Cedarville University Yellow Jackets

May 3, 2021

Cedarville Jacket Family,

The season has drawn to a close. The soccer team not only made it into the G-MAC Tournament, but we played all the way to the finals on Sunday, May 2nd. It was an amazing opportunity to play beyond the regular season and we were very blessed to have progressed to where we did. Unfortunately, we lost the game to Findlay 2-1.

I did not go into the game expecting anything, I knew Findlay was a good team. They were number one for the regular season so they would put up a fight. I did not even anticipate being able to play in the game as I pulled my hamstring a couple weeks ago, but by God’s power, I was able to manage the pain through the game. I felt very blessed to get time on the field, but even more blessed to have even experienced this journey alongside some of my favorite people. I would not have wanted to go through this crazy season with any other team.

Although this year was stressful, we picked each other up and encouraged each other to finish strong. When I could not play, I loved being on the sideline to cheer on my teammates. There was joy in standing on the sidelines and joy in playing on the field. I would not trade either of these experiences for anything. Just being on the team is enough.

I learned a lot about myself and my pride when I could not play. I had to remind myself that soccer is not my identity, my identity is in Christ. Oftentimes we can get so caught up in the worldly things that we can begin to push aside what truly matters. I quickly realized that my attitude and contentment was dictated by my spiritual understanding of identity. When I played with that freedom during the season, my mental game was completely changed. When I did not focus my heart and got caught up in my own glory, soccer brought out the worst in me. Of course, this lesson is not only applicable to sports. Our identities can be lost in our careers, incomes, friendships, and the like. Sometimes we just need to take a step back and evaluate what we are letting steal our attention from what truly matters: Christ.

As I head into this summer, I will miss soccer. I will miss the sport, but I will really miss the team. My friendships grew in ways I would never have expected this year. Years ago I did not think I would be able to make the transfer to Cedarville and now I am so grateful that God led me here. Soon enough the team will be back on campus in the fall for yet another season where we could make it to the finals again. Stay tuned.

To the seniors, we will miss you guys. The fall will not be quite the same without you. Thank you for following along this season. It has really been a joy.

- Mack


April 19, 2021

Cedarville Jacket Family,

It has been some time since I wrote. I got a little caught up in soccer and academics. As this semester is coming to an end, I am finding myself working to finish all my final assignments. My teammates probably share in that overwhelming feeling too. It has been a condensed semester with a lot to get done, so please pray that we finish strong.

The last time I wrote we were on our way to Trevecca. Soon after, we played two games and won both of them. At the time, we had a three-game win streak. Now, as I write this, we have a six-game win streak to finish out the season. Today was our last game for the regular season and we beat Ursuline 2-0. We were also able to honor our graduating seniors. Taylor, Rachel, Delight, and Rose, it has been a joy to grow alongside you guys and to have gotten to know you. It feels strange to me knowing that I too could be graduating with you guys this spring, but I trust that the Lord has all of our futures worked out. I am so excited to see where life takes you all and the many ways God will work in your lives.

If the table stays as it is, we will be set to play Trevecca again on Saturday for our opening match in the playoffs. This season was full of tough, competitive games, but Trevecca is one that will always stick with me. Our team battled the whole 90 minutes to come out with our final 3-2 victory. As I reflect on that match, I cannot help but think that Saturday will be another battle for us. It was such an encouragement to see the way our team came together during that game. There was not a single moment where I felt like we were giving up hope and I am sure that exact same drive will be evident on the field Saturday. Trevecca is a challenge, but I believe that our team can certainly win again.

It is difficult to not worry about what is ahead. Not only are soccer games something to fret about, but even academics, interviews, and the like. I look at this week and see that I have two more presentations to tackle, one being my senior capstone, then a game against Trevecca, and I cannot help but feel anxious. Yet, God does not want us to be anxious. When we try to do things alone and conquer the feeling ourselves, it can become overpowering. Psalm 94:19 says, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy” (NIV). Similarly, I Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (NIV). Right now, so much is happening while we are living in the midst of a pandemic. Although that may be true, there is rest in the Father that is far more fulfilling than any worldly comfort. We can cast our anxieties onto Him and find joy in the new-found peace.

