October 30,  2025

Serve > Train > Compete Feature I Presented by Kessinger Lee

WILMORE, Ky. --- Asbury Athletics is committed to providing student-athletes an opportunity to serve, train, and compete through college athletics for the glory of God. The Kessinger Lee Group presents the Serve > Train > Compete Feature, which aims to highlight AU student-athletes pursuing this mission. 

Kessinger Lee presents Asbury men's swimming sophomore youth ministry major, Avery Annas, as a Serve > Train > Compete featured student-athlete.

Avery Annas | Youth Ministry  | So. | Hudson, NC. | Men's Swimming

Annas, a native of Hudson, NC., embodies the vision of Asbury Athletics to utilize the platform of college athletics to point toward Jesus Christ and compete for His glory. 

He exemplifies SERVING  by encouraging his teammates and putting others before himself.

Avery represents TRAINING  by his consistent hard-work and effort to get better every day.

He reflects COMPETING by giving his best effort with humility and a desire to honor Christ. 

View Avery's answers to questions from the Asbury Communications team below. 

• What does serving, training, and competing for the glory of God mean to you?

For me, serving, training, and competing for the glory of God means using every opportunity (practices, meets, team meals, homework assignments, etc.) to further God’s kingdom through my excellence and attitude. 

• Who are some of the coaches, faculty and staff that have impacted you at AU?

My coach, Graham Duncan, has had a huge impact on me and my growth here, as well as multiple professors that I’ve had, especially Dr. Joy Vaughan.

• How has God impacted your walk with Him during your time at Asbury?

God has used my time at Asbury to help me grow in my leadership abilities, as well as showing me the importance of taking the initiative to pursue things that will glorify God both externally (for example, building intentional relationships) and internally (how my mindset affects the way I train). 

• What advice would you give to new student-athletes coming to Asbury?

Remember that your athleticism is a gift from God and that each and every day is an opportunity to be a better version of yourself in athletics, as well as in your faith. As followers of Christ who play sports, we have a unique platform that can and should be taken advantage of, but you'll lose sight of that if you just get lost in the motions of your practice schedule and routine.