From Injury to Inspiration: Celia’s Journey to Trinity College of Florida
When life takes an unexpected turn, it often leads to something even greater. That’s exactly what happened to Celia, a high school volleyball player whose dream of playing college volleyball was abruptly halted by a senior-year injury. But what seemed like a setback quickly became a stepping stone in her faith journey—one that led her straight to Trinity College of Florida.
“I was just focused on playing college volleyball,” Celia shared. “But after my injury, I had to let go of that dream. That’s when the Lord started redirecting me.”
Celia visited Trinity a few times, originally intending to earn a biblically-based associate’s degree and then transfer to pursue athletic training. But her plans changed—because God’s plan changed them.
“I planned for two years, and now it’s been three,” she said, smiling. “I’ll be graduating this December. And guess what? I ended up playing volleyball here too.”
Today, Celia is majoring in Business Organizational Leadership. While she’s still discerning her long-term path, doors have already started opening.
“In early 2024, I started coaching volleyball,” she explained. “I’ve worked with kids from age five to sixteen, and I absolutely love it. Coaching has really become a passion of mine.”
That passion may turn into a full-time calling—potentially as an athletic director or in the business operations of sports organizations and volleyball clubs. But beyond the career possibilities, coaching has become a meaningful platform for ministry.
“At club level, I can’t always be direct about my faith,” Celia acknowledged. “But I make intentional choices—like saying, ‘I’ll be praying for you’ instead of just, ‘Hope you feel better.’ And the parents all know my story and that I’m a believer.”
Celia sees coaching as more than just guiding athletes—she sees it as an opportunity to be a light in their lives and, hopefully, lead them to the Lord.
When asked about the most impactful part of her Trinity experience, Celia didn’t hesitate long.
“It’s the lunches I’ve had with professors,” she said. “They don’t just care about your academic success—they care about you as a person. They’re willing to invest in your life beyond the classroom.”
As someone who’s worked in Trinity’s admissions department, Celia also had heartfelt advice for prospective students.
“Whether you’re looking at Trinity or somewhere else, follow where the Lord is leading you,” she advised. “Don’t make a decision just because you feel pressured. Pray about it. Trinity is a place where the Lord brings people and transforms them—just like He did with me.”
If you would like to help students just like Celia, you can help Trinity College of Florida, Forge a Future here.
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