Kenlee Newcom - All for His Glory

When Western Kentucky defender Kenlee Newcom first stepped on campus, she couldn’t wait for the chance to suit up for the Hilltoppers. But now a sophomore, Newcom has gone through 4 ankle surgeries since her freshman year. Although the process has been lengthy and trying, Kenlee has seen her own development throughout the most difficult of times. Guided by her faith, Newcom says she hopes to use her gifts and platform to inspire love and make a difference.

A Kentucky native, Kenlee Newcom always dreamed about playing soccer at the collegiate level. Growing up, faith was also a part of Kenlee’s life and her development both on and off the field.

“I grew up going to church every Sunday. My parents and grandparents were always great examples of Christ to me. They did an amazing job teaching me what it’s like to be a servant of Christ. I will forever be thankful for that.”

After finishing up her high school career at Daviess County High School, Kenlee made the decision to commit to Western Kentucky and be a part of the program they were building. As she prepares to continue to make an impact for the Hilltoppers, she says faith has driven her throughout her career.

“Faith is the only reason I’ve made it this far in my soccer career. Every time I step foot on the field I know I’m playing to glorify Him. I read Colossians 3:23 before every game. It helps me remember that this is just a game and I get to work at it with all my heart for His glory.”

After arriving on campus, Kenlee did not appear in a game throughout her freshman year due to her ankle injuries. She says that during one of the most difficult times in her life, she began to drift from her faith.

“During those times there were countless moments I wanted to just quit. It ran through my head daily. All I wanted to do was play soccer, but I was stuck on crutches watching my teammates get to play the game I loved. I was bitter. I wasn’t Kenlee. I look back at pictures from this time in my life and I hardly recognize myself. I was in a dark place and nothing could pull me out of it. I was so mad at God.”

Kenlee says that as the emotions poured out and she saw herself fall further from her faith, she decided one Sunday to randomly go to church with her teammates. It became a monumental point of her life.

“Ever since that Sunday my life has changed dramatically. I drove deeper into God’s word, I did bible studies every morning, I started helping out in the church, I went to church every Sunday and Monday. My outlook on life did a complete 180. I started looking at everything through God’s eyes, knowing this would end as a victory for me. Faith is the reason I’m still here today.”

After making her first collegiate appearance during her sophomore campaign, Kenlee has gotten back to the game she loves. While there is no guarantee that the hardships are behind her, she says that she has developed a new mindset and hopes to instead use all the parts of her life, good and bad, to point others to Jesus.

“There would be times where I would have a bad game or a bad practice and it would be the end of the world. It’s like nothing else mattered. I quickly figured out that’s not how a child of God lives. Now when I face rough patches during soccer, it amplifies my faith. When I start the negative thoughts, I stop what I’m doing and pray. I’ve grown tremendously as an athlete and a person from doing this.”

As Kenlee and the Hilltoppers look to build on a strong 2021 season, Kenlee hopes to do so with faith as her guide. Crediting her teammates for being the biggest supporters throughout the ups and downs of her journey, Kenlee says she can’t wait to continue to grow with them in and out of soccer. Although the future is uncertain and Kenlee knows that adversity may continue to find her, she says she has learned to trust in God’s plan and know that He is always in control.