By Maddy Gibson, Senior, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy
My school day at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy starts with locking away my phone and heading to government class. Like most high school students, I am balancing homework, friendships, sports, and other responsibilities. School is not always my favorite part of the day, but I enjoy seeing my friends and teachers.
When the final bell rings, I am ready for football practice!
After a difficult day, stepping onto the field helps me forget about everything else for a while. I love the energy of the games, the excitement of tournaments, and working toward something with my teammates. Football gives me something to look forward to.
My love for football started when I watched my two older brothers play. By middle school, I was playing flag football with friends during recess. At my first high school, there was no girls’ team, so I played on the boys’ team alongside my brother, coached by my dad.
When I transferred to Rio Lindo as a sophomore, I finally joined a girls’ flag football team. What I love most about being on a team is knowing I am never alone. My teammates encourage and challenge me, especially my co-captain, Cyara Guarin. I try to offer that same encouragement and be someone teammates can approach for advice or support. Even on difficult days, I try to bring enthusiasm to practice.
Being a student-athlete is not always easy. Balancing academics, sports, friendships, and responsibilities takes work, and I am still figuring it out. Thankfully, our volunteer coaches, George and Laura Barcenas, have taught me lessons beyond football. They encourage us to work hard, stay committed, enjoy the game, and give our best.
Football builds character, not just athletic skills. It teaches teamwork, responsibility, commitment, and leadership. I have learned that being a leader means listening, encouraging others, and showing up ready to give my best, even when I do not feel like it. These lessons will stay with me long after high school.
My faith also shapes how I approach sports and life. I love competing, but football is about more than winning. I want to play hard while respecting opponents, encouraging teammates, and reflecting God’s love. How I treat people matters just as much as how I perform on the field.
One of my favorite Bible verses is John 13:7, where Jesus tells Peter, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand” (ESV). It reminds me that I will not always understand everything happening in my life. When things do not go as planned, I am learning patience and trusting that God knows what is ahead.
I hope to become someone who leads by example, has strong faith in God, and makes a positive difference in others’ lives. I want people to know they can come to me when they need someone and see God’s love through my actions.
If someone only saw me wearing my football jersey, I would not want them to judge me by my performance or whether my team wins. I would want them to see someone who works hard, cares about others, and does not give up easily. Most of all, I love Jesus with all my heart, and I hope I can show His love through my actions.
At Rio Lindo, I am growing in the classroom, on the football field, and through relationships with others. I do not know exactly what my future holds, but I am discovering the kind of person I want to become. To me, that is worth more than winning any game.
Know Jesus. Grow in your relationship with Jesus. Share Jesus.
A Place to Grow. A Light to the World.
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