In a time when most seniors are panicking about post-graduation stress, Biola senior Gillian McPherson continues to pursue her passion for soccer by preparing to play semi-professionally in Austria for one year after graduation.

First female to be accepted from outside of Austria

A Canada native, McPherson is excited to serve the Lord while playing the game she loves through an organization called Surge-Global Player Initiative. She heard of this unique opportunity through a family friend who recommended that McPherson should be the first female applicant of the international program. While Surge-GPI has had female soccer players enter the program, they have never accepted a female athlete from outside of Austria.

“Being one of the first female applicants is exciting to me,” McPherson said. “I have always enjoyed being the minority. I thrive on new situations and making a name for myself. It will be fun to see what name God will make for me in Europe.”

Japan trip sparks mission’s interest

During her freshman year, McPherson went to Japan with Biola women’s soccer team and spread the message of Christ through soccer. The experience opened her eyes to new mission opportunities, and she realized she could chase her passion for soccer while on the mission field.

Preparing for year in Austria

In Austria, McPherson will be serving in various ministries while playing on Austria’s semi-professional women’s soccer team. McPherson will be practicing three to four times a week and will be playing one game per week. Bible studies, traveling, and ministry opportunities, such as witnessing in local coffee shops, will keep McPherson busy outside of soccer.

McPherson said she is most excited to see her growth in Christ through this opportunity and to use her passion to spread the gospel.

“I expect that this is a year I am going to change a lot,” McPherson said. “I am going to learn a lot about myself because I am going to be uncomfortable a lot of the time.”

In order to prepare for the trip, McPherson is learning German, as well as learning how to adjust her style of playing soccer to fit Austria’s style, which includes more skill and finesse than American soccer.

McPherson to travel to 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup

As if playing semi-professional soccer in Austria weren’t enough, McPherson and Austria’s women’s team will travel to Germany for two weeks during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“It will be the first time I will be spending a long period of time in a spiritually dark place,” McPherson said. “I hope to gain an appreciation of the light that has surrounded me all my life.”

McPherson will be leaving for Austria June 11, two weeks after graduation. She will reside in dorm-style international student housing in Vienna and may have the opportunity to teach English as a second language. To gain financial and spiritual support, she has sent out support letters to close friends and family.