CULLMAN, Ala. – Vinemont multi-sport athlete Arleigh Thomason is going into her junior year as an Eagle, and her faith in God has been a massive part of her journey so far. While it’s a large part of her life, Thomason doesn’t want to be defined by sports. She leans on a certain Bible verse to help her get through everyday life.
“To me, God is everything. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Him. The abundant blessings He’s given me is something I will cherish forever. As someone who strives to not be average in the things that I do, He makes me realize that my identity doesn’t come from my sports, academics, or my friends, but it comes from who I am in Him,” Thomason said. “My favorite verse is Philippians 4:6: ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ This verse reminds me that I don’t have to go through struggles alone, and I can bring my worries to God.”
Arleigh wants to do what she can to help countless people have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and she wants to be that kind of example for younger kids in and outside of sports and school.
“Everyone needs God. It doesn’t matter how old you are. It’s never too late to turn from your sin and find God, so to me, it’s very important to help people of all ages find Him, so they can experience the joy and peace of knowing they have a Savior,” Thomason said. “Younger kids are constantly watching and learning from you, whether or not you notice it, so for me, I want to be the best example for them possible at all times. I want them to know they have to work just as hard in the classroom as they do on the court. Your identity isn’t found in your sports or your school work, but your true identity is found in the Lord.”
Her role models are people that she’s grateful to have in her life, and she takes part in a very special church activity.
“My role models are my parents. They’ve had me in church since I was born, and that’s something I’m extremely grateful for. Growing up somewhere where you have like-minded believers around you showing you how to live a Christian life is so important to me. My parents show me and remind me every day how to be a Christian, so I can’t thank them enough,” she said. “I help at Vacation Bible School every year, and it has always been my favorite church activity. Even when I was younger and still participating in VBS, it was one of my favorite weeks of the year. Helping kids learn about God is so heartwarming, because you never know if that’s the only time they get to hear about Him.”
Arleigh gave some advice to those people that want a relationship with God but might be either strugging or are new, and not only has she had a blast playing under some great coaches and with some great teammates in her career, she can’t wait to see what all they do under a new head basketball coach. Their faith has brought them all even closer together on and off the court/field.
“Be consistent. Even if things aren’t going your way, don’t give up on Him. He knows what’s best for you and your life. He has a plan. You just have to put your faith in Him,” she said. “It’s been a pleasure playing for and with some of the best. My former coaches, Bobby Daniels and Emme Willoughby will always be two very memorable coaches. Coach Willoughby always believed in me even when I didn’t. Coach Daniels pushed us all to be the very best we could be. Last year, coach Kaydi Woodard’s first year with us was great. It didn’t end how we wanted it to, but I’m confident that we’re coming back ready for this upcoming season. I can’t wait for this upcoming basketball season with our new coach, Jon Berry. I’m excited to see how we play after losing some great players. The seniors from both the basketball team and the volleyball team were some of my best friends, and I am so sad to not be playing with them anymore. For all sports, we have some pretty big shoes to fill, but I can’t wait to see how we adapt. Faith gives us something bigger than the game to lean on. It strengthens our bond as teammates and also carries into our friendships on and off the court/field.”
She has taken away a very important thing during her walk with the Lord.
“What I’ve learned the most during my walk with God is what He has planned and what you want to happen aren’t always going to line up. You have to trust that what He’s doing is going to be even better than what you could ever imagine.”
