Belhaven Alumna Amanda Smith Shares Impact of Her Education and Soccer Experience

Amanda Smith, a Belhaven University graduate, is currently a chaplain for women’s professional soccer team NC Courage and a writer for The Christian Athlete. She said her education and athletic experience at Belhaven prepared her for her full-time ministry role.

Smith explained that her time at Belhaven helped her grow holistically as a student-athlete. “God used my experience at Belhaven to shape, mature, and equip me for ministry,” she said. Her degree in education enhanced her communication skills and teaching ability, which she now applies in her ministry work.

She chose Belhaven after transferring from a junior college, seeking a place where she could compete at a high level and enjoy her love of soccer while receiving a well-rounded education. Smith appreciated the smaller classroom environment, which she said allowed her to thrive. She also formed lasting friendships and has fond memories of her time on campus, including game days and moments with teammates.

Smith expressed a particular fondness for the sense of community at Belhaven. “Because of the smaller student population, it’s easy to build deep relationships with classmates, faculty, and teammates,” she said. She still visits the campus when in Jackson, feeling it remains like home.

Today, she stays connected to soccer by playing in an adult league in North Carolina with her husband. She also serves as a soccer chaplain, attending games and enjoying the sport. Smith highlighted her teammates Ashley Harber and Laura Quintero as some of the best she played with, praising their skill and character.

For updates on Belhaven athletics, followers can visit @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram or like the team on Facebook. Supporters are encouraged to contribute through Team Green Giving.

Source: Original Article