LAKEWOOD, CO- "I'm playing for his glory, not my own"- Angelina Kohlwaies. Angelina or "Angie" is a junior guard on the CCU women's basketball team from Lake Worth, Florida. She transferred to CCU this year from Mount Aloysius College in Pennsylvania. Angie is one of 3 juniors on the team, she's one of the team chaplains and is pursuing a pre med major.

Angie's love of basketball started early. As a young girl she spent countless hours watching her dad coach the Park Vista men's high school basketball team. She and her older sister Jasmine would sit through hours drills and plays, soaking it all in. Encouraged by her dad Thomas, Angie picked playing basketball in second grade and hasn't put it down since. Eventually Thomas became Angie's high school coach and helped foster her love of the game.

Family remains at the center of Angie's life. Her older brother Nathan is a mechanical engineering student and her sister Jasmine is a radiology tech and former collegiate soccer player. When Angie talks about her mom, Ariannett, her face lights up. She describes her as one of the most thoughtful and kind people she knows, adding that "if I'm half as thoughtful as my mom, I'll consider that a win."

Her dad continues to be her number one supporter and mentor when it comes to playing the game they both love. Angie described her family as "laid back" and "going with the flow". She said this outlook on life has helped her not take things too seriously and to be flexible when situations call for it.

Faith also plays a key role in Angie's life. She grew up in a Christian household her whole life but decided to fully give her life to Christ in 2020 following the passing of her Nana. "I just felt the supernatural presence of the Spirit," she recalled, describing the peace that followed her loss. Before committing her life to Christ she admits basketball was where she derived her self-worth from.

Angie recalled times she would let the outcome of a game or a rough practice affect her mindset for several days. Since finding peace in Christ Angie has become more steadfast and constant, not letting the highs and lows of the game rattle her.

Angie is no stranger to adversity, she tore her ACL twice in high school. The first time her junior year in 2021 and again 9 months into her recovery the summer before her senior year. Angie said through it all she felt the hand of the Lord guiding her and reminding her purpose was to play for his glory, not her own. Since these injuries Angie has learned how to rely on the Lord's plan. She's not rushing towards the next thing or reflecting on the past, she trusts she's right where she's supposed to be.

When it was time to transfer, Angie was drawn to CCU because of the community and focus on Christianity. Although she loved her former school Angie often felt alone in her walk with the Lord and wanted to experience a strong community of other followers. Colorado had always been her "dream state" so when the opportunity came to play at a Christian school in Colorado it was too good to pass up.

For Angie, the best part of playing any sport has been the relationships. She described her former teammates as her best friends and future bridesmaids. Angie's fondest memories include bus rides, hotel rooms and tournaments with some of her best friends. Her friendships are some of the most important parts of her life,

"It's not about surface level relationships but deep meaningful friendships that last for the rest of my life"

Now, as one of CCU's chaplains, she gets to foster that same sense of closeness. Angie gets to have one on one meetings with each of her teammates which allows for fruitful conversations where both parties get the opportunity to be vulnerable and grow together spiritually. With only three returning players it would be normal to assume there would be some growing pains this year on the Women's basketball team but, Angie said that the dynamic on the team has been great and being together has been a highlight.

Change can be daunting but Angie is embracing this chapter of life wholeheartedly and is enjoying every minute in her new home with her new team. She's grateful for the opportunity to build meaningful friendships, grow spirituality, and play the sport she loves for the glory of the Lord.

Colorado Christian University's Athletic Department, home of the Cougars, competes in NCAA Division II as part of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Rooted in faith, CCU Athletics strives to develop student-athletes spiritually, academically, and athletically while honoring Christ through competition.
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