FCA Cleveland

Michelle Long is a strong willed individual that is unashamed to look to Christ for her identity in this world. Her trust in the Lord in every way makes her very admirable as a person of faith.

Long grew up in Norco, California where she attended Norco High as a three sport athlete competing in volleyball, basketball and track. After high school she attended Mt SAC, a community college in southern California. At Mt. SAC she was a two time all conference athlete in volleyball as well as the conference leader in blocks as a sophomore. Long was then offered a scholarship by Henderson State and chose to accept the offer.

“I just knew this was the place for me”, Long stated about Henderson State. “God has a plan for me out here, I just don’t know what it is at the moment.

The volleyball coach at Henderson State, Coach Thigpen was also a bigger factor in Long’s decision to leave home. Thigpen is a strong Christian herself and is in charge of the on campus ministry Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Upon arriving at the HSU campus Long excelled in both volleyball as well as ministry. In 2009 Long was #7 in the Gulf South Conference for blocks. She also became involved with FCA with Coach Thigpen in the fall before becoming a leader in the group in the spring semester 2010.

Long will be a senior in the fall of 2010 with high expectations from both herself and Coach Thigpen.

After college Long plans to move back to California, specifically somewhere in the Norco area. “I want to become established and settle down after college.” Long is studying to become a nurse and wants to become more involved in a church when she graduates from school.

Long claims that she will most likely do a little bit of coaching volleyball on the side but does not plan to play or coach full time after the 2010 season.

Q and A with Michelle Long

Nick Johnson: Why is it important to you to have a strong faith?

Michelle Long: “My mom always told me to be one of the few, not one of the many. I grew up in a Christian home and have always gone to church.”

NJ: How has you faith helped you to deal with stressful times as a college student-athlete?

ML: “My faith allows me to take a deep breath and let everything go when time are rough. It’s comfortable to know that you can lean on God for understanding.”

NJ: Why is it important to be outspoken about your faith as an athlete?

ML: “My faith in God keeps me on track. It also gives me purpose. People tend to see the light in you, especially your teammates.”

NJ: What is your advice for the up-coming student athlete that strives to live for God?

ML: “Get involved in a Christian community of some sort. Stay true to your faith and don’t let anything get away from you because in the end its so worth it to live a life of faith.”