Florida Runner Proving She’s “Got GAME” Spiritually

Endurance. Strength. Discipline. Mental preparation.

These are all important aspects of Robyn Oakley’s life as a cross country runner and hurdler for the University of South Florida. But lately, those characteristics have become more personal as she steps up her game for an eternal purpose.

A native of Springfield, Pa., Oakley is one-third of an Athletes in Action Bible study called GAME. Developed by AIA intern Alison Stowell, the title is an acronym for the four aspects of the study: Growth, Accountability, Mentorship and Equipping.

In essence, the study is aimed at moving Oakley and the other participants past the role of consumer and into a leadership role where they begin guiding others in their faith journeys. Stowell said she hand-picked the group out of a larger women’s study group and challenged them to take their growth to the next level.

Now, a few months into the study she says, “I feel like they get it. They have an eternal perspective, are seeing their own growth, want to reach the lost and want to learn more.”

Reaching this level of commitment represents quite a change for Oakley, who came to college knowing she believed in God but not understanding much more. She was invited to the track team Bible study and began learning more about a personal relationship with God. A meeting with Stowell later that year led to her committing her life to Christ. She got more involved with AIA and began meeting weekly with Stowell to learn more about the basics of the Christian walk.

This past summer, she attended AIA’s Ultimate Training Camp in Colorado and came back to USF with a new energy.

“That really helped me to be able to glorify God in my sport no matter what and thank Him for the ability to do that,” she says. “I realize that I can still perform for God even if I’m not doing well. It was really life-changing.”

Making the transition

So when Stowell asked Oakley to join the GAME group, she found it a great transition to take her faith to the next level.

“I felt like I had grown a lot over the summer in my walk with God and was thinking about getting into discipling others, but I didn’t really know how to do that,” she says. “This has really been a blessing and perfect timing for me personally.”

Oakley said the study has covered lessons on leadership from the Bible and the participants are praying about peers with whom they might build relationships and even train in their faith. They discuss the ins and outs of sharing their faith with others as well. Oakley said the experience has benefited her in several ways.

“The group has really helped with my confidence and preparation. We focus on how God doesn’t call the equipped but equips the called. We remember that God is there for us,” she says. “I feel more prepared to go out and be bold in my faith and share with people.”

Benefits of the group

A key component for the junior communications major has been the openness with the GAME group members and Stowell and the level of accountability the girls provide for each other. Oakley said Stowell’s leadership has been instrumental in her growth.

“Her outlook on everything and how she relates to us is great. She is not judgmental but gives us grace and truth and just guides us to do what she does,” Oakley says. “Within the group it has been good to develop those friendships as well. We have a stronger tie because we’re holding each other accountable and trying to grow.”

Her spiritual growth has affected her sport as well, Oakley says. With her priorities in proper order, she’s found a peace in God.

“Before I started going to AIA, the Lord was trying to get my attention. I had all these expectations of what would happen (with my running) and nothing was working out. I was frustrated and trying to figure things out on my own,” she recalls. “I had to give it up to the Lord and realize if I didn’t run another race that it would be OK. That realization really kick-started my interest in something bigger to rely on.”

GAME on

Stowell says GAME was born out of necessity for a few reasons. Her women’s Bible study needed a spark, and she saw the need to select a few girls to move to the next level. But Stowell, who will be leaving her internship in January to begin training for a full-time staff role elsewhere, also knew she needed to leave student leaders in place to continue the work she began in November 2010.

She has been pleased with the enthusiasm of the three participants and their ability to catch the vision for reaching their campus for Christ. While she still meets with all three individually each week, the GAME group dynamic creates a whole new aspect of growth.

“I am trying to foster authentic community with them,” she says. “I focus a lot on accountability with each other, not just relying on me. I can turn them in the right direction, but I can’t meet all their needs.”

By Teresa Young, AIA Communications

Photos: Top: AIA staff member Alison Stowell (left) meets with Robyn Oakley and sophomore soccer player MaryAnn Krlin for the weekly GAME time (courtesy AIA). Bottom: Robyn Oakley competes in the outdoor track hurdles competition in the 2011 spring season. (courtesy University of South Florida)

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