Nathan Oostland - Senior Statement

“Let your gentleness be evident to all...”

Nathan is this team’s most experienced player. He has played varsity consistently for 3 years, and has had some memorable and celebrated matches in doing that. This year, he and Joseph lead the team in victories. In fact, with a win tonight he moves into the top 20 all-time at Bethany for career varsity victories. If he and Joseph get a couple more, he’ll move into the top ten. Yet, for all of those reasons to brag, boast, and demand things from his teammates, Nathan is a gentle servant at heart.

Nathan has had some of the most exciting victories of this group of seniors, and over big name teams. In his career, he has defeated teams from Jimtown, Goshen, Northridge, Concord, Fairfield. You’ll recognize those teams as some of the best in our area. And Nathan has stepped up in pressure moments, not the least of which was the Goshen and Concord matches this year. Some of my favorite Nathan moments were last year, when he and Jonah won 8 straight points to take a tiebreak victory over Eastern at our final tournament, and during his sophomore year, where he and Jonah eked out a victory over Northridge in their first varsity match ever.

Yet, when I think of Nathan, I will always think of his gentleness and thoughtfulness. Maybe that’s because he’s been over to babysit my kids a couple times, and my kids love it. Maybe it’s because he can be counted on a be a quiet conversation partner with anyone on the team. Maybe it’s because he’s not a complainer, not someone who is constantly slacking off and needed my attention to stay on task. But mostly, I notice his gentleness because he is someone who is always there for his teammates.

He’s been a good doubles partner because he’s is easy to play with. You know he’s not going to get angry and explode at you. You know he is going to bring his best. Even though he is gentle and soft-spoken, there is an intention to his actions. He has always brought hard work to practice, also completing the 30 workouts this summer. So, while he’s gentle, it is with intention. And he sometimes does get upset, when things aren’t going the way he intended, but even then he expresses it with an even tone, and with hope.

I hope that Nathan is a guy that the team is noticing, a player who is evident to all. Because he is a player who embodies so much of what we hope for in our Bethany players. Willing to engage in relationships with his teammates, willing to work out in the summer and help at Bright Time camps :-), willing to dive into faith conversations with thoughtfulness, and willing to face conflict and pressure with gentleness.

I am grateful for Nathan, our hard-working, gently intent brother.

Verse: 1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...