Finishing the regular season with a win was a blessing, and I pray that we can keep using this as a platform to share the gospel. No matter how far we make it in the tournament, there is contentment to be found in Christ. Our mission is well beyond the wins. I think we can make it to the finals and win the tournament, but no matter what, all the glory to God.

Check in on Saturday, April 24th at 3:30 p.m., to watch our first playoff game! Thank you for reading!

- Mack


March 31, 2021

Hello Cedarville Family,

As I am writing this, we are on the bus heading down toward Trevecca. We have a game Thursday, April 1st, and Saturday, April 3rd. It will definitely be a fun-filled weekend!

Our last match was against Tiffin University and we came out with our first win of the season. We had moved the match up to take place earlier in the day because of the incoming stormy weather. Fortunately, much like our game at Ohio Valley, we were able to fit the game in with some rain towards the end of the match. We were able to put away three goals, two by Mary Kate and one by Taylor Noll. It was exciting to finally see the ball in the back of the net and we are looking forward to scoring more goals this weekend. Our team has been connecting well and I think we are well-prepared for the matches to come.

Not only is this weekend one for soccer, but it is Easter weekend. I have been reflecting on the great blessing soccer is, but the even greater blessing that salvation is. Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose to life three days later so that we could have eternal life. I hope to meditate on this truth this weekend. Soccer is so much more than a sport, it is a platform. It is a place that this team can worship God and also use to share the gospel.

There is a lot to look forward to. We will have to work hard, both in keeping up with school and playing soccer, but there is so much joy to rest in. We will have an off day in between our game days to do some team bonding activities, our annual race walk competition, captain-led Bible study, and team game night. Not only are we competitive when it comes to soccer, but that competitiveness definitely carries over into card games.

Thanks for checking in. I hope everyone has a great Easter.

Make sure you tune in to watch our games this long weekend!

- Mack


March 19, 2021

Hello Cedarville Jacket Family!

It has definitely been a crazy week and there is a lot to write about. This past Saturday, March 13 we played Walsh University at their home turf. It was a great game and our team was getting into our rhythm again. Unfortunately, at the end of the game, Walsh was able to put one away, and we were not able to respond with a goal of our own.

Not only did we play Walsh, but we also had a match against Ohio Valley University on Thursday, March 18. We travelled three hours, a bit fearful of whether or not the thunderstorms would hold off, but we were able to squeeze our match in. It was a difficult game and the team worked very hard, but we did not get the result we wanted. Ohio Valley scored in the first half, and again, the women’s soccer team was just not able to put one in the net. Despite this loss, there was a victory after the game. The soccer team always tries to pray with our opponents after matches and usually we are successful. We were able to pray with Ohio Valley - at a distance - and then give our notes to them. I do not think that in my three years at Cedarville I have seen a team as excited to receive notes as Ohio Valley. They were overjoyed, cheerful, running over to our bench to find who wrote to them to express their gratitude. Even though we lost, God was able to use the game in an amazing way.

Saturday, March 20 we play Ohio Dominican, a team that always gives us a good challenge. It is our first home game, so our excitement is running high. As I reflect on the response from Ohio Valley, I am even more inspired to write my note in a way to inspire joy. There is so much to be joyful about - we have a season despite the pandemic, the ability to play soccer in college, and even able-bodies that have allowed us to play the sport we love. Above all, there is joy in Christ, in our salvation and in the ways God works to use soccer for His glory.

Every member of the soccer team chooses a word to meditate on before and throughout the match. We stand in a circle and share those words with the team. My word recently has been “gratitude”. I am grateful for all the things I have listed that bring about joy. I am grateful that even though I have a hip injury, I have trainers and coaches that work alongside me to make playing possible. I was not sure what soccer would look like going forward once I was diagnosed with impingement and a labral tear, but the fact that I can keep playing is a blessing that I just cannot describe. Throughout the season, my faith walk, and even my academic semester, I hope that the word “gratitude” continues to ring in my ears and guide me going forward. I would challenge you to reflect on this too: what are you grateful for?

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. There are certainly many more to come. Make sure you tune in Saturday at 7:30 p.m. to watch the Lady Jackets in our first home game. Also, if you have not already, check out the Cedarville Women’s Soccer Vlog on my channel.

I will be posting more soon! I have videos from both the Walsh and OVU games!


