For Dorcus Lara ’26, an international student from Uganda, four years at Asbury University brought together academics, athletics, faith, and a community that became family. As an Exercise Science–Kinesiology and Psychology double major and member of the Asbury Women’s Soccer Team, Lara found relationships and experiences that she says will remain with her long after graduation.
Throughout her time at Asbury, Lara balanced the demands of two majors with life as a student-athlete. Practices, seasons, long bus rides, victories, challenges, laughter, and tears became defining parts of an experience that extended far beyond the soccer field.
We asked Dorcus to reflect on her time at Asbury.
“For so many years, my routine has revolved around practices, in-season, off-season, and all the long bus rides, laughter, and tears that came along with it. It’s been an honor to be part of the Asbury Women’s Soccer Team and to see how much it has grown and evolved over the years.”
For Lara, some of the most meaningful moments came through seeing faith intersect with her experience as a student-athlete. She remembers praying for her team in Hughes Auditorium during the Outpouring her freshman year and witnessing those prayers continue to bear fruit.
“I’m so happy to say that the prayers we prayed in Hughes during the Outpouring during my freshman year over our team are coming to pass!”
Being an international student meant Lara’s family could not always be physically present for important moments, but she found a community at Asbury that surrounded her with encouragement and support.
“Thank you to everyone who cheered me on during games, listened to me rant on the hard days, and continued to show up for me no matter what. Thank you for making my Senior Day feel so special that, even though my family couldn’t be there, I felt an abundance of love and was surrounded by my Christ family.”
As Lara looks toward what comes next, she says the relationships and lessons formed during her four years at Asbury will remain an important part of her story.
“The memories, friendships, and lessons I have learned here at Asbury will live on with me for the rest of my life. Cheers to the next chapter and to seeing all the new wonderful things that God will write in my story.”
Lara’s Asbury experience reflects the lasting impact of combining academics, athletics, faith, and Christian community. From pursuing two areas of study to competing alongside her teammates and finding a Christ-centered family thousands of miles from home, her four years have prepared her to step faithfully into a new chapter — carrying with her the relationships, lessons, and memories she found at Asbury.
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