The Optimist
You are here: Home / Features

Return to Form: With Lizzy back, Wildcats primed to defend Southland title

by

A year after tearing her ACL and missing seven games, Lizzy Dimba is back in full form after months of rehab. In her final year, Dimba like the rest of her team is focused on a repeat as Southland Conference champs. “Last year was really disappointing when I was hurt,” Dimba said. “But I’m thankful for the doctors that helped me. I do rehab ... [Read More…]

Another day at the office: from skateboarding to preaching to getting arrested

by

Samantha Sutherland is the actual representation of Acts 1:8. If you've ever stepped foot inside a church, you probably know the verse – the one about preaching the gospel to the ends of the earth. After graduating with a degree in advertising and public relations in December 2012, Sutherland grabbed her skateboard and bought a one-way ticket ... [Read More…]

Moving Forward: Morrison sees transition as part of a greater plan

by

Junior transfer G.K. Morrison had never played a day of golf in his life when he told his dad he was signing up for the team in junior high. When his dad asked him why he would choose golf since he had been a baseball player for most of his life up to that point, Morrison responded by saying “Well, I’m gonna learn,” and he did exactly that. Now ... [Read More…]

Triple double trouble: Twin sets take athletics by storm

by

The millennial generation grew up fascinated by what it would be like to have a twin. The Parent Trap, a 1998, two-hour hit and TV shows like “Full House” and “The Suite Life of Zach and Cody” also caused today’s younger generations to wonder what it would be like to have an identical best friend. But what if the twins were athletes? How does a ... [Read More…]

The Notion of Enough: Rachel Riley learned to have enough by going a year without spending money

by

Small black letters on her wrist spell the word, “Enough.” Enough. A reminder that she has enough, that God is enough. Rachel Riley had the word tattooed on her wrist as a reminder to remain content. Five years ago, she chose to live one year without buying anything she didn’t need. Her fast from spending led her to a new understanding ... [Read More…]

Double or Nothing: Sheehy brothers find new spark playing together again

by

After playing together in high school brothers Jonathan and Josh Sheehy look for more success playing as doubles partners now at ACU. The brothers, who won state together during their high school years and went 1-1 in their last tournament hosted by the University of Tulsa, look forward to using the family aspect to their advantage. “With ... [Read More…]

And sew it goes: Psychology grad designs and produces products for her Etsy store

by

If you want a new, unique place to shop, look no further than alumna Maci Smith's ('16) online clothing shop. She decided to start up the Etsy shop as a way to use her love of fashion to make money part-time while she traveled over the summer, but now she intends to keep the shop around as long as possible. "I have always wanted to do something ... [Read More…]

From One Mom to Another: How Rogers created the ‘World’s Okayest’ nonprofit

by

Jenn Rogers, instructor in the teacher's education department, was inspired to start the nonprofit World's Okayest Mom after experiencing some complications while pregnant with her third child three years ago. At her 20 week ultrasound, doctors discovered she had a complication called placenta previa, and at 25 weeks, she had a major bleed while ... [Read More…]

You are here: Home / Features