TTW Proudly Congratulates UT Athlete of the Year 2011:
Juliann Faucette.
Beauty, brains, athleticism, discipline and drive- all of these attributes are included in the divine creation of this young talented woman. But humility and a grateful heart are the common denominators that have enabled this fine athlete to achieve such staggering goals in her few short years on earth. “UT Athlete of the Year” is no small feat! Heading off to the Olympics is the next expected step in a career ladder carved out of personal precious stones of talent and faith. If you expect ego from this young woman- you will find none. If you want to find a competitive spirit it is there-but is defined by determination and discipline. Humility goes a long way in competitive sports- and it is a rare commodity. Sitting in The Wyndham Hotel in Austin, I got to know a down to earth, effervescent, focused young woman: Who-by the way- gives all the glory to God. When I asked Juliann how long she remembered wanting to be an athlete-she replied: “As long as I can remember. I was raised in a very strict but loving home. My parents expected the best from me and I desired to make them happy. I always was disciplined. My childhood was very organized towards practice. It was always a part of my life. My day started at dawn with practice and ended after schoolwork with more practice. I kind of competed with myself! I always wanted to be the best I could be. My parents instilled that quality in me- it was just the way I was…nothing special- it was just the way it should be.”
I asked Juliann if she enjoyed her childhood and if she found time to be a “kid” and to date.
“Oh yes! I loved my childhood and my family life. My Mom was very loving…my Dad was the strict one-but I knew he was driving me towards being my personal best. We are very close as a family. I do date-but not seriously…there is just no time. But I have had a blast at UT-my life is balanced with a career and personal life…now off I go to Europe or Japan! I haven’t made up my mind yet…but the Olympics for sure! Wherever I settle and go to school, the Olympics are a given….I have dreamed of that all of my life- now my dream is a short time away: I am ready…and excited to compete for the USA…this is just a natural progression for me.”
I asked Juliann if she was a person of faith. Her eyes opened wide and she smiled: “Oh, for sure…yes! I was raised with the Lord in my life. He is the foundation of everything for me. He is where all of this comes from. It is not really me- it is…Him! Life has always been with Him and it always will be. All the glory goes to God…I am so lucky…so loved. I am so grateful.”
Well, dear readers, there you have it! Out of the mouths of babes! We bless you Juliann and will be watching for our beautiful girl to shine in the Olympics. Look out world!! UT Athlete of the Year 2011 is walking into her destiny! Entering a vast new world could be a scary thing for most people but with God on Juliann’s side, she will always know her Lord will continue to shelter her under His mighty wings.
God’s speed dear girl… we salute you!!
