Heart of an Athlete
March 2010
Michael McConathy
Northwestern State University
Men’s Basketball
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Selected Struggle: Worry
Dictionary definition: “To feel uneasy or concerned about something; to be troubled.”
My definition: “To torment oneself with anxieties or troubles.”
Favorite Scripture that deals with worry: Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) – “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Why I chose this verse: “Whenever I worry, reading that verse comforts me and reminds me that God is in control and has it all worked out. We don’t need to worry because God has a plan far greater than we could ever imagine. My mom has always told me that if we go around worrying about our futures we won’t be able to enjoy the present.”
How worrying affects my game: “In basketball, I worry about making the right plays and decisions and about not wanting to let my teammates or coaches down. Really, I should only be concerned about glorifying God through my actions.
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“We don’t need to worry because God has a plan far greater than we could ever imagine.” |
“At the beginning of my college career I worried a lot about things on the court. I was an academic walk-on, and my dad is the coach, so I worried about other people’s perceptions. I figured they thought I was only playing because my dad was the coach. I had to eventually give all of those worries to God and lift them up to Him. As soon as I did that, I could tell a complete difference in my game because I wasn’t putting extra pressure on myself to perform for others.”
How worrying affects my life: “At this point in my life, I tend to worry about what’s next. I’m planning to go to graduate school, which just adds more worries about whether or not I’m making the right decisions or going in the right direction.
“Ultimately I know that the Lord opens doors and will provide for me, so my only responsibility is to trust Him and know that He has it planned out. Just knowing that and being reminded of it takes the worries away.” 
 About the Athlete
Hometown: Natchitoches, La.
Class: Senior
Position: Guard
Career Highlights:
•One of 30 national candidates for the 2009-10 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award
•2009 First-Team CoSIDA Academic All-District VI selection
•Three-time Academic All-Southland Conference selection
FCA Involvement:
Having been involved in FCA since junior high, McConathy was no stranger to the ministry when he came to Northwestern State in 2006. After joining the campus Huddle, he began serving in new ways, leading a Huddle at FCA Camp and attending the FCA National College Conference. Also a member of the Huddle leadership team at NSU, McConathy says FCA adds value and stress relief to his life as a student-athlete.
“FCA helps you get away from the stress of being a college athlete,” he said. “You’re able to be yourself and let your guard down because you feel comfortable in that environment. It gives you another place outside of church to grow closer to God.”
FCA Staff Quote:
“Michael has an uncanny ability to connect with, embrace and love the unlovable—those whom other people discard or cast aside. He has been a faithful servant through FCA during his entire four years at NSU.” – Andy Stroup, Northwest Louisiana FCA Field Associate |
