AT H L E T I C S F E AT U R E
Breanna Newberg In the midday heat of early June, Breanna Newberg was running laps around Viking Stadium in her combat boots. The ‘22 grad was doing what she always does: training hard to be the best for whatever challenge is coming next. And her next challenge might be the most difficult one yet as she packed up and left for the Air Force Academy just a month after graduation. The two-time state champion goalkeeper will play soccer for the Falcons as she studies engineering. Breanna’s list of academic and athletic achievements is lengthy—a testament to her intelligence, determination, drive and work ethic. But as she spoke to her classmates at commencement, Breanna was clear that accolades aren’t enough. She said, “Prioritizing worldly achievements over God is exhausting. You will be in a constant cycle of trying to prove yourself, and it is impossible to be the best at everything. No matter how hard you try, you will fall short. But that’s okay. God does not want us to be the best. He just wants us to do our best to live for Him.” Before she left for the Academy, we talked with Breanna about her time at Lakeland Christian, her advice for younger teammates and where she sees herself in the future.
PRIORITIZING WORLDLY ACHIEVEMENTS OVER GOD IS EXHAUSTING. YOU WILL BE IN A CONSTANT CYCLE OF TRYING TO PROVE YOURSELF... Photos by BA Schmitt & Sandy Johnson
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