Jacob Gonzalez - Surrender

One of the top players in college baseball today, Jacob Gonzalez has quickly become a premier prospect in the upcoming 2023 MLB Draft. The Ole Miss shortstop has been a starter since he arrived on campus, and has helped guide the Rebels throughout his time in Oxford. In the midst of it all, Jacob remains one of the most humble and selfless players and human beings as he looks to use his gifts to give back. Throughout his career, Jacob has been supported by his girlfriend, Taylor, as they both lean on faith and look to spread love and kindness everywhere that they go.

Taylor Stavnes, a student at Ole Miss, says that growing up she was searching to date somebody who not only pursued her but who pursued Christ. Growing up around the church, Taylor says that she has grown up with faith as a priority and has been blessed by the support system that has surrounded her.

Taylor’s parents adopted her youngest brother, Elijah when she was 7. She says that was her first glimpse of mission and trusting in God’s plan. After joining the worship team when she was in middle school, she says she has been able to use her gifts to point others to Jesus. Through these experiences, Taylor says she has learned about what service and giving back mean.

“Adoption created in me a love for missions. I have found that there is no greater joy than getting to serve and love His people. Leading worship has taught me that, though I’m the one on the stage, this is not about me in any way. Rather, worship is a reflection of Him. All the glory is His. My hope is that every word sung, and everything I do, points others back to Him.”

As Taylor was growing in her own faith, she met a player on the baseball team named Jacob Gonzalez. Taylor says that since their very first date, she has been blown away by his humility and heart for others.

“Jacob has shown me a willingness to build his faith alongside me. It is refreshing to have someone eager to grow with me. God is in the middle of our relationship, it’s Him who strengthens us. I pray that He is continually at the center and that our relationship glorifies Him.”

Jacob Gonzalez has been a star for the Rebels since his freshman season. As he has grown over the years both on and off the field, he credits his faith for being the reason that he is here today.

“I believe that since God has given me the gift of playing baseball, I start each game with the mindset that the glory is His. I have started writing ‘Audience of One’ in the dirt before each game to remind me that it all points back to Him.”

Jacob also says that through the game of baseball, he has seen his faith grow through the relationships he has built with those around him.

“Baseball has had a positive impact on my faith. When I made the decision to start building my faith, a coach of mine helped me. He encourages me as a coach, but also as a mentor to help me to grow more in my faith.”

Jacob also credits his growth in his faith journey to Taylor. His biggest supporter, Jacob says that having Taylor in his life has allowed them both to grow together as they look to serve those around them.

“My faith has increased in strength and understanding since meeting Taylor. We began going to church together, which encouraged me to want to learn more. I believe the Holy Spirit lived through her to help grow my faith. With her encouragement and my desire to grow my faith, it made it easy.

Throughout their time at Ole Miss, both Jacob and Taylor say they could not be more grateful for the chance to grow at each other’s side. As Jacob finishes up the season with the Rebels, he will likely be an early first-round selection in the 2023 MLB Draft. However, Jacob’s focus remains on today and treasuring every moment. Working on surrender, Taylor says they look to always live for something greater than themselves and serve God through it all.

“Surrender, by a worldly definition, is to accept defeat. However, surrendering to God is to step into freedom. It is such a beautiful thing to be able to lay down your burdens, anxieties, and ambitions at the feet of the One who created you and allow Him to have full control over your life.”