Strength Through The Struggles
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
-Ephesians 2:8-10
Named the NWSL 2019 Goalkeeper of the Year, Aubrey Bledsoe has become one of the most revered athletes in the NWSL. As the Goalkeeper for the Washington Spirit, she has impressed many for her impressive numbers on the field but also for her passionate work away from the field as she has used her platform to share her faith and help influence numerous lives for the better.
As Aubrey has grown as an athlete on the field, she has also been using her career as an opportunity to point others to Jesus.
“My faith in God influences everything about my soccer career. I’m still playing professional soccer because I believe that is what God has called me to right now. I’ve played overseas and now in DC and think of myself as a ‘missionary disguised as a soccer player.’ My faith in Christ allows me to play freely and not be as motivated by fear.” Her fearlessness is evident on the field as Bledsoe has become a force for the Spirit and helped guide them to many victories both on and off the field, driven by her desire to use the game of soccer to make a difference in the world. That same faith has been the motivating force behind Bledsoe and her success.
Every time she takes the field she doesn’t look at it as an opportunity to glorify herself, but instead use soccer as her form of worship to give all glory to God. “I used to get upset when my team lost or be afraid of making mistakes, but as I grow in my faith I know that God loves me completely and it removes some of the pressure to perform. Soccer influences my faith because I see it as a form of worship. I love being out on the field feeling like I’m doing exactly what the Lord has created me to do and I know he is pleased with me.” Faith has also helped Bledsoe get through both the highs and the lows that have accompanied her throughout her young career as well. 
In 2016, she broke her leg and was out for the year. At the time it seemed like a devastating blockade in her career’s path, but instead it led her to become stronger both physically and spiritually. “My faith has kept me rooted through the many highs and lows that come in professional soccer. I broke my leg in 2016 and was a backup goalkeeper for many years before becoming a regular starter. I’ve had to trust in God’s timing and be patient, allowing Him to work in and through me as He’s developing me.”
Bledsoe has also held a verse close that reminds her to not get caught up in the results of the game but live freely as a follower of Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-10 which says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This verse has kept Aubrey grounded and humbled. “This is my favorite verse because it reminds me that my salvation is through Christ alone and there’s nothing I’ve done or can do to earn it.” That faith reminds Aubrey that even if she has a tough game for the Spirit or a clean sheet, she remains strengthened by the hope in Jesus and that He will be there through all of the highs and the lows. And that is the story Bledsoe looks to share with the world through the game of soccer.
*Photos courtesy of Jamie Smed
