Jessica Schultz: A Special Opportunity

Playing volleyball at John Brown University was the best decision I ever made. I never thought this would be the place that the Lord would bring me to, but I am so glad He did. My past four years have been filled with so much joy, and I am forever grateful for the relationships I built. I would have never expected the ways the Lord blessed me at JBU.

I chose John Brown University because it provided me an opportunity to play the sport I love and earn my nursing degree. It is hard to find a program that allows its student-athletes to major in nursing, and I am grateful for the sacrifices Coach Carver made to allow to me to be a part of this team. It was my life-long dream to play college volleyball and study nursing.

Being a student-athlete is no easy feat. It requires dedication, discipline and hard work, but it was the most rewarding experience. I am thankful for the support and flexibility of my professors, who always spent extra time to make sure I had what I needed to be successful. My time at JBU has equipped me to be a nurse and I am ready to step into my new career and share the love of Christ.

At JBU, I was pushed in all areas of my life: physically, academically and spiritually. I saw improvement in my abilities on the court and in the classroom, but most importantly, I grew in my walk with the Lord. My relationship with the Lord has always been a priority, but at JBU, I was pushed to examine what I believe and why I believe it. I am forever grateful for the coaches, professors, and faculty that have shaped me into who I am today. I am leaving JBU with a deeper relationship with Christ and a bolder faith.

Looking back, I can’t remember what games were won or lost, who we played, or how I performed. Trophies will always sit in cases and collect dust, but the memories and relationships formed with my teammates are what I take with me. JBU volleyball brought me lifelong relationships and I am forever grateful for the memories I made with my team. I will always cherish the time I spent at John Brown and the opportunity I had to represent my university. It was an honor to be a Golden Eagle.

Jessica, a three-time All-Sooner Athletic first team and 2019 NAIA All-America honorable mention selection, will graduate this spring with her nursing degree. She will now begin working in the cardiac unit at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, Ark.