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Grace vs Performance: Finding Identity as a D1 Athlete · 307 Faithful

• Devin Davis: Welcome everybody to the 307 Faithful Podcast. I'm your host, Devin Davis. I'm an area representative for Wyoming FCA here in Riverton, Wyoming. and as I tell everybody, the mission of FCA is to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and his church. And we're super excited for today's interview, today's episode. We have another Wyoming cowboy. athlete and today your guest is a volleyball player for the for the Wyoming Cowgirls and so we'd like to welcome in Raya Fingerland. Raya thanks for taking your time to meet with us today and welcome to the three seven Faithful podcast. Rya: Thank you so much for having me. I'm so excited. Devin Davis: Yeah, this is really cool. So with Raya being in the middle of season right now, it's been kind of crazy and hectic to to get connected and I'm glad we were able to Rya: Mm. Devin Davis: to do that. So I'll I just want to find out I just kind of from your bio on the the Wyoming website and and a few things I've learned from Stacy. I know that you are from Parker, Colorado. Is that correct? Okay. And Rya: Yes. Yes, that is. Devin Davis: You played at Lutheran High School. In okay. So tell us kind of about your background. I mean, let's let's start off with a sports background first and how you ended up at the University of Wyoming Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: and what your volleyball career has looked like that led you to the place that you're at right now. Rya: Yeah, my older sister played volleyball before I did and so that's kind of how I fell in love with it I remember watching her when I was like eight or nine and that's kind of when I started playing too just like random things and then When I was 11, I started playing competitively Just in club volleyball and then also middle school volleyball and beach volleyball. So I used to do gymnastics before that and then I was just like totally locked into volleyball doing that year round. And so I played club all throughout middle school, all throughout high school. And then my junior year when I was around 16 is when I could start recruiting for college. And Wyoming was actually one of the first schools I reached out to and I didn't hear a response from them. And so I was kind of going through the whole process my junior year talking different schools visiting them and then Wyoming came and watched me a little bit and then the summer before my senior year I went to a camp here and After that is when I got offered and then I committed like a week later because I knew I wanted to come here So yeah, that's how I ended up here Devin Davis: So Of all the the colleges throughout the region, throughout Colorado, I mean and you say Wyoming was always kind of at the top of your list. W why was it was there a reason for that at all, Raya? Rya: I knew I wanted to be close to home and that was one of the schools that was closest to home for me and then my family actually really likes the University of Wyoming just the state of Wyoming in general like I have some family who lives here and when I was younger we would always go on trips here and Yeah, my whole family wanted me to go here Devin Davis: Okay. Rya: and then that kind of made me want to go here, too. So yeah Yeah Devin Davis: Awesome. And so in in high school, what type of success did you tell us a little bit about your career in high school as at Lutheran and your accompli accomplishments with that. Rya: I, I did not make varsity my freshman year. So my freshman year I was just on JV, which was really fun. And then my sophomore year is when I made varsity and started to play. And then my junior year is when I started, I was the libero for the team. And that year and my senior year, I won the PPAC, which is just our conference libero of the year for my junior and senior year. And. Yeah, I got honorable mention all state for both years as well. Devin Davis: Great. So in in Colorado, obviously the classifications are a little different than Wyoming, and it's just a lot more schools and a lot bigger schools. What classification was Luther what did you play at in high school in Colorado? Rya: So my freshman and sophomore year we were 3A and then junior and senior year we were 4A. Devin Davis: All right. So who was your main who else was in your conference? Who was your main competition? Rya: Lewis Palmer and Palmer grid were both really good at volleyball. they're in the Springs and there's a lot of good volleyball in the spring. So they were usually our biggest competition in our conference. Devin Davis: Awesome. And then outside of high school you played club and you said you played beach as well. And Rya: Yes, yes. Devin Davis: how did you know beach is obviously you you live in Colorado. beach is kind of hard to play. What I mean, how did you Rya: Yeah. Yes. Devin Davis: how did you get connected with that? How were you able to play? I guess that's that's a tough tough sport to play when you live in the Rocky Mountains. Rya: Yes, it is. It was mostly a summer thing. So even the club I played at when I was like 11 and 12 just had a program that went in the summer. So we would just practice. There was a couple beach courts around and then grass courts too. And then it was actually COVID club kind of got canceled that year, but we were still allowed to do a lot of volleyball outside. And there was a couple of like clubs too that started. beach volleyball. So there's actually a lot of indoor sand places in Colorado. So they even have tournaments in like January because they're inside. So I think that's what I did the most during COVID was play beach volleyball. And then as high school went on and club got more serious, I had less time for it, but I still love it. And it's so fun. Devin Davis: Yeah. I I have to laugh, Ryze, that everybody who watches the three seven or has listened to any knows that my favorite sport is wrestling, but pr a pretty Rya: Mm-hmm. Devin Davis: close. Second is volleyball. And Rya: Blurred. Devin Davis: that's because my wife is the Rya: you Devin Davis: call the coach here at Central Wyoming College and she's coached practically since we got married. So and believe it or not, Central Wyoming College has a beach volleyball team and they come down and they play. They there's not many teams in our region that has beach volleyball. So they usually meet in Denver and there's an indoor facility there. And I and I I think it's in the Parker area and I can't think of the name of it right off the top of my bat, but but they usually go down and spend two or three days and compete against other teams and just practice indoors and so I know exactly what you're what you're saying. It I mean it's it's really a popular sport. and it's crazy that there are indoor facilities like that, but it's that's about the only way you can really play that year round, I think. Rya: Yes. Yeah. It is. Yep. Yeah. Devin Davis: So academic wise, what year are you at the university? Rya: A junior. Devin Davis: Okay. And how many years then of eligibility do you have left? Rya: I have two more years after this year. So, yeah. Devin Davis: Okay. And have you, have you declared a major? Do you have any idea what you would like Rya: Yes, Devin Davis: to do? Rya: yes, I'm an elementary education major. So. Yes, yes. Devin Davis: All