CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman junior basketball player Zoe Snider thanks God for the many blessings that He has brought into her life, and that has made her journey even more inspirational. She leans on a couple of Bible verses to help her get through everyday life.
“God has meant so much to me, and He has helped me through some of my hardest times in my life. I know that He will always be there for me. He has changed my life in the best way, and walking in faith has brought so much joy into my life,” Snider said. “My favorite Bible verses are Philippians 4:6-7 and Ephesians 3:20. These verses have changed my life, because they are a constant reminder of God’s peace and blessings. These verses have changed others’ lives, because I’m able to share how much they have helped me with everyone around me.”
Helping people of all ages find God and being a role model for so many kids are extremely important to Zoe.
“It’s very important to me, because anyone and everyone can be saved at any time in their life. They just have to believe and have faith. I think everyone deserves that chance,” Snider said. “It means so much to me to be a role model to younger kids, because I know when I was their age, I wanted to be just like all the older girls I saw on the court, and now, I get to be that for others. It also means so much to me that I get to use my sport to show the love of God and to glorify Him every day through that.”
There have been so many role models in Zoe’s life that has helped her become the person that she is today. She goes to a very special event every year with her youth group, and her life, along with so many others, get changed in more ways than one.
“My role models are my parents, for all of the love and support they’ve shown me, and how much they encourage me every day. My youth pastor is also one of my biggest role models, because he has shown me how to really live for Jesus. My sports role models are Steph Curry and Caitlin Clark, and it’s not just because I want to model my game after them, but it’s also because of the way they use their platforms to share their faith,” she said. “Every year with our youth group, we help at the ABCH Camp of Champions in Shocco Springs, and that has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life. Seeing how much of an impact we have on the foster kids and their lives is amazing, and seeing how much we help them grow closer to God is so special. It has helped me and others in my youth group grow closer to God, and it has allowed us all to be more grateful for what we have.”
She was around a great group of girls during basketball season, and they all grew in their faith together on and off the court, and she had a blast playing for first-year head coach Tammy West.
“It was so special playing with this group of girls this year. We were all so close on and off the court, and I think that really helped our on-court performance. All of the girls are also grounded in their faith, and that brought us together as well, because we were able to have faith in God. Our faith played a huge part in our success this season, because we were all united in faith, and we had so many people in the community praying for us and reaching out in any way they could,” she said. “It was so amazing playing for coach West. She is such a great coach, and I’m so thankful to have her in my life. She pushes us to be not only the best basketball player, but the best person we can be. She cares so much about everyone on the team.”
She gave advice to those people who are either new or are struggling when it comes to having a relationship with God. Praying every day is so important to Zoe, and she wants to continue to go out and spread His love to people of all ages.
“My advice would be to surround yourself with other believers who will be there and support you in every step of the way. I would also say read the Bible and get into God’s word, because it will help you grow closer to Him,” she said. “I always pray when I wake up in the morning, because I feel like it helps me start off my day in a good way, and I pray for peace and safety before every game. What I’ve learned during my walk with God is that showing God’s love to others really impacts their life, and I want to be a light to all of those around me so they can know God. I think I’ve made a positive impact on kids’ lives, and I try my best to be a good role model on and off the court, and show the love of God in everything I do.”
