Jenerrie Everette

How do you express in words all the things that God has done to impact your heart and life beyond what you could imagine? This is a hard question to answer especially because I know God has been extremely intentional with everything that He has done in my life.

After graduating from high school in Columbus, Ohio, I attended the University of Kentucky to play basketball. Focused on my goals at the time, I had to lean on Someone bigger than myself to get through the times when I felt alone. I remember feeling like everyday was an uphill battle but don’t believe I ever felt defeated. I give credit to the Holy Spirit for guiding me and literally waking me up every day.

At the end of my freshman year at UK, one of my teammates invited me to an Athletes in Action gathering. I enjoyed myself so much while being with fellow athletes that I continued to attend meetings. Bret and Meredith Nathaniel, AIA staff at UK, made me feel special by welcoming me with open arms from the moment we met. (Little did I know that they were that nice to everyone.)

Over time I built a lasting relationship with their family that has been beyond anything I could imagine. Throughout my tenure at UK, Meredith opened my eyes to AIA opportunities I would remember for life: a basketball trip to Africa, an internship with the Los Angeles Urban Project, and the AIA Women’s Basketball Fall Tour. All of these experiences have impacted me to this very day. I have been impacted not only as a person but, more importantly, as a child of God.

Jesus Christ has never been foreign to me due to my close relationship with my grandmother. Going to church, reading my Bible, and praying were all things that I did because I was taught to do so. AIA has been the vehicle to draw me closer to Jesus and I am so thankful.

I grew up as an Army “brat” so my family was all I ever had. It was difficult being away from them and I remember sitting in my dorm stairwell praying and silently crying, trying to understand why I was struggling so much. My first two and a half years were tough but I can understand God had purpose in me being in Lexington, Kentucky.

Looking back, I can’t take credit for any of the places I have been or things I have seen. If God had left it up to me (which I am glad He didn’t), I would’ve tried to please my coaches and make my parents proud. It is not uncommon for athletes to try to please others or receive praises that are of this world. Much appreciation goes to the Nathaniel family and AIA because I have learned that my worth does not lie in the desires of this world. I am loved unconditionally by my Creator and every moment of every day presents me with an opportunity to show His love to someone else.

I honestly can’t express in words what God has done to impact my heart and life. All I know is that God has blessed me abundantly beyond what I could’ve ever imagined. I pray my relationship with Him continues to grow and that He uses me in any way He chooses.

Jenerrie is in her first year as an assistant coach with the women’s basketball team at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

Each month you will be introduced to a life changed through Athletes in Action. If your life (or someone you know) has been greatly touched through your involvement with AIA, please send an e-mail to communications@aia.com. 

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