right. So you'd like to become a teacher? Cool. And and then maybe a coach someday, right? So Rya: Maybe, I don't know. Devin Davis: I I th you know, a lot of people go to volleyball and watch volleyball, but you know, I at least me, maybe you disagree, but a lot of people don't know about the libero position. I think a lot of people don't know about be being a a D S or a defensive specialist and and just how that works because you know they see you run off and on and off the court, but they don't they don't I don't think really understand that. So y it do you at at U at U dub, do you primarily play Libero or do you primarily play D S or do you kind of switch? Rya: Yes. Right now I'm at Libero. But Devin Davis: Okay. Rya: yeah, the NCAA changed the rules so there could be two Liberos. So if you look at our team, there's two of us who's in the different color jersey. So yeah. Devin Davis: Okay. And and tell us tell the listeners out there who don't know, tell us really what your job is as a libero. Rya: As a libero, our main jobs are passing and defense. So when the other team is serving, our job is to pass the ball up for the center and the hitters and then defense. So just digging the ball. We're on the back line. So we're not the people blocking, but we're the people on the back line digging. And the reason the libero is in a different color jersey is because in volleyball there's rotation. So usually a player will play three rotations front row and three rotations back row. But being in the different color jersey means you can play six rotations back row. So, yeah. Devin Davis: Yeah, you could go in anytime. Rya: Anytime for anybody in the back row. Devin Davis: And things changed a little bit with libero because years ago Libero wasn't able to serve and now the libero serves so and doesn't Rya: Yes. Yes. Devin Davis: have to, but do you go in in in your role? Are you do you serve as well as a libero? Rya: Yeah. Devin Davis: Okay. And i I mean in in your mind, and that's kind of like, you know, I think splitting hairs a little bit, is people go, then why do we need a DS? Why do you why does there have to be a defensive specialist? So what I mean, and that's a hard thing to explain, I think, but why why are there liberos and why are there defensive specialists? Rya: A defensive specialist is just like a little barrel like their job is the exact same just passing and defense And so that just like allows another person in the back row who like specializes in that so typically So there's like a middle who's like the really tall one who stands in the middle and that's usually who the libero will go in for and then a DS usually goes in for somebody who's like an outside hitter or right side hitter. But their job is just the same. They just are only in the back row three rotations instead of six. Devin Davis: Great explanation. I was gonna let you explain that. probably do a better job than me, but they they Rya: Thank you. Yeah. Yeah. Devin Davis: they basically like you. You can go on and off the floor whenever. They only Rya: Mm-hmm. Devin Davis: can rotate in for for one person, one player. So their playing time is a little bit more limited, Rya: Yes. Yes. Devin Davis: even though it's the same same job as yours. And and in my mind, Rya: Mm-hmm. Devin Davis: always with volleyball, I mean, honestly, I I look at liberos, I look at DSs, and I'm thinking always to myself, like You guys never really get the recognition, do you? Do you ever feel like do you ever feel like that at all? 'Cause I it's like the big blocks or the big kills, right? That on on the front at the net that like everybody cheers for. But in the back row, I mean, there's some pretty cool plays, but it's not quite as much recognition. D do you feel a little bit slighted as the Rya: Yeah. Yeah. Devin Davis: volleyball player sometimes? Rya: you know, think liberos and setters are definitely like the unsung heroes Yeah, usually when the crowd cheers it's for a big block or a big swing but Devin Davis: Yeah. Rya: on all the teams I played on and all the coaches I've played for They're very good at recognizing liberos and praising them too. So I don't feel Devin Davis: Yeah. Rya: too slighted Devin Davis: And and you know, obviously I know the game now after watching it as long as as I have. And what people don't know that are sitting in the crowd is that a lot of time, you know, if if a team is struggling at the net with that, like you said, big swing, that attack, whatever it might be, it's because you guys aren't doing your job. Right? I mean, if you're not getting the ball to the setter, to to be able to Rya: Yeah. Devin Davis: dish that out to her hitters, then you kind of don't don't play well. and so I think that's the one thing is like they a lot a lot of blame goes to the hitters as well, but it's really the setters who start the whole thing going with serve receive and things like that. So I I think that's that's the big key to a good team is is having a back row that passes the ball well. Don't you think that's true? Rya: Yes, Yes, yes, definitely. Very true. Devin Davis: And so how did you become, I mean, from the time you you going back to your high school and even younger than that, was that a position you always played or how did you ever develop those skills and say, hey, this is what I wanted to play in college? Rya: Yeah, no, I was not always a libero. When I first started playing, I was a setter and a hitter, kind of. On all my first teams I would set in the back row and then I would go front row and I would hit And I was 11 so it was fine because everybody was short And then when I got when I was 13 years of club my 13th year I was 13 My coach noticed that I was good at passing and there was other setters on my team. So she just kind of put me in that spot and that's where I ended up and it ended up making sense because you know, I'm a little bit shorter than everybody else. So that's when I started libero and I love it and that's when I fell in love with it. And so I've been libero ever since. Devin Davis: And then that's the cool thing about volleyball. I mean, you know, we tend to think of of it just being tall girls, tall people play volleyball. Rya: Yeah. Devin Davis: But because there is that defense side, there is that libero side of things, I mean you don't you don't not have to be a big person to to play volleyball. And so Rya: Yeah. Yes. Devin Davis: You know, it gives you that chance to be maybe not the tallest person on the team and yet be able to contribute to the team. So that's that's really awesome. And I think also this the thing that comes in pops into my mind is at at your position in any time in the back row, I mean, depending on again, on how things go, you do have to set the ball. so your your Rya: Okay. Devin Davis: experience as a setter probably has helped a lot too as a Diastro Libero. Rya: Yes, it has. And that's like, especially since coming to college, there wasn't really an emphasis on that in high school, but there's a huge emphasis on that in college. So it's definitely been really helpful for me. Devin Davis: Yeah, you're kind of the secondary setter, really, aren't you? So Rya: Yes, yes. Devin Davis: what for people also again going back to your position, tell them there are certain things that you can't do when you play back row. can you tell the audience? Maybe not all of them, but give a a an idea of what you