Thirteen Student-Athletes Baptized at Mississippi College Softball Field

Justin Pigott, FCA director, baptizing Nikki Rhea on the Mississippi College softball field.

Words like amazing and life-changing come to mind as 13 Mississippi College student-athletes were Baptized at the MC softball field.

“This is where I rededicated my life,” says former Lady Choctaws soccer player Nikki Rhea. “It couldn’t have been a more perfect time and place to take this step.”

Members of the MC athletics family and friends applauded Nikki’s decision Sunday evening to strengthen her faith at the Baptist-affiliated university.

“This night could not have been more ordained by God, and so special to me, being surrounded by my friends and the church family,” adds the 23-year-old interior design major from LaPorte, Texas. “God is so merciful and we are so unworthy, but He has chosen to free us from our sins.”

Leaders of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Choctaws teammates, and coaches clapped as students stepped into a metal water trough near a large wooden cross planted in the outfield.

An MC volleyball player, Jamila Biglow was ecstatic after publicly proclaiming her love and faith in Christ. “It’s a beautiful thing,” says the Colorado Springs, Colorado native. “Faith is something I have always gone back and forth in. But I realize now that Christ deserves my undoubted love, and I am ready to give that to Him. To live, walk in love as Christ did.”

The incredible May 1 service fulfilled a dream for Bethany Pigott and her husband, Justin Pigott. Six years ago, the former Mississippi State student-athletes arrived as FCA leaders on the MC campus. The Pigotts hoped to see revival and unity grow as a powerful spiritual force at the 5,100-student Christian university.

With the events unfolding Sunday evening, “We witnessed that vision come to pass,” Bethany Pigott said. A few months ago, several FCA students gave their lives to the Lord. “It was incredible to see students desire God and want to walk in His ways.”

Soon, conversations within the organization’s ranks led to plans for Sunday’s services near the Lady Choctaws softball scoreboard.

Softball player Ty Buckley of Philadelphia, Lady Choctaws basketball player Khadijah Jones of Heidelberg, and Choctaws football player Alex Johnson of Greenwood were among the students lined up to enter the water trough. Sports information director David Nichols captured the moment with his stunning photos and supplied a music playlist.

Overjoyed, Brooke O’Hair, head coach for the Lady Choctaws softball team, expressed what she witnessed at the ballpark on the Clinton campus. “Tonight, I experienced the most amazing moment in my life as a coach.”

For those 13 MC student-athletes making life-changing decisions, she said, “the Real Victory has been won!”