Margaret Garner / Liberty University
Margaret Garner is a junior forward on the Liberty University women's soccer team whose Christian faith played a massive role in her recruiting journey and her resilience through major injuries.
As an athlete, she frequently uses her platform to speak about how her sport connects to her spiritual life, most notably sharing her testimony on faith-based sports media outlets.
Her faith journey in college athletics centers on several key milestones:
1. Navigating a Scared Transition through Injury
During her senior year of high school in Matthews, North Carolina, Margaret suffered severe ankle sprains that required major reconstructive surgery. Coming into her freshman year at Liberty, she had not played a competitive game in eight months and essentially had to relearn how to run, dribble, and shoot a soccer ball. Mentally overwhelmed and feeling physically behind her peers, she stated that she had no choice but to be dependent on the Lord as her primary anchor in a completely new environment. To catch up, she relied on daily perseverance, waking up early to kick a ball against a wall before her classes started.
2. A Surprising Recruiting Path
Initially, Margaret did not even intend to play college soccer alongside her older sister, who also plays for the Liberty Flames. Hoping to pave her own distinct path, she initially looked at beach-side universities. However, after Liberty's coaches discovered her highlight reels and she attended their soccer camps, she spent intentional time praying over her decision. She felt a clear guidance from God that Liberty was exactly where she was meant to be, a realization she now views as an immense blessing.
3. Gameday Worship Traditions
Margaret has highlighted how her faith integrates into the culture of her team. The Liberty women's soccer team dedicates a 30-minute block on both home and away game days strictly to worship. Led by players, coaches, or guest speakers, this tradition serves to help the team pause amidst chaotic game schedules and recenter their focus on dedicating their athletic efforts to God rather than themselves.