Before her final season on the University of North Carolina (UNC) women’s basketball team, Leah Church faced a life-changing choice: Follow your faith or your dream.

Leah will be speaking at the Billy Graham Library on Thursday, July 24, but took the time to answer some of the questions she is asked most frequently.

Q. What inspired you to write Long Shot? Was there a defining moment that led you to write?

After I made the decision to forgo my senior year of basketball at UNC and was finishing up my degree, my mom encouraged me to start writing down my story. At first, the idea of writing a book felt overwhelming—honestly, I didn’t feel qualified. But as I spent time in prayer, I began to sense that the Lord was calling me to share my story, not just for me, but for others who might need to be reminded of His faithfulness.

All throughout my journey, even in the hardest decisions, I’ve seen the hand of God. Long Shot became a way for me to reflect on that—and to give Him glory through it all. If my mom hadn’t lovingly nudged me to put it on paper, I’m not sure the book would exist today, so I’m very grateful to her.

Q. What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

More than anything, I want readers to walk away knowing that with the Lord, all things are possible. My life has been full of moments that, from the outside, looked like a long shot—but because of the Lord’s faithfulness, He turned those long shots into reality.

I want people to be encouraged to dream big, because we serve a big God. Don’t be afraid to step out in faith, even when the path seems uncertain. Stay strong in your convictions, keep your eyes on eternity, and don’t compromise what you believe.

At the end of the day, what you do for the Lord is what truly matters. My prayer is that Long Shot inspires people—both young and old—to trust the Lord with their story and to believe that He can do far more than we could ever imagine.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus…” —Ephesians 3:20-21

Q. Given your skills, abilities, and experiences, what mission do you feel God has given you?

From a young age, I’ve had a heart for the lost and prayed that the Lord would give me a platform to share my faith and point others to Jesus. Looking back, I can see how He’s answered that prayer in ways I never expected.

I’ve always been told I have a “strongwilled” personality—which, at times, could carry a negative tone. But over the years, I’ve seen how the Lord has used that part of me for His glory. It took that same strong will to walk away from UNC—my dream school—during my senior year. I didn’t make that decision lightly, but I knew what I believed, and I trusted that the Lord would bring good from it. And He has.

What I thought might be the end of a chapter became the beginning of something even greater. The Lord opened doors I never could have imagined: giving me the opportunity to write a book and share my testimony across the country.

I believe my mission is simple but powerful: to continue telling my story, to live boldly for Christ, and to point people to Jesus every single day. It may not be on the ball court anymore—but I’m still competing… competing for souls.

Q. Can you share one of your role models or someone that has mentored you, influencing your leadership development and character?

My mom has had one of the greatest impacts on my life. From day one, she made the decision to homeschool my sister and me, and she has continually sacrificed to give us everything we needed—not just academically, but spiritually and emotionally.

What stands out most is her faith. Every morning, she’s on her knees in prayer, faithfully lifting up our family. Before every basketball game I’ve ever played, she prayed over me, and that hasn’t changed to this day. Her prayers, her steady encouragement, and her belief in me have shaped so much of who I am.

She’s my biggest fan, my most faithful encourager, and truly the strongest woman I know. I thank the Lord every day for the gift of having her as my mom.

Q. How has your belief in God shaped your view on being an athlete?

It might seem like a cliche but I modeled my career as an athlete after Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, do wholeheartedly as to the Lord and not to men.” As an athlete, my ultimate goal is to bring glory to Him. Whether I win or lose, I want my effort, attitude, and how I carry myself to reflect Christ. Competing is one of the ways I can honor Him with the abilities He’s given me.

Q. What advice would you give to young people today?

There’s no denying that today’s culture is challenging for young people. Peer pressure is everywhere, social media is constantly shaping expectations, and anxiety and depression are at an all-time high. In a world full of noise and confusion, it’s more important than ever to find your identity in Christ—not in popularity, achievements, or what the world says you should be.

The only lasting peace and fulfillment come from a relationship with Jesus. Everything else will leave you empty and searching. That’s why it’s so vital to stay grounded in the Word of God and surround yourself with people who will encourage you to grow in your faith.

If I could tell every young person one thing, it would be this: Seek the Lord with all your heart. Trust His timing. Trust His plan. His way is always best—even when it’s not the easiest. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” Hold on to that promise.

Q. Do you have a verse or passage of Scripture that you often turned to for guidance?

Matthew 6:33 is one of my favorite verses: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” It’s a constant reminder that if I put the Lord first, everything else will fall into place. That doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but it does mean I can trust Him with the details. This verse helps me keep an eternal perspective—when I seek Him above all else, I find peace, purpose, and hope in knowing He’s in control.

You can learn more about Leah Church in her book, Long Shot.