230 Athletics Growing in Faith Sports teams grow closer together through designated team retreats. Junior Tucker Allen, a cross-country runner, also found the cross-country retreat to be a crucial time for his team to come together after a busy summer. “For me, going on sports retreats is always the highlight of the start of the year,” Allen said. “We get to spend three to four days just hanging out with each other without distractions, growing as a team and getting centered for the season.” The cross-country team’s retreat took them to a remote camp, where they focused on team unity and immersed themselves in nature. “There’s no distractions because we’re out in the middle of just a random camp an hour away.” Allen said. “We wake up early, we go run and then we’re with each other the entire day just doing activities, hanging out in God’s creation and having a blast.” Across Harding’s campus, multiple sports teams participated in similar retreats, each using the time to strengthen team bonds, reflect on their goals and grow closer in their faith. These experiences helped athletes form strong connections that carried over into their practices and competitions. As Harding’s athletes continued to train and compete, the lessons and connections made during these retreats served as a cornerstone for their success, both on and off the field. Written by Aja Griffin The beginnings of the various athletic seasons were marked by more than just practices. It was the time for sports retreats, where teams came together to build bonds, set goals and grow in their faith. These retreats offered athletes a chance to deepen their connections with teammates and prepare for the challenges of the season. Sophomore Kelly Mahawanniarachchi, a member of the tennis team, reflected on her experience. “I was able to bond with the other girls on the team, especially the freshmen, and also spend time creating goals for our season,” Mahawanniarachchi said. “My highlights included our team devotional, going out on the lake and our annual pickleball tournament; I made it to the finals.” Freshman Emily Driskill, a new addition to the tennis team, also shared how their retreat helped her form meaningful relationships with her new teammates. “I had a positive experience overall at the retreat, and I really enjoyed getting to play some team games with everyone,” Driskill said. “It was a great way to start to get to know people. I think the retreat made the team bond very quickly. Already, these are some of my closest friends.” For both Mahawanniarachchi and Driskill, the retreat was not only about team bonding but was also a time to focus on their shared faith. Faith played a significant role in the retreat experience, guiding much of what the team set out to accomplish both personally and collectively. “We had a team devotional on the last morning of the retreat, discussing the importance of giving our anxieties to the Lord and taking small steps each day to grow our faith,” Mahawanniarachchi said. “After the devotional, we all formed a circle and did a group prayer. It was inspiring to hear all the things my teammates are thankful for and to witness them attribute these things to God.” Driskill echoed the idea, describing how faith was woven into the team’s activities from the start. “Faith was something Coach Redding really focused on during the retreat,” Driskill said. “We worshipped together, took communion [and] set spiritual goals for ourselves and the group, and it really was evident how much faith drives our sport. It made me realize just how important it is to put God at the center of everything we do.”
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