WILMORE, Ky. --- Asbury Athletics has announced this month's #TeamAU Alumni Feature, presented by KEMI (Kentucky Employers' Mutual Insurance), highlights a former Asbury student-athlete, Chris Israel, class of 2015. Chris was a player on the Asbury Men's Soccer team from 2012-2014 and played Midfield for the Eagles. Throughout his 3-year career at AU, Chris made an appearance in 51 games, recording 9 goals and tallying 6 assists. 
 

"When Chris transferred in, we were all pleased with his ability on the field. He scored some big goals for us during his time. However, we as a team benefited the most from his leadership and character and he made a long lasting impact on our program."

Ben Andrews, Head Men's Soccer Coach

See Chris' answers to our questions below!
 

What were the years of your time at AU?
2012-2015
 
What was your major and what sport did you play?
Middle Grades Education with an Emphasis in Science and Social Studies I Soccer

How did God use Asbury to impact your life?
I think the most impactful way that God used Asbury in my life was through relationships.  Asbury, in general, allows you to interact with a lot of high quality people, but being a part of the men's soccer team and in a small group led by Joe Bruner, amplified that for me.  Many of the closest and most trusted relationships in my life are with people I had the privilege of spending my time with at Asbury. The brotherhood of those two groups has certainly impacted me as I've grown over the years since leaving. Many of those relationships, I've done a terrible job of maintaining, but I'm still thankful for the people who chose to mentor me and help me develop as a Christ Follower.  Also, in the spring semester of my junior year, God used, of all things, assigned seating in chapel to introduce me to the most important relationship in my life: my wife.

What is your current occupation?
I am a 6th grade science teacher in Owensboro, Ky. 

What is your favorite Asbury athletics memory?
I have a lot of great memories on the soccer field like blowing out Talladega in the conference tournament in 2013 but one of the funniest memories was during a bus ride on the way back from a mission trip to Jamaica. We were playing a game called "What are the Odds," and Kyle Blair challenged Adam Howard saying, "What are the odds we bleach our hair?" Adam lost and they both had to bleach their hair going into the start of the season. 

Why would you encourage anyone to attend Asbury University?
For me, what separated Asbury from a lot of other places was the people.The faculty, staff and students are all generally excellent at what they do, but they also care about seeing you grow and will invest in you personally.  If you're willing, they will take the time to invest in you in a way that other places might not.