Mackenzie Northcutt #13



March 8, 2021

(Editor's note: Lady Jacket junior Sara Olivarez contributed to this BLOG)

Welcome back Cedarville Women’s Soccer Family,

It has been a long break full of much needed rest for CUWS, but we are ready and excited for the upcoming season. Amid all the changes that have happened to our competition season, we are more thankful than ever to be taking the field very soon!

We kick off the season with an away game against Walsh on March 13th. This game means a lot to our returning players as Walsh defeated us in the G-MAC semifinals of our fall 2019 season.

The sting of that loss is still fresh in many of our minds as we prepare for this first match. I was able to sit down with Bethany Murphy, a junior outside back, and chat about how she’s feeling going into this first game. “It was really hard  last year making it to the semifinals in G-MAC and losing to Walsh. We definitely had the potential, I think, to win G-MAC that year, so losing the way that we did, in overtime and on a corner, was super unfortunate. Especially just knowing how hard we had worked, we went on that winning streak, we really clicked as a team, we found our style and I think that was super important. So, this first game at Walsh I am determined to win.”

As you can see, the team is fired up and ready for redemption on Saturday, March 13.

After getting a few weeks of training indoors in our Doden Field House, we were finally able to get outside last week at Xenia High School. Playing on the large turf field has been an adjustment for all of us, but we are starting to see the team chemistry come together. It has been great to see our freshmen find their places on the field as well as those coming back from injuries really get back into things.

In our recent Bible study, three of our seniors shared their testimonies with the team. It was encouraging to hear how God has transformed their lives for His glory. We love our seniors and they have done a great job of exemplifying our team pillars, especially Team Focus and Humility. It can be hard to be vulnerable in front of such a large group, but I know it was a great encouragement to myself and many others on the team to hear how God has worked in their lives!

If you have been following along with our previous blog posts you know our senior captain Mack. She started a vlog series for the season. If you would like to follow along, you can find the first video here!

We still have many injuries on the team and we would appreciate your prayers for healing. Please also pray that we would keep Christ at the center of our season and be able to share the Gospel with our opponents.

Thanks for checking in again!


November 9, 2020
 
Hello CUWS Family,

It has been strange not having soccer for an entire week. I had become so used to going out to the field and seeing my teammates, and now that the season is technically over, it has been an adjustment. Thankfully, we have one more practice that was just added on Wednesday, Nov. 11 so we can get together to have fun and work hard. And an update on our roommate competition: two of our sophomores, Ava and MK, ended up winning. It was a lot of fun trying to do all of the tasks and seeing how well we knew our roommates at the newlyweds game night. That gave us a reason to all get back together and we will certainly continue to find more ways to get together as a team despite not having consistent practices. There is barely any time left so we want to make the most of it.

As for our final game with the seniors, it went well. The blue team had a comeback and tied the game up with barely any time left. We then decided to go into penalty kicks with every member of each team getting a chance to shoot. The blue team ended up winning in penalty kicks! It was a lot of fun to go out and play, even though we could not do 11v11. We were able to make baskets for our seniors and to even honor them at halftime. We had families come out on the field with their seniors and we took some pictures to remember such a great day!
 

This semester our team was going through Galatians. I have also been going through this book in my own time and I see over and over again how faithful Paul was to the Gospel. In Galatians 1:10, Paul says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (NIV). Similarly, in Galatians 4:16, Paul says, “Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (NIV). As a servant of Christ, Paul knew that the truth was more important than the happiness of the Galatians. He knew he needed to maintain the purity of the Gospel, and as hard as it was, that was more important than his friendship with the Galatians. We too need to recognize that we do not serve man, we serve God, and sometimes that will not make people happy. It is scary to step out and say things in opposition to what society believes, but God calls us to do just that.

After reading these passages, I have been trying to seek out more opportunities to share the Gospel. Not only that, but I have also tried to find moments where I could lead someone away from false doctrines and false teachers and instead to the wonderful grace and love of the true Gospel. I pray that this can be of encouragement to those who read this and that we recognize our service to God is far more important than being loved by man. Let us share the Gospel far and wide, possibly even starting with just a family member or friend.

