A Lesson in Trusting God’s Process
In the summer of 2012, after a year of college at Oakland University (MI), I was obsessed with one goal—making the inaugural Bob Jones University men’s soccer team. I trained relentlessly, giving everything I had to be prepared. My parents and I drove down from Sterling Heights, Michigan, to Greenville, South Carolina, on three separate occasions that summer just to have another chance to be seen by Coach Jesse McCormick. When I saw my name on the roster, I was ecstatic! All that hard work and time finally paid off. But I wasn’t prepared for what would happen next.
At our first team meeting, practice gear was being handed out to everyone. But when my name was called, Coach McCormick paused and said they had to sort something out first. I was confused. Moments later, I was pulled aside by BJU’s Athletic Director at the time, Dr. Neal Ring. He explained that I didn’t have enough credits that transferred from Oakland University and wouldn’t be eligible to play in games that season.
I’m not an overly emotional guy, but I broke down in tears. I had worked so hard for this moment, and now I was being told I couldn’t play. But here’s where something amazing happened—this was the moment God started working on my heart. I realized I had been worshiping soccer, not Him. That night, I asked God to forgive me for putting the game above Him. A peace came over me that I will never forget.
When I called my parents to break the news, I wasn’t devastated—I was at peace. I knew God had a plan, even if I didn’t understand it yet.
An Unexpected Turn of Events
Despite my ineligibility, I still planned to train with the team. The next morning, I showed up for our first 6:00 AM session, ready to put in the work. Soon after that first session, Dr. Ring called me over. Not exactly who I wanted to see at that moment! But this time, he had a smile on his face.
He had personally visited the National Christian College Athletic Association headquarters in Greenville, SC, to explain my situation. And just like that, everything changed. I was reclassified as a second-semester freshman and was officially eligible to play! What a roller coaster!
At that next training session, you better believe I was the most motivated player on the field!
Looking back, I often wonder—what if I hadn’t surrendered my situation to God? Would things have worked out the way they did? Only He knows. But I do know this: when you trust in God’s plan, He will lead you to places that He wants you to go.
My favorite Bible verses, Proverbs 3:5-6, say it best:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.”
And that’s exactly what He did. He directed me from BJU to 323 Sports.
From Soccer Player to Salesman
I met the co-owners of 323 Sports, Mike Paramore and Keith Rogers during my senior year at BJU. They came to speak in one of my Sport Management classes. Shortly after meeting, Mike called me and casually asked how my ping-pong game was—and somehow, that turned into a job opportunity. And no, my game wasn’t great… at least not until I put in some serious reps in the office later on!
And now, I’m closing in on 10 years with 323 Sports as a sales rep. Crazy to think about.
Lessons from My Soccer Journey at BJU
1) Hard work opens doors, but faith keeps them open. Preparation is important, but trusting in God’s plan is even more vital.
2) Setbacks can be setups for something greater. What seems like a disappointment might actually be positioning you for a breakthrough.
3) True peace comes from surrendering to God. When you let go of your own plans and trust Him, He provides a peace that surpasses understanding.
4) God works through unexpected ways. A closed door might lead to an even bigger opportunity—stay faithful, and He will guide your steps.
5) Trust in God’s timing. Things may not happen the way you expect, but when you trust Him fully, He will lead you exactly where you need to be.
Closing Thoughts
Sports have a way of shaping who we are, both on and off the field. If you’re reading this and we haven’t connected yet, let’s change that. Whether you need high-quality gear for your team or want to talk soccer, I’d love to chat!
About The Author
Travis Woodham is a sales rep here at 323 Sports and is our resident soccer expert. As you’ve read above, he played collegiately at Bob Jones University, where he was a league MVP and team captain as a senior. He was also recently selected as a member of the BJU All-Decade team! Travis is a self-proclaimed “closet competitor” – i.e, he’s quietly boiling inside if there’s even a chance that he might lose. Don’t believe it? Play him in Rocket League. 🎮👀
Travis is married to his wife, Morgan, and they have two sons – Theo and Crew.