can't do if you're playing in the back row. Rya: Yes, so When you play you'll notice like on each side There's a line that is called the ten foot line or the three meter line and that When you're in the back row you cannot be in front of that line and jump and swing Because it'd be considered a front row attack. So if you want to hit in the back row you have to be behind that line And then there's also a rule for liberos that if you're in front of that 10 foot line, you have to use your platform when you're setting. You can't set it because if you set it and then your hitter jumps and gets a swing, it's considered a back row attack. So yeah, those are the main rules for back row. Devin Davis: Yeah, that's that's good information because you'll you'll see a libero set the ball, but it like you said, it's only behind the ten foot line and you wonder Rya: Mm-hmm. Devin Davis: sometimes why they don't in front because you can't. And so Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: I think that's a good thing for people to know as well. So how has how has the season gone so far for for you and the rest of the Cowgirl volleyball team. Rya: It's been really good. It's been so fun. I love my team. It's like my favorite team I've ever been on. We had a good preseason. We played a lot of good teams and we learned a lot about ourselves. And then we started conference a couple of weeks ago and we're currently three and three in conference. So Devin Davis: Okay. Rya: doing well and just like looking forward to continuing to get better too. Devin Davis: Well, the neat thing about the Mountain West is are there's some new teams this year Rya: Yes, Devin Davis: that you haven't played and I think the new teams are definitely kinda up the level of volleyball in the Mountain West. Would you agree with that? Rya: I would. Everybody, the new teams that came in are really good. So UC Davis, Hawaii, and UTEP came into our conference and then GCU did last year. And then the Mountain West was always a good conference. And what's cool is like on any given night, anybody can win. Everybody is very similar. Everybody is very good. And so it has been evident in conference so far. Like everybody has been winning. Everybody has lost almost. So. Yeah, it's a really competitive conference, which makes it so fun. Yes. Yeah. Devin Davis: Really tight so far. And when will you when does your regular season wrap up? How many more weeks do you have before that ends? Rya: our regular season ends the week before Thanksgiving and then the week of Thanksgiving is the conference tournament. So, yeah. Devin Davis: And how many teams make everybody or just a certain number make the conference term? Rya: No, so it used to be six. It used to be 16 and now it's only four. So yeah, it's tight this year. Devin Davis: Yeah. Probably gonna come down to the wire then, huh? Rya: Yes, for sure. Devin Davis: Is I mean, is it like every other sport? do you have a rival? I mean it used to be CSU, but who's who's the rival now for you guys, do you feel like? Rya: it's just kind of everybody. feel like it did used to be CSU and it still is CSU. We got to play them again this year and we still make a big deal out of like the border war. Devin Davis: Yeah. Rya: But yeah, now it just feels like it's everybody. Devin Davis: Yeah. It's just a different conference, so it may take a while to to develop that rivalry with some of the new teams really. Rya: Yeah, yep. Yes, yeah. Devin Davis: and I and again just was able to connect with Raya through Stacey Frude. and I I believe I I didn't see you, but you were at Wyoming's at FCA sports camp this summer? Rya: Yes, I was. Yes. Devin Davis: Okay. As huddle leader with volleyball, how did how was your experience at FCA sports camp in Laramie this summer? Rya: It was awesome. It was a huge learning experience. I had never done it before, so I really did not know what to expect. But it was so cool. think I learned a lot. I learned a lot about how broken the world is. I think it was kind of crazy to hear just the huddles, their testimonies, the girls, and just how young they were. And so that was kind of heartbreaking for me, but it was also so uplifting. There were so many cool stories and it was so cool to see how many people wanted to learn more about Jesus and wanted to grow more in their relationship with him. So I think that was so cool. And then it was also so cool to just be surrounded by all the huddle leaders. Just all of their faith was so evident and it was just so encouraging and uplifting to me. So it was just such a cool experience and I'm so glad I did it. Devin Davis: Yeah, that and I've had a few other huddle leaders on and we've talked about camp and it's really awesome. Awesome to hear them share their stories because each huddle is so different. Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: Mainly what age was were the girls in your huddle? Rya: They were freshmen and sophomores in high school. Devin Davis: And Rya: Mm-hmm. Devin Davis: as I told people before, I mean, you you guys get there early for training Rya: Mm-hmm. Devin Davis: with JC and and Stacy to be prepared for what lies Rya: Mm-hmm. Devin Davis: ahead. did you experience any difficult questions or difficult times during your time with your huddle, your huddle conversations, that type of thing? Rya: I really didn't. My huddle, they were all awesome and they were very similar too. Like they all had very similar struggles and then they were also things that I had also struggled with in the past or was still currently struggling with and so they did ask a lot of questions and they asked good questions but I think it was cool just like the Lord had given me experiences in my life where I felt like I could like speak to those girls well and just speak from what I've learned. And so, yeah, it was honestly awesome. Devin Davis: Yeah. Would you say there was a highlight or a high point or something that you look back on now at camp and go, Man, I'll never forget that. or man, it's cool to see how God works. Is there anything really that sticks out from camp this last year? Rya: I think all of the worship nights really stand out to me. It's just crazy to see so many kids who are on fire for the Lord and want to worship Him. And that was just so cool. So I think those worship nights were awesome. And then also just hearing the girls in my huddle saying that they want to give their life to Christ and they want to learn more about Him was just such a highlight as well. So yeah, it's so cool. Devin Davis: Yeah, that I mean that that whole week is just a blessing I think for everybody who participates no matter what role, but just because you know that you're there for the same same reason, to glorify God and to share his name. Rya: and Devin Davis: And I I mean, somebody said, you know, I guess if there's a time on earth where it's maybe a little glimpse of heaven, it might be FCA sports camp week. Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: with the prayer that goes on and everything. And Rya: Mm-hmm. Devin Davis: and I think it's kind of you know, you hit a high and then you come off of it and it's back into the world. did you feel any of that at all in your time at camp and then coming off of camp? Rya: no, I actually felt just so uplifted from camp and just like reminded me of my purpose, which is to tell other people about the gospel and about God. And so I felt very encouraged. It was like a good experience for me because going in, I just felt like I had, I was not very good at articulating things. I didn't really know how to talk to people. And so that was actually helpful for me. And it gave me confidence, you know, going into life going into volleyball this next season, just reminding me of what my purpose is and that I have so much hope in God and I get to live with that. And then now I just get to tell people about him and become more like Christ. So I felt very uplifted from it. Devin Davis: Yeah. Yeah. Amen. it's just awesome to have other believers around you and so many different, you know, in encouragement, prayer all the time. And it's like I think We need to do that continually and and that's a good reminder of that. But so tell me about your huddle your FCA huddle at the University of Wyoming. Rya: Yes, it's awesome. I started, I think my freshman year, I didn't really go to FCA very much just because I was like, I don't know anybody, so I don't want to go and I was kind of scared. But then my freshman year, like second semester, I got introduced to Stacey. And so I got, I started meeting with her, which was really awesome and really helpful for me. Just my freshman year, I felt very alone in my face. So it was cool to have somebody to talk to about that. And then my sophomore years, when I really started going, like getting to go to Bible study. And that has just been huge for me, going to Bible study and FCA and having believers here, because for my whole life at home, I went to a Christian high school. And so I was always surrounded by that. And then coming to college was hard because I was no longer just surrounded by believers everywhere I went. And so it has been so cool for me to meet so many people, meet so many friends on different teams and also just people at the university who believe in God and are Christ followers. And so that has just been huge for me. It's been so awesome. Devin Davis: And that that's great. Do you have Bible different Bible studies that go on outside of FCA right now? Do you just have one main women's Bible study and one main men's Bible study, or do you have multiple that are going on? Rya: For FCA there's one main women's then one main men's and then my team also does a Bible study. So some girls on my team and I do a Bible study. yeah. Devin Davis: Cool. Great. are what are you studying in your in your or anything in particular in in your FCA women's Bible study? Rya: Yeah, we're going through Romans right now. Devin Davis: All right. What a book. Rya: Mm-hmm. We are currently Devin Davis: It's Rya: in three. Yes, yeah. But I don't know how much. Devin Davis: Okay. Do you just kind of break it up? Rya: Yeah, on week one, we kind of went like an overview of Paul. And then week two, we were on one. And then week three, yeah. So we were just going on Devin Davis: Good. Rya: from, Mm-hmm. Devin Davis: And then how do you what do you do with your your volleyball Bible study? How do you go about that? Rya: our volleyball Bible study, were going through James for a little bit. And then we've kind of just started talking about, you know, being open about what we're struggling with and then going to Devin Davis: Mm-hmm. Rya: the Bible for what the truth is. And so we aren't necessarily anywhere specific. It's more just whatever we want to learn about or whatever we need to hear. Yeah. Devin Davis: Yeah. Yeah. Well that's that's great. I mean and and your background, like you said, was at a at a Christian school. tell me about your faith and and and how that's when that really you know, became real to you, what it was like going through high school in a Christian school, kind of all the past as as as a Christian before coming to the University of Wyoming. Rya: Yeah, there really isn't a time in my life where I didn't know who God was. Like I grew up in a very Christian home and a Christian family, just about everybody in my family is. And I also went to Christian elementary school and middle school. So just throughout my whole life, I was just surrounded by believers and it has always been very real to me. I think in high school, I had a lot of confusion about things and I understood that I was broken and I understood that I was sinful and I just didn't understand how to live with the hope of what Jesus did on the cross for me. And so coming into college, I still felt a little lost in that. I felt guilty when I didn't read my Bible or I didn't go to church and I thought that that you know, meant something for my salvation. Like I felt like I wasn't a good enough Christian. And so, you know, I heard the gospel this past year and I just finally kind of understood that salvation is not a gift that I have to earn. It's something that I receive. And so that it's always been very real to me, but I think more recently I've been able to live with just so much hope that I understand that if I die tonight, I know where I'm going. not because of what I've done, but what Jesus has done for me and because I believe that. And so, yeah, I think it's been cool to see how my faith has grown and how God has been using experiences in my life to teach me more about Him. Devin Davis: It's it's funny how it's common, I guess, is the word to To meet people who call themselves a Christian, but don't understand what you just explained, that somehow salvation is tied to what we do or how good we are in this world. And that's what a lot of people, I think if they if you ask them, you know, if you died right now, would you go to heaven? And they would base that on, yeah, I've been a good person or I've done good things. and that's not at all what the Bible tells us, is it, Raya? Rya: No, it's not. Devin Davis: And you know, so where do you know, like where does that I d I don't know. I don't know if it's are the church isn't doing a good job of that. where do you think that disconnect comes from? May that's kind of a deep question, I know, but why are there so many people in our churches or or that are calling themselves Christian don't really clearly understand how we're saved as believers? Rya: Yeah, I think that in our culture and what we were talking about at FCA camp in sports is like you hear earned not given so much. and like everything in your life, you have to earn it, like you have to work for it. And I just think that's the culture of everything, which is good. Yes, you do have to work hard for things and you do have to work hard for your job. But I just think that like bleeds over. And I think it's just so easy to like put that pressure on yourself and just think that like what I have to do is perfect. What I have to do is be a good enough Christian. And then I think also, It's easy to compare yourself to. And when you're surrounded by believers who just seem like they know everything and whatever, they're so good about reading their Bible and they're so good about going to church, it's easy to compare yourself and be like, I'm not like that, or like, I'm not on that level and therefore I'm not saved. That's not the correct way to think, but it's easy to think like that. So yeah. Devin Davis: I I I agree with you. I mean, I think in especially where where we live, in in our nation somewhat, i everything that we are depends on how hard we work, right? I mean, Rya: Yeah. Devin Davis: you know, which is a great value. I mean, that's instilled