How Lacrosse Taught Me About Encouragement, Mentorship, and Faith
During Lent, our confirmation students met with mentors to talk about faith and life—growing in identity, belonging, and purpose through caring relationships. Together they also co-wrote reflections on a Bible verse, and we’ll be sharing these devotionals throughout the Easter season as an invitation to embrace thoughtful dialogue and respond to God’s grace with love in the world.
This devotional was written by 8th grader Everett Hamilton and his mentor Beckie Jones
I had only recently started playing lacrosse, and at first, everything felt new and unfamiliar. I didn’t know how to properly hold the stick or scoop up the ball, but my friends and coaches stepped in as mentors. They showed me the basics, corrected my mistakes, and encouraged me to keep trying even when it was frustrating. Because of them, I started to feel more confident every day.
One day at practice, we did a drill where one person would take a shot on the goalie, Jaymo, while the rest of us had to decide if we thought they would score. If we guessed wrong, we had to run. Every time someone stepped up to shoot, I believed in them and said they would make it, even when they didn’t. Because of that, I ended up running over and over again. My friends Declan and Hayden noticed this and started encouraging everyone to believe in me when it was finally my turn. Still, only about three-quarters of the team said I would make the shot.
I stepped up, took a breath, and shot the ball…
It went in !!!
Afterward, Jaymo came up to me and said, “I think you were being nice to everyone, even after they missed, and a few didn’t do the same for you. So I let that one in to teach them a lesson.” That moment stuck with me. It showed me not only the importance of believing in others, but also how much mentors can teach us, sometimes in unexpected ways.
Proverbs 11:25 says “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” At the start of the season, my teammates and coaches helped me learn the fundamentals of lacrosse and encouraged me to keep going. I appreciated their motivation and have been positive towards my teammates which is why I encouraged them as they took their shot during the practice drill.
Prayer: God, I’ve learned so much, not just about lacrosse, but about teamwork, encouragement, and confidence. I’m grateful for all the mentors in my life, my coaches and my friends—who have helped guide me on this journey. I look forward to the mentors You will continue to provide for me, and I look forward to the opportunities You will provide for me to be a mentor. In Jesus name, Amen.
