Silver Fern plays to please God

Grace Rasmussen has been included in the Silver Fern Squad for the Constellation Cup series beginning Oct 20.

As recently as last year she wasn’t considered good enough to go to the Commonwealth Games.

A nice player, and person, questions existed about whether the theology student was robust enough for international netball.

Rasmussen says her rule book is The Bible and the “coach” she wishes to please the most is God.

The Auckland sports star, who went to the Netball World Cup in Sydney with the Silver Ferns, recites her favourite passage from Colossians when describing what inspires her passion on the court. “‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,’” she quotes.

My relationship with God has helped with my priorities. Before, I used to play to impress the selectors.

Rasmussen credits her increased focus on religion as a major cause for the way she has been able to relax on the court and let her skills do the talking.

“It’s changed my mindset,” she said.

“Now I realise playing netball is a gift from God. So I give glory to him and use the talent he has blessed me with.”

For the last two years, Grace (27) has been juggling her hectic sports commitments with studying at Auckland’s Laidlaw College, a bible school.

“People ask me if I want to be a pastor, but that’s not the reason I’m studying. I’m from a family of eight, and my father Sam and mother Ruta would go to our Pacific Island church every week. I’m attending bible college to strengthen my connection to God.”

Grace admits that people who are not Christian can sometimes judge those who have a strong faith.

But that doesn’t faze her at all. “There’s a misconception that Christians are boring.”

“For me, it’s the total opposite – it’s exciting. I think I live a pretty normal life, while trying not to compromise any of my beliefs.”

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