by our parents, right? As they tell you, we want you to work hard at school, we want you to work hard Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: at sports, and and there's a lot of value in that, but that's that's not really believe it's it's hard to believe, right? That no, we don't have to do that. It's just a gift and we just have to confess and believe and we're saved. but like you said, the works come out of that. that's the that's the the the evidence that you are truly saved, that you do those things Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: after that salvation comes because you are so grateful for the gift that you've been given. And and that that is there's a lot of discussion about that, right? A lot of people are like, no, I'm saved by grace. That's all I need. I can live however I want to, but that's not really Rya: Yes. No. Devin Davis: the truth either, is it? Rya: Yeah. Yes. Devin Davis: And and that's hard that's a hard thing to wrap our minds around. But I don't have to be I don't have to work hard to be saved, but now that I'm saved, I do I do have to work. and I always think that's that's kind of a crazy thing, but I mean that's basically what God's word tells us to do as you are learning in Romans, right? Rya: Yes. Yes. Yes, exactly. Devin Davis: There's I think there's no better you know, book in the Bible that that talks to us about salvation and and what the result of it is. So Rya: Mm-hmm. Devin Davis: that's that's pretty awesome really to think about that. So and and at home, tell me about your family and and your your parents, any brothers or sisters, anything like that at all? Rya: Yes, I have an older sister and she's 22 and then I have a younger brother and he's a senior in high school and a younger sister and she's a freshman in high school. Devin Davis: Okay. Are they athletes as well? your the the rest of your siblings? Rya: Mm-hmm. Yeah, so like I said, my sister played high school volleyball and then she was kind of done after that. And then both of my younger siblings play tennis, actually. And my brother just qualified for Colorado State tennis. So, yeah. Devin Davis: As a freshman? Rya: No, he's a senior. Yeah. Yes. My sister is a freshman. Yes. Devin Davis: a senior. Sorry. They're your sis your sister's a freshman. That's pretty awesome. Their season is still going on. Their tennis season in in Colorado is still going. Okay. Rya: Yes. Yes it is. Devin Davis: And are they also attending the same high school that you went to? Rya: Yes, they are. Devin Davis: How did you how did your parents choose to send you to to Lutheran when you had that option of where you were gonna go to high school? Rya: we knew a lot of families who went there and then there was a couple like teachers who went to our church. So they just knew them. And then my aunt ended up working there too. So she still works there. And so we just had a lot of connections to that. And my parents wanted me to be surrounded by believers and just have like a great experience with that. And so they knew that they wanted to send us there. And I'm so thankful. I loved it there. It's a really awesome school. Devin Davis: Awesome. and I mean, just listening to you talk so highly about your parents, how did they model what it means to be a Christ follower around the home? What do they mean to you and where you're at right now? Rya: My parents mean so much to me. I think they just very easily display the love of the Lord and the grace of the Lord. You know, they weren't shy to tell me about when I was being bad or that I am sinful, but the response was always like grace and forgiveness and I never felt guilty about that. And so. I think that they have just been a wonderful example for me in that. And then they're always praying for me, always texting me, just reminding me of the truth of the Lord. And whenever I'm going through something hard, I know that I can talk to them and they'll have truth to combat whatever I'm going through. And so, yeah, they have just been huge in my faith and I'm so thankful for them. Devin Davis: Do they mo do they make most of your your games? Rya: My dad makes just about every home game and then he comes to the Thursday games and then they always come to the Saturday home games. So, yeah. Devin Davis: Yeah, yeah, the what type of I when I went to the University of Wyoming, I had several friends on the the volleyball team. There was a girl from my hometown that played and so I knew the volleyball team well. I got to unfortunately line judge. that th that's the worst job in the whole world. So especially now that there are challenges and so people can see how bad or good you are with Rya: Yeah, it is. Yeah. my goodness. Yeah. Devin Davis: with the challenges, but the you know, the volleyball team back then was a very solid group of girls who were believers as well. The the volleyball coach at that time was Mike English and he passed away but he w led our FCA huddle at the University of Wyoming back then. So that that was really, really awesome. So that's how how do you like that? What's the atmosphere like at at Wyoming Cowgirl volleyball games? Do you Is it a pretty packed place and gets pretty loud? Rya: It gets very packed and it's very loud. We almost always have the band there, which just plays like a huge difference. You usually like when the opposing team is next to the band, the band plays louder. And so they're in their huddle and they can't even hear what their coach is saying. And they usually have to move across the gym so that their coach can actually talk to them, which is so funny. But yeah, we have awesome fans. We have so many people in our season ticket holder areas that we just get to see at every game. And then yeah, it's always packed in there and it's so fun. The Uniyo isn't necessarily the biggest gym in the Mountain West, but... It is a little smaller, but that just means everybody is closer and it makes it loud. So I love playing there. It's so fun. Devin Davis: Bet I I know that can get pretty darn loud, so Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: everybody packed in close. Would you rather play at home or would you rather play on the road? Rya: Ooh, I'd rather play at home. Yeah. Devin Davis: Yeah. Where would where is your favorite place to visit when you are on the road? What's your favorite gym other than Laramie? Rya: We were actually just there yesterday, but my favorite place is Air Force. It's in Colorado, which is fun. It's in the Springs and it's so pretty. And it's just a really cool campus. It's so cool to look around and just like see everything that they've got going on. And then their gym is actually very similar to ours. So they have a nice floor. It's called Teraflex and it's the best kind of volleyball floor, which is fun. And then very similarly, like their fans are pretty close. which makes the place loud and it's just really fun. Devin Davis: So since Hawaii joined the Mountain West, have you made a trip out to the University of Hawaii Hawaii yet? Rya: No, we haven't. Our conference is doing something new this year where we will play the same team back to back. So we'll play them on Thursday. And normally we would, you know, leave somewhere else and then play some money on Saturday. But we play the same team twice. And so this year they have to come to us. So we don't get to go to Hawaii this year, but we'll go next