Vista Online

Fall/Winter 2001

Tarzan: See Jane Play

Greenville Women's Soccer

There is no jungle, only a field of grass. The women are scantily clad, though rather than plain loincloths they don brightly colored jerseys. Small huts dot the landscape, but they are made of net and steel rather than mud and sticks. The Greenville College women’s soccer team has turned this field of grass into a battleground—where the struggle is not solely physical, but spiritual as well.

Many of the women on Greenville’s soccer team think of each game as an opportunity to participate in the Great Commission. Because of the college’s reputation as a Christian institution, people are watching to see if there is a difference between the other teams and Greenville. By playing with respect for themselves and their opponents, the Lady Panthers try to represent the body of Christ. “Other teams’ coaches say that if you are beaten by Greenville College, at least you know that you will have been beaten fairly,” said freshman soccer player Janet Tomasek.

Like any battle, the season has been a struggle. Occasionally their determination slips, but the team tries to remain strong by holding each other accountable. “One team’s bad attitude made it particularly hard to keep a good outlook,” commented senior teammate Nicole Dillow. During that game, senior Jan Beatty ran by and said, “Nicole, we really need to pray for them.” Dillow said that her perspective changed immediately, as she remembered for whom she was really playing. Despite a tough season, the Lady Panthers were rewarded when a student from an opposing team commented on how impressed she was with Greenville’s positive attitude and clean language.

While missionaries attempt to relate to those with whom they are living, the Lady Panthers try to defeat the other team. According to Coach Robert Johnson, competition takes on an entirely different role when looked at it in the light of Christianity. He says that just like life, we always try to show love for God and for others. Therefore, while the team is working hard to win games, “the other team isn’t the enemy, and we don’t seek to demoralize, or lord it over them,” says Johnson.

By trying to live as Christ, the Greenville College women’s soccer team stumbled onto a jungle that few have dared to explore. Though they might not be daunted by poisonous darts or man-eating lions, their story is no less amazing, and their struggle no less inspiring.

Amanda Bristol

Last updated: July 9, 2001