MY LETU STORY: Nate Bransford

NOTE: This is part of a series on letuathletics.com with feature stories written by senior student-athletes about their time at LeTourneau and the impact it has made on them.

By: Nate Bransford | Sr. | Men's Soccer

When I first came to LeTourneau in 2021, I felt like a fish out of water. 

I had grown up as a missionary kid in East Africa and wasn’t sure what college would entail. I came to study mathematics and education, as well as being a part of the Honors College. To my delight, LeTourneau has not only given me a great education, but so much more!

I had always loved mathematics growing up, but going to LeTourneau brought me into the wonder, beauty, and depth of mathematics. It was both challenging to learn and rewarding. Through these classes, I felt like I drew closer to the heart of God as I understood the beauty of how He created this world. It was awesome!

The Honors College helped me wrestle with deep questions about theology, vocation, technology, and life. I enjoyed having conversations with my classmates and dormmates. We also enjoyed fun events from ping pong tournaments and paint ball to running five miles at 5 a.m. at the beginning of each year. Through these conversations and events, I made some great friends, whom I have continually leaned on for prayer and support when needed. 

The Spring of 2022, I had the opportunity to become one of the assistant coaches for a U10 rec league boys soccer team, the ShinKickers. It was a ton of fun! In the Fall of 2022, I became one of the head coaches. It was great to get off campus and be involved with young players in the sport I love. At the same time, I also became a peer advisor and enjoyed being a first contact for freshman as they sought to adjust to college. 

Coming to LeTourneau from East Africa, I didn’t even want to worry about trying to play sports collegiately. Nevertheless, I started playing every intramural sport I could get my hands on and loved it. Yet, my thirst for playing a competitive team sport was welling up within me. I knew that this would probably be my last chance to play a team sport at a high level. Thankfully, I was given the opportunity to join the team.

My first season, Fall 2023, I didn’t get as much playing time as I had hoped. Yet, I began to realize that soccer was more than just minutes. It was about fulfilling my role. My primary role on the team is always to point people to Christ. Secondly, it is about giving it my all every day in practice in the little things. This starts with encouraging and serving my teammates through picking up cones and giving a kind word. It also means giving a wholehearted effort every day to seek excellence for the glory of God. 

The start of both last season and this season kicked off with injuries. I was reminded by the Lord again and again that being a part of the team was so much more than minutes. It is always about bringing glory and praise to Him.

Last season, we had the joy of going to the conference finals. Though we lost in the finals there was something rewarding about how hard we worked in that tournament and how well we were able to play together. I was on track to graduate last year and had finished all my classes for my math degree, but I was not ready to leave after only playing two seasons on such a wonderful team. I decided to add one more semester and play one more season while studying theology. I loved all my Bible and theology classes at LeTourneau and was excited to continue to pursue a deeper understanding of God and His Word. I have seen God’s hand upon this extra semester in so many ways. 

At the end of every practice, my team all says “Family” together. We seek to be there for one another and support each other on and off the field. Everybody has their ups and downs, but a family sticks together through it all. We have made great memories on away trips together and just enjoy spending time with each other. 

If I had to narrow down my experience at LeTourneau to one word, I would say “formational”. LeTourneau has provided a community and a place to grow most importantly in my love of Jesus and relationship with Him. I have also grown in my understanding of mathematics, theology, and education, through deep study and hands-on experience. I have made friends that I know will last a lifetime. I have grown in my athletic ability as well as my love and understanding of soccer. I feel LeTourneau has prepared and equipped me for their mission, to bring Christ to “every workplace and every nation”. As I graduate, I hope to incorporate my love for math, sports, and people through becoming a godly teacher, coach, and/or missionary to the people around me. 

My prayer for my teammates is that they may have a formational encounter with Jesus Christ while at LeTourneau. If there is any truly lasting impact, it will only be through knowing Christ and enjoying a relationship with Him. 

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my LeTourneau journey. God has used you all in so many ways to grow, form, and shape me closer to His image. I am extremely grateful.

Nate Bransford #7