year, hopefully. Yes. Yep. Devin Davis: Yeah. So you might have a new favorite place once you visit Hawaii. At least that would be at the top of my Rya: Yeah. Yes. Devin Davis: list, I think. Especially this this fall has been nice in in in Wyoming, but I think there's Rya: Yeah. Devin Davis: probably some years that you would love to be able to go to hang out at the beach for a day or so. Well, you Rya: somewhere warm. Definitely, Devin Davis: know, the other thing is too just think thinking about it, and I always ask a a similar question to this is is knowing your faith is in Christ and that it's a gift. I it's How does that how does that become real to you as you play volleyball in your sport? I what what type of things do you do? Because I think that's a hard thing. I always talk to to the the guests that I have, right? It's I I think we have a tendency to check our Christianity when we step on the floor or step on the court or whatever it is. but that's not what we're supposed to do as believers. But how how does how does Raya Fingerland Carry Jesus Christ onto the to the floor. Rya: Yes, that's something that I did struggle with for a long time. I had no idea how God and volleyball connected. But I think, know, first and foremost, I like to play with joy. Volleyball is a gift that the Lord has given me and I have so many reasons to be thankful. So when I'm out there, I just play with joy, like regardless of, you know, if things are going well or if... things aren't going well. know that I am an example of Christ and just the joy he gives me regardless of my circumstances. But I think something else that I have struggled with is just like worry about my performance or anxiety about my performance and just the way I think about that and how it makes me view myself. And so I think I've learned that even this year and it's something I'm still learning and I'm just not perfect in, but When I am worried or anxious about volleyball, that is actually the Lord giving me an opportunity to trust in Him and to gaze on Him instead of just worrying so much about myself. And so when I go out there, I know that I don't have to be worried because this is another chance that I get to trust that the Lord has given me gifts and He has given me confidence and that He has given me opportunity to train and now I just get to play freely and get to play with joy. Again, it's something I'm still learning. I'm not perfect in, and it is hard. It is just so hard. Like when you're in the game, like how can I actually reflect Christ? But just having to constantly remind myself that this is a gift that he has given me, and this is a way that I can learn to trust him and learn to put more faith in him. mm-hmm, yeah. Devin Davis: Yeah, and and you know th it's hard because there there isn't a game that you don't make a few mistakes, right? And and Rya: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Devin Davis: how yeah I I think that's the hard part is right, is how do I respond after I make a mistake? and I think sometimes that's especially hard for a libero or a DS again, you know, on when the other team's serving to you called serve receive, right? And they serve to you and you shank it. And everybody in the gym's going, my gosh, right just shanked that. And how what Rya: You Devin Davis: do you, you know, what do you say in your mind to yourself to to to keep that that right correct mindset of of what we just talked about. I I mean, you know what's going through your mind after a a play like that? Rya: I think in the past and still sometimes I get really upset honestly and I'm like what am I doing? Why did I do that? That is so embarrassing And it is easy for me to like get so focused on myself and so focused on like the error I just made but what I've been learning to do recently is First of all, like everybody's gonna make mistakes and I actually have to remember that sometimes. But just learning to be present, like, yes, that just happened, but there's a new ball, there's a next ball and I get to do my best on the next ball. And then stop thinking about myself and think about how I can go encourage a teammate or yeah, just like stop thinking so much about myself. And I think that has helped me a lot too is. just being less focused on the error and more focused on right now, the next ball. Devin Davis: Yeah. Yeah. What that that that error is in the past. What can I do moving forward? And Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: just having that mindset. Do you think that lesson also translates as is there a lesson we should learn from that as a as a follower of Jesus? Rya: Yes, for sure. And again, it's something I really struggled with of like, I did this, I said this, and then I'm going to think about it for the next couple of hours and just like beat myself up about it. But like we said earlier, remembering that that is actually forgiven. And then knowing like moving forward, I don't have to do that. I know I understand that I did that once. I don't have to do that anymore. Lord, please help. Change my desires. Please help me to see why that is wrong and help encourage me and change my heart and my mind and the way I think about those things. But yeah, it's just like the same as volleyball. Understanding that yes, it was a mistake, but not having to live in that and just knowing what I can learn from it and then moving forward. Devin Davis: Yeah. Yeah, that that that's a a great analogy, right? Because it's like we are saved. It's not we don't our performance isn't based our salvation Rya: Mm-hmm. Devin Davis: isn't based on a performance. But too many times we act like that. It's easy to get in that mindset, right? And Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: try to tie, man, I screwed up and so I'm a lesser, lesser Christian Rya: Okay. Devin Davis: when Jesus said, No, I paid for that. that's in the past. Rya: next. Devin Davis: That's done. but I think that's a hard thing for us. We wanna beat ourselves up and I don't know about you, like when you make a mistake, man, I just sometimes I think it depends on what that is, what that sin might be. You know, we all have things areas that we struggle with, but then we just carry it with us. and it just it's just hard to to get that off of us. And we just I don't know. Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: Do you do you struggle with that as well? Maybe it's just me. Rya: Yes. No, I struggle with that too, a lot. Devin Davis: And and that's not then and God doesn't want us to do that, right? I mean, it's not like he is moving away from us if we make a mistake. He Rya: Mm-hmm. Devin Davis: he is he is God, the same God every single moment of every single day of all eternity, and he never moves away. it's us that move away. And if we just move toward him, he's always there to say, Hey, here's my grace. and and my grace you know, is sufficient and I I don't know why we beat ourselves up so bad sometimes. Rya: Yeah, I don't know either. Devin Davis: I th I don't know if that's the enemy or that's our flesh or whatever it is, but Rya: Yeah. Devin Davis: I I I'm I've been I've tried to be better about that. because I think that's exactly what the enemy wants you to do is to try to pull away from God when you do make a mistake. And that's not what he wants from us at all. That's not the way that we should live, but Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: It's it's just it it's it's a hard, it's a struggle, especially again, somebody i i who plays a sport, whose volleyball, who whose whole yeah i y y your identity, it it as a Christian it's not in sports, but sports it's easy to make that your identity, right? Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: And how do you I I mean, is there any trick to man, I I just had a bad game when you walk when you walk out, does that care do you carry that with you? Like you I mean, I just had a really bad performance this game. does that carry do you carry that with you or able to let that go? Rya: I carry that with me, usually. And it's something that I'm aware of and that I'm still working on. But I think something that does help me is like just constantly reminding myself of what my purpose is here. and how it genuinely has nothing to do with how I perform in volleyball. And so just reminding myself, my purpose here is to tell other people about Christ and to become more like Christ. And so how can I use, like maybe I did have a bad performance in a game, how can I respond to this in a way that like Christ would? How am I going to like treat my teammates after I made a mistake or how am I gonna show up to practice? Am I going to show up all like mean and sad or whatever it is or am I going to show up with joy? And then, yeah, like you said earlier, it is hard to have grace. I think it's easier for me to have grace for other people than it is to have grace for myself. So I think that is something I'm really learning how to do is just taking what I can learn from that mistake or that bad game and then just moving on. Something I'm working on. Devin Davis: Yeah. Yep. Yeah, we're all g always gonna make mistakes and there's no getting around that until Jesus returns. but I I think how we handle that in our own personal life as well as in our sport really can Rya: Mm Devin Davis: make a huge impact on people who are watching us. Right. And I think what what a great witness for you when your teammates who may not be Christians can see how you respond to times of adversity. So that that's a a great truth right there, a great great reminder to all athletes. Your teammates are watching you and they're they're saying, How did Raya respond or handle this? And you mentioned your team Rya: hmm. You. Devin Davis: being really close, and loving this team. What what is what's different about this year's volleyball team than what really what you've experienced in the past. Rya: It's just everybody feels so comfortable being themselves and they make you feel very comfortable being yourself. Like everybody is just super loving. super open, super welcoming, not judgmental. Like they will love you for who you are and they will remind you of that all the time. And so yeah, we just have such a fun group of girls, very unique. We're all a bit like weird and crazy, but it just works because we love each other so well. And it's just like, everybody is on the same page. Like everybody is on the same page that your teammates matter, the way you treat your teammates matter. And so yeah, it's just been so awesome. Devin Davis: And what a like you said, what a blessing to be thankful for. I mean, to be able to play Rya: and Devin Davis: division one college athletics and to be able to travel some of the places that that you've been able to travel. man, what a gift. And Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: you know, I ask you your favorite Mountain West, Jim. How about is there a favorite place that you've gone for a preseason tournament that you just really thoroughly enjoyed? Rya: I think this wasn't necessarily a preseason tournament, but in the spring my team got to go to Europe and play volleyball there. And so we went to Prague and we went to Slovenia and we went to Italy and we got to play some of the national teams there. And that was just like one of the coolest experiences of my life. Like we got to see the world and experience that with each other. But then getting to be somewhere like Slovenia, had never really even like, I mean, I had heard of Slovenia, but I just like didn't know anything about it. And everybody is like, yeah, we're going to Slovenia. But then when we were there, it was beautiful. And there was just like mountains everywhere. We got to go on an Alpine slide and then we just got to see like the prettiest sunsets and it was just, it was so cool. So that's actually my favorite place was when we went to Slovenia. Devin Davis: Man. Yeah, I I don't think people would at the top of their list would say, Hey, yeah, I think let's take a vacation to Slovenia. But it was beautiful, huh? Rya: Yeah, no. Yeah, it was awesome. I loved it. Devin Davis: Was is European I mean, I I think for the most part, volleyball is volleyball, but was European volleyball much different than we play here in the United States? Rya: Yeah, it was different. They have a different ball actually. So the ball just kind of floats differently and then obviously it's very similar. Like you said earlier though, the overseas liberos don't serve. So that's something that's different. And then you can just kind of tell it's kind of hard to describe, but just different like styles of hitting. But in general, volleyball is just volleyball and it was so fun to get to play them. Devin Davis: That's great. So we talked about what your major is and but I just you know, thinking about, you know, the Lord's the one who determines our steps, right? But if you had to set your plan, which it says it's okay, in Rya: and Devin Davis: the Bible, your plans in your mind, what would life look like for you after volleyball is finished at the University of Wyoming? Rya: I don't totally know where. Maybe Wyoming, maybe Colorado. I do want to stay close. But then, yeah, I want to be a teacher either right now, first or second grade. Obviously that could change, but I've had a couple, you know, experiences like in my practicum in the first and second grade classroom. And I just really like that age. So as of right now, that is what I would do. Devin Davis: All right. Stay stay ho s kind of close to home and and teach. awesome. Rya: Yeah, yes. Devin Davis: where is your oldest sister right now? Rya: She is in Parker, Colorado. So she actually went to Concordia University in Nebraska and she graduated and then now she is working at a physical therapy clinic in Parker. So she's just with my parents and then she's actually applying to PA schools right now. yeah. Devin Davis: Okay. Great. Great. Would your would your brother like to play tennis at the college level? Rya: He's thought about it. He's really smart. So he is looking more for academic and education things. But I think he's definitely thought about playing tennis. Devin Davis: Yeah. Well that's cool. What do your mom and dad do? We talked about them a little bit, but what are their jobs? Rya: Yeah, my mom, her job is kind of hard to explain, I can't lie. But she works at National Jewish, the respiratory hospital in Denver. And she is just kind of on the research side of those things. She has a PhD, she's really smart. I don't totally understand what she does. And then my dad, very similar to me, he, went to college to be a teacher and he taught for a long time and then actually me and my two younger siblings were homeschooled. And so he taught us and so yeah, that was his job for most last years and then he's