Senior sprinter Dallas Butterfield will run in her final meet this weekend at the Brutus Hamilton Invitational at the University of California.  She has been a two-sport star for the track & field and soccer program for all four years.  Butterfield reflects on her journey as a student-athlete at WJU:

Why did you choose William Jessup University?

I originally chose to go to WJU because I had scholarships for soccer and track. It was less of me choosing WJU and more of WJU choosing me. I wasn't a Christian before I came to Jessup and I truly believe that God led me to Jessup through my sports so that I could meet Him and begin a relationship with Him. Soccer and track were just the tools to get me to a place where I was ready for a relationship with Him.

What have you learned from running for Head Coach Parker Daniells?

I have learned so much from Parker that it is hard to even put into words. He is by far the best coach I've ever had the opportunity to have. Parker has been one of the main people at Jessup, from day one, that has challenged me and led me towards Christ. He has taught me that running is much more than just a sport. Through my time running for him he has shown me what a true spiritual leader looks like. Parker is a huge reason that I have been able to fall back in love with running and fall so in love with Christ. It is his genuine love for Christ and the way he places his athletes needs before his own that sets him apart from any coach I've encountered. He cares about his athletes as people more than he cares about their performance. Out of everybody at Jessup, Parker has had the most influence on me and my growth in Christ.

What was your favorite memory from your Track and Field career at WJU?

This is a tough one. I have to say that my favorite memories have come from the relationships that I have had the blessing of creating with my teammates. Every time we have track meets we are together for full days straight and there are so many things that happen that just blow me away with happiness. I have absolutely loved watching my teammates reach goals that they strive so hard for though. Being able to witness the love and passion they have for running is incredible. Then being able to see that passion translate over into things they never even thought possible has to be my favorite part of being on this team. I'm just so proud of everybody on my team and the hard work they put in everyday!

Who had the greatest influence on your life to get you where you are today and why?

I'd have to say that my parents have had the greatest influence on my life. They have loved and cared for me my entire life and have always been my biggest fans. I've always had their support. They have always made me believe that nothing it too hard to accomplish and have taught me that through word and action. I have seen them work hard their whole lives and that has pushed me to do the same. I've never had a goal or dream too big to accomplish in their eyes. Most of the time they believe in me more than I believe in myself. I wouldn't be where I am today or who I am today without the constant support from my mom and dad.

What are three traits that helped you get where you are today?

Faith, Strength, Perseverance.

If you had one piece of advice for future Warrior student-athletes, what would it be?

To the future Warrior student-athletes; come to Jessup with an open heart and open mind. This school is a place of transformation and is filled with loving people. This is a school built on community. Sports are incredible tools that God uses to bring us to Him and for us to worship Him but don't allow them to become your everything. If you have the right mindset for change you will be transformed in ways you never thought possible. Jessup is an incredible place for you to encounter God and pursue a deeper relationship with Him!

What's been your greatest experience as a student-athlete at WJU?

My greatest experience has been the friendships. The people on my soccer team and track team have become like family to me. Each and every person has had an influence on the way I see Jesus. It is incredible to look at each one of my teammates and see different attributes of who Jesus is. They have all helped to paint such a tangible picture of who Jesus is. The love I have felt in my time with them is tremendous and has helped shape me into who I am today.

How have you integrated your faith into running?

Running is far more spiritual that most people may think. I have learned so much about complete faith as well as surrender through running. Running is not easy and I could never do it without God. I have learned that I can't just be a general surrender to God. I have to surrender over and over again. Minute after minute. Second after second. In running every step has to be a surrender. Every breath has to be a surrender. It is not by my power or strength that I am able to do what I do it is by God. This realization is what has helped running become one of the rawest forms of worship that I could ever have. I sacrifice my body and surrender all power to Him and He shows me His glory though that.

What will you miss most leaving WJU?

I will miss the community as a whole as well as being challenged to go deeper in my faith. Jessup is such an inviting place that facilitates growth and I'll miss having that after I graduate!

What are your goals after WJU? 

My goal after Jessup is to be on staff for Young Life, an organization dedicated to reaching lost teenagers. I am not sure where exactly I want to be in staff because Young Life is all over the world but I will always be involved in it. I also, feel called to coach soccer or track at any age group. I want to use the gifts God has given me to reach more kids through coaching and maybe through a nonprofit organization based on sports. My passion is ministry and as long as I am furthering God's Kingdom then I don't care what I do.