Great Players Reach

GREAT PLAYERS REACH for something extra and play beyond their physical abilities in big games. In the 2001 NCAA women’s basketball tournament, Jackie Stiles exhibited her greatness to the entire nation.

For most of her collegiate career, Stiles remained virtually unknown. Playing at Southwest Missouri State in the Missouri Valley Conference generated little national attention. But in the NCAA subregional, fans began to notice the small-town girl from Claflin, Kansas. The Lady Bears edged out Rutgers 60–53 on the Scarlet Knights’ home court to earn Southwest Missouri a spot at the West Regional in Spokane, Washington. Stiles, the all-time NCAA scoring leader, paced the Lady Bears with 32 points against Rutgers.

In the regional opener, the Lady Bears faced top-seeded Duke. After the tip-off, however, the Blue Devils witnessed the 5-foot-8-inch guard’s dazzling display of soft jumpers, spin moves, and fearless drives.

Trailing by 12 early in the contest, the Lady Bears cut the deficit to 42–36 at the half. In the second half, Southwest Missouri opened with a 12–2 run and took command midway through the period, outscoring Duke 22–10 during the final 8:11 to down the Blue Devils 81–71.

Stiles, who scored only 16 points in the first half, fueled the offense in the second by hitting 15-of-22 field goals and 10-of-13 free throws. Her 41-point outburst ranked fourth highest in NCAA women’s tournament history.

EXTRA < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

POINT Most casual women’s college basketball fans had never heard of Jackie Stiles. The player grew up in a small town in a small state and played for a small school in a small conference.

But the athlete gave every ounce of her strength and talent to her team and university. Some might say she played above her ability, and her team won because of her amazing scoring.

Likewise, some Christians use all their strength and talents to serve God. They see God work through them and accomplish amazing things. The heavenly Father rewards them with the power to do more than they expected.

GOAL! Describe someone you know who has been used by God beyond his or her natural ability. You may think of someone at church, on a sports team, or in your family.