Spurgeon College Student Highlight: Meet Lydia Swartz
Meet Lydia Swartz
Born in Ethiopia, Lydia Swartz was adopted at a young age and grew up in Bellevue, Nebraska, before coming to Spurgeon College in 2024. She was recruited to play on the Spurgeon College volleyball team and works in the athletics office as an assistant to the coaches. Lydia also assists with student recruiting and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.
MBTS—What led you to choose Spurgeon College for your studies?
Lydia Swartz—The main reason I chose Spurgeon was because of the community. My first time visiting campus was when we moved my brother in at Spurgeon. I remember the joy of the student leaders and the kindness of everyone on campus. I’ve played volleyball since eighth grade and I’ve always loved it, but I wasn’t sure if playing in college was something I could realistically pursue. When I was looking at Spurgeon and the head volleyball coach reached out to me, I was so excited. I thought, “What could be better?” I get to play the position I love for a good Christian team, and I get to study Scripture. I couldn’t imagine a better option for me. I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted, but I love ministry, and I trusted that the Lord would show me the path He wants me to take as I faithfully walk beside Him.
MBTS—Who have been key people who have encouraged you during your time at Spurgeon College, and how have they shaped your experience at college?
Lydia—I have loved my Old Testament and New Testament classes taught by Dr. King and Dr. Chipman. They are knowledgeable and passionate, caring well for their students and demonstrating their love for the Lord in the way they teach. Mrs. Beverly White is a woman I look up to greatly. She is my academic advisor and also my mentor, full of wisdom and unafraid to tell me what I need to hear rather than what I want to hear. Her advice has shaped my life in many ways.
My coaches have been amazing, pouring into my life in so many ways. I have had two coaches during my time on the volleyball team, and they both have been so kind. This year, Elizabeth Deaton was the coach, and I learned so much from her just by observing her character. She is one of the kindest women you will ever meet—selfless, encouraging, and committed to others—and I am so thankful for the Lord’s work in my life through her. My friend Victoria Weiss was my very first roommate and teammate. She is kind, creative, and passionate about volleyball. She is always encouraging, and I have been blessed to have her in my life as a friend and teammate. I have learned so much from each of these people. Through their lessons, guidance, and daily presence, I can clearly see God’s provision in my life.
MBTS—How do you balance the demands of your major and collegiate volleyball?
Lydia—Balancing the demands of my major while playing volleyball really comes down to discipline. During the season, the volleyball team practices very early in the morning, and then the rest of the day is full from there. I have had to be intentional about going to bed on time so I get enough rest, and I try to finish most of my homework in the first half of the week since we travel on weekends. Staying disciplined and efficient has helped me maintain a good balance!
MBTS—In what ways has your time at Spurgeon College shaped the kind of teammate, friend, and Christian you hope to become?
Lydia—Being on the volleyball team has taught me patience and selflessness. I have the most fun playing when I’m serving the team and helping them succeed, rather than focusing on myself. I’ve learned that good leadership isn’t about attention or constantly talking, but it’s about actions and quiet support of the team. Living together and doing life with one another in college is such a unique experience, and I am deeply grateful for it. Friendships reveal both strengths and weaknesses. I’ve seen many areas where I need growth, and though I sometimes feel like I’m not a good friend, I have sweet, patient friends who hold me accountable and love me despite my failures.
Spurgeon has truly been the place God has used to reveal areas where I need growth and to guide my character development as I mature. I am so thankful for the influences around me—the amazing women on campus who amplify the Lord and model what it looks like to be submitted to Him and His church, the men and professors who share wisdom with discernment, and, ultimately, the way God’s work is evident in the lives of both students and professors. It is truly such a blessing to witness His hand at work on campus.
