Arie Hackett, a freshman on the Indiana Wesleyan University softball team, was baptized in the IWU aquatics center last January. Head Coach Steve Babinski walked with Hackett in her decision to proclaim her faith publicly.

"As much as we are chasing a national championship, we are taking time out to give to God," said Babinski. "It's about understanding that we're not enough, but Jesus chooses us, and not just despite our shortcomings, but because of our shortcomings."

Babinski prays for spiritual growth opportunities that are best for the softball team. In the past, the team has had discipleship groups, worship gatherings, and Bible studies built into practice.

"I've tried my very best to be sensitive to what God's doing with each individual team," said Babinski. "Each year is a little different."

Hackett decided to get baptized after rededicating her life to Christ at Summit this year. One of the first people she went to was Coach Babinski.

"He was just so excited for me, absolutely lit up," said Hackett. "'If you want me to baptize you, I absolutely will. If you don't want me to be any part of it, that's totally okay too. Either way, I'm so excited for you,' and just prayed over me."

After praying about the decision, Hackett decided that she wanted Babinski to baptize her in hopes of a ripple effect for anyone who witnessed it.

"We ended up doing it in the pool here at IWU, as everyone knows, has big glass windows, and we did it at 5:00 p.m when the REC opens," said Hackett. "(Anyone) could look in and see that happening."

Hackett asked two of her close friends, Natalee McNeil and Jennah Yost, to dunk her in the pool. McNeil is a sophomore on the team who grew up playing softball with Hackett.

"When Arie asked me to baptize her, it was just the sweetest thing. I started crying," said McNeil. "Just being someone that was in the pool with her and dunking her in the water to clean her from the sins and then bring her up into like God's redemption and God's plan for her life is just, that's a different type of accountability."

IWU softball attempts to prioritize their faith over anything. Hackett's baptism is just one example of how the team is excited for the Lord to work.

"We're here to do so much more than trying to win a national championship," said McNeil. We're here to pray over teams. We're here to introduce people to Jesus."

To hear more stories on how God is working in and through IWU Athletics, please click HERE.

Story written by: Abby Harvey, The Sojourn





#