LIVONIA, Mich.- Student-athletes have a lot on their plate. Between schooling, practice and games, there isn't a lot of time to do much else. But for Madonna University women's soccer goalie Julia Stewart, she always has time to help.

Stewart has helped lead Madonna on the field making 14 shutouts this season, tied for the single-season record. She has earned Second Team All-Conference, received Defensive Player of the Week three times this season, and her nine saves against University of Northwestern Ohio helped the Crusaders reach the conference tournament championship for the first time in 10 years. But Stewart's number one passion is not stopping shots, but instead helping others in need.

From St. Clair Shores, Mich., Stewart has a devotion to assisting others. From joining local churches to taking her time to help the less fortunate in Africa, she has made others needs her own.

Kelly Schmidt, a grad assistant on the women's soccer team, shared her compliments for her friend.

"There aren't many people like her," Schmidt commented. "A lot of people are kind, but won't go out of their way to go help others. She has this outgoing, positive attitude about her that is infectious."

Stewart first got involved with volunteer work when she decided leave for Cape Town in South Africa by herself. She didn't know a single person, went alone with no help. She spent two months there, and found work with a missionary-based organization called Yebo-Life, who then connected her with other ministry organizations committed to assisting the people living there, including a soccer program, a youth ministry, and an orphanage.

"My favorite part was that I was a part of the community and I felt like a true resident among everyone," Stewart said. "People would tell me 'you belong, it's so natural for you.' I loved the ministries, the people, but I also had the opportunity to create so many friendships which helped me grow spiritually, physically and mentally."

She especially liked working with the soccer program. News of her time with them inspired several donations, such as the Madonna women's soccer coach Paul Patton donating pennies, balls and ball pumps to the boys.

Thabiso Khumalo, a Madonna men's soccer assistant coach, donated through his own foundation named the Umhlaba Vision Foundation, which is dedicated to changing the lives of South African youth by participating in sports and education. Khumalo and his foundation donated jerseys, socks and much more.

Sydney Voss, a teammate of Stewart's, got her father Matt to donate new balls and Nike outfits for them to wear. She gave her opinion on Stewart as well.

"She was someone I always had major respect for and looked up to," Voss admitted. "Not only is she a great leader on the field but off the field as well. She's constantly working with her younger girls' soccer team or helping out with her church. We couldn't have a better role model as our captain."

When asked about what motivates her to support all these people, Stewart had a simple response.

"It's my passion," Stewart explained. "I have always had this feeling that in my heart that I am meant to help people. I believe this passion has been given to me by God."

Stewart's dedication and direction comes from her faith in God. She participates in two local churches: Mile City in Plymouth, and Brightmoor Christian Church in Novi. She has found that God has 'continuously shown her this direction'.

"I found my true passion for ministry with the soccer boys [in Africa] along with the orphans," Stewart revealed. "Since being there it has motivated me to one day start my own foster home and involve education, sports and more."

With faith and an unbelievable desire to succeed, she will stop at nothing to accomplish the things she sets out to do. Stewart plans to graduate next May and hopes to go back to Africa to give back to the community again soon.

If you are interested in participating, donating, or learning more about the Yebo-Life organization, click here.

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