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Mondays with Mike: PCA Athletes Reflect on Faith, Sports and Leadership

I wrote yesterday that this week is another 2-parter, and today is part 2: focusing on our scholar-athletes. 

Part 2 is also in 2 parts (segmented below), with interviews of our student-athletes across multiple sports. As we close out the school and competition year, we want you to hear from their perspective on both how the year has been and also what they are looking forward to. I know you will be inspired!

Listen on Podbean HERE (or click picture above–closed captioning provided). Listen on Spotify HERE.

Listen on Podbean HERE (or click picture above–closed captioning provided). Listen on Spotify HERE.

Summary of Our Seniors

Installment 1 — Seniors. In the first installment with our student athletes, we sit down with three seniors from PCA to hear their inspiring stories. Timothy Kelm, Tatiana Stockbower, and Isaac Kohl share their experiences in varsity sports, how their faith has shaped their character, and their thoughts on leadership and the future. Listen as Timothy discusses the influence of his coaches on and off the field, Tatiana highlights overcoming team challenges, and Isaac reflects on the importance of leadership in sports. Whether you’re a student, parent, or sports enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartfelt moments. Join us for an engaging conversation that celebrates the spirit of teamwork, community support, and the pursuit of excellence.

Installment 2 — Rising Leaders. In this installment, we introduce some of Portsmouth Christian Academy’s underclassmen who are stepping into leadership roles within their sports teams. Meet Lexi Jordan, Brayden Leland, and Ava Buchanan as they share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations for the future. Lexi talks about her journey in varsity volleyball and soccer, inspired by her role models and the support from her dad. Brayden reflects on the importance of community support in sports and recounts overcoming injuries to continue his passion for soccer, basketball, and baseball. Ava discusses handling pressure and expectations in high-stakes moments, such as her crucial free throws in a playoff basketball game. The trio also delves into the impact of injuries on their athletic journeys, the significance of fan support, and their hopes for building a stronger community at PCA through sports. They share heartfelt tributes to senior athletes who have inspired them and express their excitement for the upcoming seasons. Join us to hear these inspiring stories and get a glimpse of the bright future ahead for PCA’s sports teams.

Let’s go Eagles!

Baseball player in an Eagles uniform throwing a ball on a grassy field.
Ike Kohl up to bat; Ike also excelled at soccer and basketball and served as captain on multiple teams who all went into the playoffs. Ike will be going on to the Colorado School of Mines next year. 
Two soccer players in motion on a grassy field; one in maroon, number 7, controls the ball, while another in white, number 12, approaches from the front. A third player is in the background.
Tatiana controlling midfield on a team she captained multiple years.  Last year she led her team to the state championship. She also played varsity basketball. Tatiana will go on to the United States Military Academy at West Point. 
Baseball player in an Eagles uniform throwing a ball on a grassy field.
Tim Kelm exploding out of the blocks and picking up speed. Tim set multiple records, was a state champion, and captain multiple teams. He also played varsity soccer. Tim will be running for Babson College next year. 
Two soccer players in motion on a grassy field; one in maroon, number 7, controls the ball, while another in white, number 12, approaches from the front. A third player is in the background.
Ava Buchanan led her team to the playoffs again and has lifted our school in her first two years at the Upper School in not only basketball but also soccer.


Baseball player in an Eagles uniform throwing a ball on a grassy field.
Brayden (center, holding the trophy with his right hand) helped lead his JV team to victory. He also played varsity basketball, as well as soccer and baseball. 
Two soccer players in motion on a grassy field; one in maroon, number 7, controls the ball, while another in white, number 12, approaches from the front. A third player is in the background.
Lexi Jordan bringing the heat as she leads her team into the playoffs again. As part of last year’s state champions, she knows what it takes to play at this level of competition and succeed; Lexi also plays varsity volleyball.