Ainsley Suelzle has credited the lessons learned during seven years as a player with 7 Elite Academy in Salt Lake City for preparing her for missionary work with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The 18-year-old, who starred for the academy’s 07 Girls team under John Evans, travels to Provo Missionary Training Center this week, before flying to Missouri for an 18-month mission with the LDS Church.
Ainsley, who will be leaving behind her parents, Trevor and Rebecca, and four brothers and sisters in Salt Lake City, is looking forward to the challenge of serving as a missionary.
She said: “It is so exciting to serve in Independence, Missouri to teach people lessons about the Gospel, and help them to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
“It is a big move for me personally, but one that I know I will learn a lot from. The service projects will be a great opportunity to help people, both in church and in the wider community.
“I learned so much about leadership and team work from my time at 7 Elite Academy, especially doing what’s best for the team and trying my best at all times, regardless of the result.
“John especially was great at connecting with the team and keeping everyone focussed on what’s important. He was really involved with the players and making sure they stayed united.
“All of this will help me on my mission. My family are excited for me to go and experience something new. They want me to learn and help other people over the next 18 months.”
Following her mission, Ainsley plans to return home to Utah and study at either BYU, Utah Tech or The University of Utah, continuing the health studies that she began at American Heritage High School in Salt Lake City.
She said: “I’m very keen to return to college and I’ve already been accepted at BYU and The University of Utah, so I’ve got plenty of options. I’ll be looking to study biology or another health major, then eventually go into occupational therapy.”
The committed Liverpool FC supporter, who has attended several games at Wembley Stadium in the UK, won several high-profile tournaments with her team at 7 Elite Academy, including the prestigious 7 Elite Academy International Tournament.
Ainsley added: “One of the things I learned at 7 Elite Academy was that no matter the result or the performance, there is always another game to play and another opportunity to play well and learn with your team mates.
“I experienced a lot of new things and played at different tournaments across America. You have to work hard for something you want and it’s those lessons that will help me most in my mission, and life in general.
“I would say to anyone thinking of joining 7 Elite Academy to just do it and you’ll learn so much. The coaches will support you all the way and your team mates will become good friends who you can always rely on.”
7 Elite Academy administers and coaches teams for thousands of players across the world, in the United States, the United Kingdom and in Cape Town, South Africa
