kept putting it on my heart. When Lipscomb University appeared on my radar, I wasn't sure why; a school close to home did not seem like the obvious choice. However, as always, the LORD knew exactly what He was doing.

God blessed me with the opportunity to continue my collegiate track career at Lipscomb University, and I can genuinely say it was His perfect timing and plan.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Since stepping onto Lipscomb's campus, I have seen Christ move in ways that have reshaped my entire perspective on sport, identity, and purpose. Here, I have learned that track is not what defines me; it is a platform to glorify Christ. He reignited my passion for competition—not for my own recognition, but to reflect His power and righteousness through the gifts He has given me. Every practice, every race, and every challenge has become an opportunity to worship Him through excellence, humility, and perseverance. At Lipscomb, I have come to understand what it truly means to be a competitor for Christ, not for myself.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23–24

In my first year at Lipscomb, the definition of a teammate underwent a drastic change. I was surrounded by a coaching staff and administration that genuinely cares for their athletes. I was part of a competitive team that pushed me on the track, in my faith, and in my walk with Christ. The LORD did immeasurably more than all I could have asked or imagined, according to His power that was at work within me (Ephesians 3:20). It echoed a passion to give glory to God all the time and every time, as He opened His arms for me to come back home to Him. Sports are a phenomenal way to reach the hearts of people and inspire them to be champions for Christ. Lipscomb has become a big part of that narrative in my life.

In closing, what did I find? I found home—a home within my team at Lipscomb University, a home within the Lipscomb Athletics Department, but most importantly, a home with Jesus Christ, my LORD and Savior again.