The clip of three University of Oklahoma softball players mentioning their faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ when asked how they play the game has gotten a ton of attention.

Sports, particularly college athletics, are often high-pressured and filled with moments or plays that can make or break an entire season. The competition at the NCAA level is fierce, with everyone seeking to gain an advantage, within the boundaries of the rules, of course.

However, three members of the University of Oklahoma softball team explained how and why they don’t let the pressure of big moments get to them. In a clip posted on YouTube, the young women stated that they understand that softball is not the end all, be all. 

The 4-and-a-half-minute clip begins with an ESPN reporter asking one of the players, Grace Lyons, how she keeps the joy throughout an entire softball season. The young woman, in her answer, cited the one, true and only source of joy: Jesus Christ.

“Well, the only way that you can have a joy that doesn’t fade away is from the Lord,” Grace said. “And any other type of joy is actually happiness that comes from circumstances and outcomes.”

Another player, Jayda Coleman, chimed in and agreed with her teammate’s response.

“One thousand percent agree with Grace Lyons,” Jayda said. 

Jayda added that their team is able to stay and play relaxed on the field because winning or losing a game does not define them.

“Yes, obviously, we worked our butts off to be here and we want to win,” Jayda said. “But it’s not the end of the world because our life is in Christ and that’s all that matters.”

Alyssa Brito added that she understands trophies are nice, but Earth is not her home. She said she knows Heaven, with her Father, is her home.

“No matter the outcome, whether we get a trophy in the end or not, this isn’t our home,” she said. “And I think that’s what amazing about it is, we have so much more. We have an eternity of joy with our Father, and I’m so excited about that.”

Two days after these young ladies spoke so moving and openly about their faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, they would go on to win the Women’s College World Series. 

Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope make you full of joy and peace through faith, so that all hope may be yours in the power of the Holy Spirit.”