MEREDITH GRANT
Staff Writer
Junior John Winder, a 6 foot 8 inch, volleyball player, is much more than just an intimidating opponent. He has a huge heart for others and says he trusts God with his life.
John likes to dream big. He is the kind of guy who despite his wisdom, laughs at the thought of giving advice to anyone. And though he is very accomplished, (including being a part of our National Championship winning volleyball team) he is humble. He is a hard worker both on and off the court and plans to live life to the fullest. He has been patient through recent injury to his knee, depending on God’s timing through painful rehabilitation. He has future goals to serve the Lord four months out of the year, a rare quality among college students, so eager to jump in and conquer the business world.
While volleyball is part of what makes him who he is today, there is more to him beyond his court experience.
Many people have made a difference in his life, and he certainly has plans to make a difference in this world.
What are you involved in on campus?
Well, on campus I am not very involved. I went to campus ministry for the first time this week, and I was very impressed. I wish I had gotten more involved with the on-campus service opportunities that we have at Pepperdine as well; there are so many. Of course there is volleyball.
How has playing volleyball shaped who you are today?
I think the first thing that comes to mind is competitiveness. Competitiveness comes out in sports and definitely transcends to off the court. Because I work so hard to be the best in volleyball, I often find myself working harder in school, competing for the better grade. This competitiveness also teaches me balance. I know what I have to do succeed, both academically and through volleyball, and a lot of times I have to rely on God to help me know which way to spend my time. While other people might spend three hours a day studying, I might need to spend that three hours practicing. Volleyball definitely changes the way that I live, but it is a lifestyle I have grown accustomed to and am comfortable with.
What is your major?
Advertising, but my emphasis, which most people overlook and don’t care about, is religion. I don’t know exactly what I want to do yet, but I can go into any field of business with advertising. That’s what I like about the major — my options are open for the future.
What is your ideal picture for the future?
My life has been sports. So, after college I would love to still play volleyball. Ideally, I would get to play volleyball professionally for 6-8 months out of the year overseas, in someplace cool, like Italy and possibly in the Olympics. Then I would like to spend the other part of the year serving God, maybe back here in the states. That would be pretty amazing, but we all have our dreams.
What kind of mission work do you think you would like to do?
I am not really sure, I had five of my dad’s best friends as great mentors in my life growing up, and I guess their presence has made me really want to give back in the same way. I know how much they meant to me and I would be honored to have that role in someone else’s life. I just recently got a
little brother with the Big Brother Big Sister Organization. His name is Sanford and he is 8 years old. He wants to go to Stanford and play football in the NFL. My job is to be a positive influence in his life, just by hanging out with him twice a month. I also hope to do some inner city work through Tony Campolo’s organization this summer. It is really wherever God takes me.
01-25-2007