“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
-James 1:2-4
A two time World Cup Winner and the youngest member of the 2015 USA Women’s World Cup Team, Morgan Brian Gautrat has been no stranger to success throughout her young career in soccer. As she made the women’s national team and became one of the most consistent players in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), she says it is her faith that has guided her throughout the years to where she is today.
Growing up off the coast of Georgia in St. Simon’s Island, Morgan says faith has always been a part of her life.
Morgan’s mom, Vickie, says she always emphasized keeping faith first in their house. “My primary priority as a mother is to introduce Jesus Christ and raise my girls in a Christian home. As a mother, I also want them to feel loved and supported no matter where they are in their journey. Being there to listen, encourage, correct, provide different points of view, celebrate achievements, and be an example of God’s love.” That foundation for the Brian’s remains an important part of their life today. Morgan soon attended the University of Virginia, where she caught the attention of the US Women’s National Team. 
She was invited to be a part of the World Cup roster, and throughout the experience she says it was her faith that kept her grounded. “Around 2014-2015, there was a turning point in my life. Being on the US national team at a young age and constantly in the pressure cooker, I leaned on my faith every time I turned around. Transitioning into becoming a professional soccer player on the best team in the world, juggling college soccer, and my studies all at the same time proved to be a very difficult mix. Sometimes I didn’t see a way through, but every time I turned to the Lord he renewed my strength, confidence, and peace.” The success of the team soon transpired into a World Cup victory in 2015 and again in 2019. 
Morgan became one of the most admired athletes on the team, and her success has continued throughout her career. Still young and with plenty of years ahead of her, she continues to emphasize gratitude and growth in every situation. “All of my experiences playing soccer and competing at the highest level have shaped me into who I am today. Soccer has been the vehicle which I have learned everything about life. Faith being the most important part of me that has flourished over the years. I have not only learned, but truly experienced the Lord’s peace that surpasses all understanding, renewing my strength when I didn’t think I had anymore left, and the good and the bad working together for my good even though I sometimes don’t understand it fully.”
As Morgan continues to compete at the highest level, currently with the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL, she says her faith plays a key role in her career. “Faith has been the foundation of my soccer career. First and foremost, I wouldn’t have a soccer career without the gifts given to me by the Lord. 
My faith has been the one constant in my life through all of the ups and downs that come in a professional athlete’s career. There have been really low valleys over the years that my faith has pulled me through. Without it, I would have never been able to persevere on my own strength.” She says her faith helped her through difficult times in her career, such as sustaining injuries early in her career. “When I experienced my first few injuries during the Olympic year in 2016, I didn’t know how to deal with the emotional and physical toll it takes on you especially in such a big year. I questioned the Lord, I was angry with the Lord, I tried to be in control at every moment. Soccer has taught me a lot about life over the years, and I have learned the most about my faith and myself through all of the most difficult times.”
Vickie Brian is so proud of who her daughter has become. One of the most respected and looked up to athletes in the sport today, 
Morgan continues to have an impact on the lives of so many. Although she is incredibly talented in soccer, Vickie says she is most proud of who Morgan is away from the game. “Her compassion, kind heart, humility, strength of character, and determination are at her core. To have been a part of her growth as a Christian has truly been a blessing. God has used the challenges she has faced over the last 4 years to grow and strengthen her faith. Learning to trust Him with everything is difficult – it means we have to relinquish control and keep our eyes on heavenly things and not earthly. It also means learning that nothing can happen to us as believers without God allowing it. I have been blessed.”