looking to do something new now, but yeah. Devin Davis: Awesome. Well, my connection, I we got a few similarities. My daughter actually lives in Parker. and she yeah. Rya: Really? cool. Devin Davis: She works for Brighton Hospice. She has a Rya: Nose. Devin Davis: master's of social work degree and and that's what she does. So we come down once in a while and so know that area fairly well. But yeah. So Rya: Yes, cool. Devin Davis: well that's cool. Do you get much spare time during the season? Rya: No. Devin Davis: No. Rya: Yeah, usually Sunday like today, I have all the spare time. We always have one off day and it's usually Sundays, but during the week it's pretty packed just with class and meetings and practice and stuff like that. But I do love it. Devin Davis: Yeah. You go a a Rya: Mm-hmm. Devin Davis: million miles an hour, I know. F and Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: and then then spring volleyball, does that start up right after you get back from Christmas? or do you get Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: a little time off before that starts? Rya: No, yeah, we get all of Christmas break, which is nice. And Wyoming's is really long. So we get like that whole month off and then we come back and we're in eight hour weeks. So we're sanctioned like eight hours to work with like coaches. And so usually the first couple of weeks, we're more focused on like lifting and getting stronger. And then we'll do some individual like positional sessions with our coaches. And then after spring break is when 20 hours start. And that's kind of when we start doing more like team practices and stuff. and so, yeah, we do that the rest of spring. Devin Davis: I mean, you have to learn, if you're a college athlete, to be very wise in how you how you spend your time, I imagine, Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: and be disciplined at that. And does that make it difficult? you have FCA to go to, you have Bible study to go to, but you know, kind of in your alone time, there's not much. Does that make it difficult to stay disciplined? as far as You know, just how you grow in your faith? are you a pretty committed person and have a routine that you follow? Rya: It does make it hard. I think it is so helpful to have things that are, you know, sectioned off like FCA or Bible study, but then it's very hard to like find other time or find- I have time, how am I using that time is not always the most productive thing because it's so easy to, you know, just like continue to snooze my alarm in the morning when I was going to wake up and read my Bible. I think, yeah, that's something I'm still learning how to do. But it just comes to a matter of just like, what do I care about the most? And this is what I should be caring about the most. So I am going to find time to do that. Find time, alone time, and then also just finding time throughout the day. to talk about God with other people, talk about Him with my teammates, finding time to do team Bible studies. It's just something I've learned. Like, it's not just going to happen. I have to be very intentional about it. So, yeah. Devin Davis: Yeah, intentionality definitely is is a big character quality if you want to stay, you know, grounded in your faith for sure. So well this has been s fantastic. I mean, I sure appreciate finding time in in that busyness. to spend time with us and I I really like the fact that now this this episode will be released in a few days. But I mean w it's still during the season. So hopefully people that are listening Rya: Thank you. Devin Davis: and will be able to connect you now, Raya, with the University of Wyoming volleyball and hopefully come down and support the Cowgirls and make a connection with you. And I I think that's the best time it to do this is where people now now now know you and and what your foundation is found in and who you are. So I love doing this because Rya: Mm hmm. Devin Davis: I think things that you said are so applicable to college kids in general. just I I think that's a hard time of our lives because we're trying to figure out what we want to do and what we want to believe and it's so easily Rya: Okay. Mm hmm. Devin Davis: we're so easily distracted by things that that that really don't matter a whole lot in the scheme of things. And it's a time in my life I'm Sharon Lai here, a time in my life I'd I'd really like to take back because I didn't really live like I should have lived and yet said I was a Christ follower. and and so there's definitely things that I would like to do again. so I admire you for Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: what you're doing and would just encourage you to keep seeking the Lord and and surrounding yourself with good people. I mean, that that's the whole I think that's the biggest part is is the people that you have around you. So I I think that's very important. Any last things that you would like to tell us about your yourself Rya: Yes. Devin Davis: or anything that we left off that you'd like to share at all? Put you on the spot here? Rya: No, think we covered it all. Yeah, yes. Devin Davis: Yeah, it was a good conversation. So I sure appreciate it and I I really appreciate taking time with me. I always pray for our guests at the very end, so I'll go ahead and pray for you. So I'm gonna take my headsets off here Rya: Perfect. Devin Davis: and we'll pray. Father God, thank you for this just encouraging time today with Raya. thank you for her heart for you, God. I that just comes through so apparent in our conversation. and her life and just how hectic it is with school and sports and friends. Father, I just pray that you would bless her the rest of the season. I just pray that she's just a bright light for her teammates, her coaches for the entire campus. thank you for her leadership within FCA. Thank you that she spent her summer impacting younger people and that that she's a model for what it means to be a Christ follower. I just pray that you would give her courage and the opportunity to share you throughout her days. just have your hand your hand upon her life and guide her each and every step of the way, Lord. We love you. We thank you that you are a God of grace and that grace never runs out, that you forgive more than we could ever imagine. And and Father, we sin more than we can ever imagine. So we need that every single day. So be with Raya, help her to Just as she she battles sin to be able to draw close to you and receive that forgiveness and that grace and to be able to continue to run the race with perseverance, Father. We love you and it's in your mighty and holy name we pray. Amen. Rya: Amen. Thank you so much. Devin Davis: You betcha. Raya, thank you. Thanks for spending time with us today. It's been awesome. I'll close out here saying just want to thank everybody for listening to 307 Faithful Podcast. follow us on social media. these are found on YouTube and also on Spotify, on Apple. You can listen to it anywhere. Follow us on our Instagram page. I always tell people you may want to listen or watch on YouTube. Not for me. Usually my guests are a lot better looking than I am. So Raya Rya: Okay. Devin Davis: I think is probably a reason why you want to watch this on YouTube. So thanks again for tuning in. Thanks, Rye. Have a great season. Rya: Yes, thank you so much. Thanks, Devin Davis: Have a great day. Rya: you too. Bye.