Sarah Jones is a senior on the Wheaton women's basketball team this season. She enters her final season with the Thunder as a team captain for the 2009-10 campaign. Below is an interview with the Thunder guard.
Q: What is your major?
A: Sociology
Q: Why did you choose to attend and play basketball at Wheaton?
A: I chose to attend Wheaton to play basketball because I wanted to be a part of a solid program that was committed to working hard for the glory of God. When I visited Wheaton, I saw the connection the girls had with each other and how passionate and hard working girls like Chase Pouns and Libby Passiales were. I knew I wanted to be a part of the Wheaton program. Meeting the girls and talking to the coaches only further confirmed this. As I sought counsel and through much prayer, it became clear that Wheaton was the place for me.
Q: What do you enjoy most about Wheaton?
A: I am enjoying being challenged in my faith constantly through my years at Wheaton. It has been such a joy to experience how the Lord is using so many different aspects of Wheaton to deepen my faith.
The Lord has used and is using DSG, classes, professors such as Dr. Kim, Dr. Root, Dr. Laansma, and Dr. Pattison, teammates, friends, roommates, chapel, coaches, and basketball to point me to the cross. Wheaton provides so many opportunities to learn and grow in community. The Lord has used this place greatly to change my life.
Q: What do you enjoy most about playing basketball at Wheaton?
A: I have most enjoyed the bond that has developed between my teammates and I through the game of basketball. Wheaton basketball has opened my eyes to the sweet sisterhood we have in the body of Christ, which is eternally secure. We not only hold each other accountable to a high standard on the court, but off the court as well. It has been awesome to learn with my teammates that ultimately our identity is in Christ and not in basketball.
I also enjoy the freedom that comes with playing for Christ and with other sisters. Because we ultimately play for Christ, it frees us up to fully play our game, taking our eyes off of ourselves for the good of the whole, as we strive to learn what it means to glorify God with our athletic ability. The lessons I have learned with my teammates through basketball have molded me and prepared me better for life after college.
Q: Talk a little about coach Baker and coach Madsen, what do you appreciate about working with them
A: Both coach Baker and coach Madsen care about us as players, but much more than that, as Christians. I so appreciate how both coaches are committed to ministry, always willing to offer a listening ear as well as a piece of wisdom about basketball or life.
Coach Madsen is such an encourager. He has taught me that hard work always pays off, whether on the court or in producing character.
Coach Baker has taught me that life is not easy and Christ is the only firm foundation. Both coaches are honest and vulnerable in their story and weaknesses, using it to push us on in our walk. I so appreciate coach Baker and coach Madsen’s commitment to the Lord first and foremost.
