Chasing Dreams Against the Odds

I first spotted the picture during my sophomore year in high school. I stood outside the school counselor’s office, watching students flip through college yearbooks. I entered the office and picked up several yearbooks from different colleges, but one from Ouachita Baptist University caught my eye. Ouachita boasted an impressive basketball team, with a player towering at 7 feet tall. As someone just 5 feet tall, I found that incredible.

I hurried home to share my newfound dream with my parents—I wanted to attend Ouachita and play on their basketball team. It was an ambitious goal, especially since my high school lacked a basketball team. While county schools had teams, our city school did not.

Undeterred, I asked my parents if I could transfer to a county school to play basketball. They declined, citing the distance. However, my dad, my biggest supporter in sports, promised to create a practice area for me in the field behind our house.

Dad, who worked for the power and light company, had access to large power poles. One day, he brought one home, set it up in the field, and then bought a basketball goal with a net, building a backboard himself. This became my personal practice area, and for the next three years, I used it every day until I graduated high school.

Have you ever pursued a plan, goal, or dream despite seemingly impossible odds? Many people saw my efforts and, though polite, didn’t believe in my achieving the impossible. My prayer was that even though it seemed impossible that with God all things are possible.

I followed my dream to Ouachita, determined to join the basketball team. I had no scholarship, I was short, and I lacked experience playing on a school team. Yet, I was fast, determined, and had honed my skills for three years.

When tryouts day arrived, I walked into the gym with confidence. I knew I would make the team. I gave my all, growing stronger and making an impression on the coach. After several months of tryouts, the coach sent us back to our dorms, promising to call with the results.

Despite my confidence, uncertainty lingered. I prayed God you know how much I have worked for this moment and I know the odds are not in my favor but please part the odds to help me achieve my dream. The coach admired my determination and perseverance, and I had earned a spot on the team

I made the team, and I was ecstatic! I was officially a Ouachita Baptist University Tigerette, part of a nationally ranked team. As a first-year freshman, this was a significant achievement, especially given the challenges I faced.

The coach called me into her office and explained that I made the team because of my determination. Although I wasn’t on scholarship, she promised to find opportunities for me to play whenever possible. None of that mattered; I had made the team and was living my dream.

Have you ever let someone else’s doubts deter you from pursuing a goal? Have you ever wanted to chase an opportunity but couldn’t overcome the negativity around you?

It’s not too late to believe in yourself again. Reignite your passion and pursue your dreams with renewed vigor. If you’ve faced setbacks, use them as fuel for your comeback.

With God by your side who can be against you! Trust that your hard work and dedication will pay off. It’s never too late to dream big, take action, and turn your aspirations into reality. Your best days are still ahead, seize them.