Story by Adam Redfern, Contributing writer
Murray State’s women’s basketball freshman guard Paige Barrett will embark on a mission trip in Warsaw, Poland, where she hopes to strengthen her love of God while playing the game she loves.
Barrett will be traveling through the program Athletes in Action, an organization devoted to helping athletes think and live biblically at the intersection of sport and Christianity, according to their website. Barrett first heard about the program toward the end of the regular season for the Racers.
“I found Athletes in Action and the opportunity when I was at the OVC tournament in Evansville,” Barrett said. “After our game against Belmont, one of the leaders for the trip came up to me and asked if I would apply for a spot on the roster. After praying about it and consulting with my parents and coaches, I decided to apply.”
Barrett and fellow athletes will be able to experience Warsaw for 15 days, from May 20 to June 4. They help coach a team camp, and the athletes will play against the Polish 18U national team. The Polish national team has accomplished numerous notable feats, including finishing third in 1992 and third in 2000.
Barrett has worked hard to earn this opportunity to share her faith, being one of a few chosen Division I athletes.
“I’m excited to build my leadership skills and learn ways to share my faith through basketball,” Barrett said. “I chose the program because it incorporates some of the most important things in my life: God and basketball.”
Growing up, Barrett was raised in a Christian home. She credits her family for introducing her to God. Since becoming a Racer, her teammates and coaches have helped her develop her relationship with Christ.
“I got really serious about my relationship with Jesus when I came to Murray this past summer,” Barrett said. “It wasn’t until I met my coaches and some of my teammates that I really started to see growth in my relationship with Christ. They helped me get plugged into church, start volunteering and I joined a Bible study group.”
Racer women’s basketball Head Coach Rechelle Turner has been instrumental in Barrett’s involvement with her faith. The first-year head coach said she has employed several initiatives to help bolster the character of her players, both on and off the court.
“We are a God, family, basketball program,” Turner said. “We believe in planting seeds in our players lives and watching God water and grow those seeds. One thing we do weekly is that we have a character coach that comes in and talks to our players about different life and sports situations. Our players are exposed to opportunities to grow their faith and share their faith as servant leaders to each other.”
Turner’s commitment to growing her players spiritually was echoed when Barrett approached her about embarking on the trip. The trip will force Barrett to miss summer workouts with the team. However, Turner told Barrett the opportunity was too good to pass up.
“She talked to me about wanting to go to Poland,” Turner said. “It will require her to miss part of the our summer workouts. I encouraged her to apply and assured her that she had my blessing.”
Barrett’s trip is estimated to cost $4,500, and she is looking for help with the costs. If you would like to help fund Barrett’s mission trip you can do so at the link below.
Big news! I just got accepted to participate in a mission trip where i get to combine my faith and play for a basketball team with Athletes in Action. I need to raise $4500 so please donate & retweet!!! All Glory to God ????? https://t.co/sn1RcbbXIL
— Paige Barrett (@11PaigeBarrett) April 7, 2018