It has certainly been a hectic year and it is hard to believe that it is already drawing to a close. Classes are wrapping up and I find myself writing final papers, doing final projects, and even studying for final exams. I know it is just one step closer to an amazing spring season and semester. I will use this winter to build myself up spiritually and physically, and hopefully both myself and all other injured players on this team will be healed and ready to go. Please be in prayer for the end of this semester and that we can prepare well for finals. Pray that we are motivated to push through these last few weeks and perform well in classes. Pray that our team also remembers to keep our focus on Christ and the Gospel and that we love each other deeply in these stressful times.

Thanks for checking in again,

Mack
 

October 22, 2020
Hello Cedarville Women’s Soccer Family,

Hope you are all doing well! The women’s soccer team just recently got our Spring schedule and we are very excited for what’s to come. Our opening match is going to be against Walsh and we know that is going to be a very challenging game; however, hopefully we will kick it off with a win!

As for this semester, our team is very close to closing out our fall season. We are looking to participate in one more scrimmage within our team on October 31st. This will give us an opportunity to honor our fall graduating seniors!

Also, after the close of our season, we are going to head into a very important competition: CRCSC. It stands for "Cutest Roommate Couple Spicy Competition". This is not a new competition, but it is a new acronym. In the past, the cutest roommate couple award was simply voted on in a poll in our team Groupme. This year we realized that the title cannot simply be left up to a poll and there had to be activities and challenges involved. The roommate couples must be both members of the soccer team (with the exception of Bethany and her husband), and if you do not already room with a soccer player, you may partner up with another player who also does not have a soccer roommate. Different activities are worth a different number of points. This complete list of activities has not yet been sent out, but, we do know there will be a newlyweds game with first place earning themselves 100 points towards the title of cutest roommate couple. I will be sure to update everyone on who comes out victorious in this competition. Also, look out for the other competitions that we have within our team following this one! We already have one in mind.

We also recently had a Bible study with Melanie Estepp. Our team was encouraged in our pursuit of peace and to offer up everything to God in prayer. We all know we have trials in our lives and the best thing we can do is seek God in them. She even gave us a plan outlining a strategy for battling worry, fear, and anxiety. I really appreciated her final remark being that there are only two times to pray: when you feel like it and when you do not feel like it. I will definitely be looking to apply these things to my life and I am sure the team will be too.

Thank you for checking in! You will hear from me again!

Mack


October 8, 2020
Hello Cedarville Women’s soccer family and fans! This year has kicked off a little differently than in the past but we are still excited for what God will teach us through these times. My name is Mackenzie Northcutt and I am a senior midfielder from Niantic, Connecticut. I have the unbelievable blessing of playing on such a loving team and I cannot wait to share the many things that will take place this fall and in the spring.

A lot has happened over these past couple of months. Soccer did not start until much later than usual this fall and our competition was moved into the Spring. The move was a bit disheartening but it has also provided our team with a lot more time to improve and build our chemistry. It has been amazing to watch our freshmen fit right into our team like they were the missing puzzle pieces all along.

Last Friday night, we played in our annual Honeycomb Cup. Both of our coaches drafted teams and we ended up going face to face against our own teammates. One of the teams, our Blue team, was filled with the majority of our freshmen. It was amazing to see the way they performed out on the field and brought their own spark to the match. Overall, the night was a lot of fun and ended in a 1-1 tie with a goal from Maddy Nelson, a very talented freshman, and a goal from Sara Olivarez, a junior who has worked so hard to come off of her most recent injury! Sara, you are such an encouragement and I am so glad I got to see you back on the field.

Overall, we are trying to make the most of our time this fall. A few of our teammates, Lo, Delight, and Sophie, will not be joining us in the Spring. We are savoring the many moments we have together while they are still here. It is amazing to see the positive attitudes they have maintained despite losing their last season.

It is hard to believe that it is already October. Time is flying but God has blessed every single minute. Please be praying for the recovery of our injured teammates and that we can grow closer to each other and Christ in these times. Although we may not know everything, we trust and praise the One who does.

Thank you for checking in. I will be updating throughout the fall and spring.

Mack

(Editor's Note: Be watching for the 2020 Lady Jacket Soccer schedule - which will be played during the spring of 2021 - to be released by the G-MAC on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 2 PM ET)


Mackenzie Northcutt is a senior midfielder from Niantic, Connectict. She is in her fourth season with the Lady Jackets and is a Dean's List student as a criminal justice major.