Many would think Briana Myers has every reason to call herself a successful soccer player. As a Conference USA All-Conference third team selection, team captain and 2024 all-season starter, her stats reflect her discipline and dedication on the Liberty University Women’s Soccer team.
Yet if you were to ask Myers about herself, her response wouldn’t center on her identity as an athlete, but as a child of God.
Myers grew up in Troutville, Virginia and played for Liberty’s indoor league — an environment that fostered her love for the game and for Liberty’s Christ-centered culture.
When her brother Blake committed to Liberty for soccer, Myers began to realize that there may be opportunities there for herself as well.
To Myers, inside the locker room felt more like a family than a competition.
“That kind of drew me in. … I really loved the culture and the atmosphere that the girls created on the team,” Myers said.
Myers started all 21 games last season, logging more than 1,500 minutes and recording three full 90-minute performances. She totaled 15 shots, six of which were on goal, and played at least 70 minutes in 14 matches. However, these accomplishments did not come without adversity.
In 2023, Myers suffered a season-ending leg injury during practice. Though her team rallied around her until she was back on her feet, this setback caused her to reevaluate her relationship with soccer.
“I love soccer so much, but I had definitely put my identity into how I played on the field. … That one was honestly probably harder than my injury,” Myers said.
Through this experience, Myers reflected on her time playing for Liberty. She emphasized the difficulty in her freshman year going from being a top high school player to having minimal playing time.
“I got to college and I was like, ‘Wow — I don’t even know who I am anymore,’” Myers said.
Along with that identity struggle came the challenges of adjusting to college life, such as balancing academics, athletics and faith. Myers credits her family, coaches and older teammates for helping her through that season.
“Honestly, that’s the reason I’m still playing, … the reason I’m still here,” Myers said. “I’m super grateful for that.”
Now, as a fifth-year senior, Myers is determined to make that same impact on others.
“It’s cool now. Looking back, I think God gave me those experiences so I can invest and relate to other people in that way,” Myers said. “I don’t think if I had just went in playing all the time I could relate to people in that aspect.”
Myers’ love for the game — and for God — has carried her through both hardship and triumph. As she prepares to step into a new season of life, she continues to bear the name of Christ both on and off the field.
“Never forget the love you had for the game in the first place,” Myers said. “Never forget that joy.”
Potter is a sports reporter.