BEYOND THE TROPHIES

By: Morgan Brown

Champions' TriBUne is a special feature through Baylor Athletics that gives you the student-athlete's perspective and the chance for them to share their own story. Morgan Brown, a senior base from Charlotte, North Carolina, is graduating next month with a degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders. Morgan has been a part of the last three NCATA national championship teams with Baylor Acrobatics & Tumbling and won individual national titles last year in Inversion Pyramid and Six-Element Acro. Seeded No. 1 in the NCATA National Championships for the fourth-consecutive year, the Bears (9-0) will face eighth-seeded Limestone University (12-1) at 4:30 p.m. CT next Thursday, April 24, at Augustana's Elmen Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota:

My Baylor journey has been a testimony to the Lord's faithfulness and the kindness of His heart. Though the road has been marked with challenges, it has never been without Jesus as my constant companion. Guiding me, encouraging me, running alongside me, and carrying me when I could not move forward on my own. Psalm 40:1-3 sings the words of my testimony.
I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.

Graduating from high school in the middle of a global pandemic was not something I, or anyone, could have prepared for. Junior and senior year were anything but normal, culminating in a graduation ceremony held at a speedway club. Beneath the cap and gown, I was battling something far more significant than the unusual circumstances. The end of high school found me in a deep depression, questioning my existence and purpose. I was in a deep pit, unsure if I would ever climb out.

"I spent many nights crying out to the Lord, begging Him to show me that my life had meaning. " - Morgan Brown

I spent many nights crying out to the Lord, begging Him to show me that my life had meaning. I am forever grateful to God for the prayer warriors who fervently interceded for me during that time. It was in those dark and quiet moments that I began to experience God's presence like never before. Though I didn't have all the answers, I felt the gentle reassurance that He was with me and that He had a plan for my life, even if I couldn't see it yet. Looking back now, I see how the Lord used that season to strip away my pride, selfish ambition and reliance on my own strength. He was preparing me for something greater, even when I felt hopeless.

"Baylor Acrobatics and Tumbling embraced me with open arms, and the experience proved transformative." - Morgan Brown

Even in that dark season, God was working. Nearing the end of high school, I was unsure of what I would do next. I considered taking a gap year, going to community college, or even joining the military. Then, one day, my competitive cheerleading coach showed me a few videos of Baylor Acrobatics and Tumbling and asked if it was something I might be interested in. I was immediately hooked. The precision, strength and teamwork displayed in those videos was captivating. I knew this was something I wanted to pursue. I prayed for direction, asking God to guide me as I stepped into this unknown path. In His perfect timing, He opened the door to Baylor University, a school I hadn't even initially considered.

As I packed up my belongings to move to a new state 16 hours away from home to start fresh at Baylor, I carried both nervous excitement and a flicker of hope. From the moment I stepped onto Baylor's campus, I felt a sense of peace and belonging that could only come from the Lord. He led me to a community that would shape me in ways I never imagined.

"In His perfect timing, God opened the door to Baylor University, a school I hadn't even initially considered." - Morgan Brown

Baylor Acrobatics and Tumbling embraced me with open arms, and the experience proved transformative. Coach Felecia Mulkey and her staff are intentional about cultivating an environment that feels like a safe haven. Under their guidance, I've learned so much about myself and what it means to fully embrace who the Lord has created me to be, no matter the circumstances.

Practices in this new environment, even attempting skills that were foreign to me as a former competitive cheerleader, pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way. The process of learning and growing in this sport challenged both my body and mind, helping me develop a deeper sense of perseverance and resilience. It reshaped how I view myself and taught me to approach the unknown; not with fear of failure, but with the excitement of trying.

More importantly, I began to understand that my ultimate purpose is to serve Christ, to pour myself out so that I can be filled with the Holy Spirit and serve those around me, as Jesus commands. Competing for Baylor meant far more than winning titles; it became an avenue for me to glorify the Lord through the abilities He had graciously given me and to be a minister of the gospel to my teammates.

"From the moment I stepped onto Baylor's campus, I felt a sense of peace and belonging that could only come from the Lord. " - Morgan Brown

Serving Christ in the context of a team has looked different every day. It meant striving to be my best in my performance, cheering wholeheartedly for my teammates, or even listening intently to someone sharing their struggles. Each moment became an opportunity to reflect Christ's love and embody servant leadership.

In doing so, I discovered that searching for purpose in anything other than being a faithful servant of Christ is futile. Everything else is fleeting, but the joy and fulfillment found in Him are eternal.

Looking back, I came to college timid and afraid, living in an oxymoron of fearfully trusting. I often found myself wrestling with uncertainty, unsure of who I was or where I was headed. But through the love of Christ, my faith grew. I am leaving college secure in who the Lord has called me to be, grounded in the confidence that I am exactly where He has placed me.

"(This sport) reshaped how I view myself and taught me to approach the unknown; not with fear of failure, but with the excitement of trying." - Morgan Brown

Being part of Baylor Acrobatics and Tumbling has brought me immense joy. Beyond the trophies and championships, the true victory lay in the relationships formed and the lessons learned. It has been about the people, the growth and the opportunity to glorify God through every high and low. Winning championships has been the icing on the cake, but the essence of my experience has been learning to lead by serving and embracing the call to live out my faith boldly.

I am so blessed that the Lord led me to Baylor. I am deeply grateful to my parents for their sacrifices to make this journey possible. At Baylor, I have competed with the most talented athletes, been mentored by inspiring coaches and learned from brilliant professors. Most importantly, I have witnessed God working in marvelous ways. To Him be the glory.

BEYOND THE TROPHIES

Players Mentioned

Morgan Brown

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BEYOND THE TROPHIES

Players Mentioned

Morgan Brown

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