Hekla Goodman: Faith, Trials, Trust and God’s Love

Rocklin, Calif. – When all seemed lost for Hekla Goodman this summer, she found a way to persevere through a summer experience in Iceland that helped improve her soccer skills, the future and relationship with God.  Goodman, a native of Clovis, CA, is a dual citizen in both the United States and Iceland.  Having spent many summers in Iceland, she always dreamed about playing professionally.  Her chance came when a professional team from Iceland called Valur invited her to come play this summer.  Unfortunately, her opportunity with Valur did not work out and all seemed lost.  It is said that when one door closes another door opens and for Goodman the journey is all worth it.

During her senior season at Buchanan High School, Goodman was contacted by the U-19 Iceland National Women’s Soccer Team coach.  Coach Ólafur Þór Guðbjörnsson (otherwise known as Oli) needed a striker.  At the time, she was being recruited by Coach Kevin McCarthy at Columbia University.  Coach McCarthy contacted Coach Oli and recommended Goodman for the team.  After the recommendation, she found herself in Iceland touring through Israel with the U-19 team.

Upon making her decision to attend William Jessup University on a soccer scholarship last season, Hekla thought that her dreams of playing professional soccer had been dashed.

“When I made the choice to attend Jessup, I couldn’t see playing professional soccer in the cards,” state Goodman.  “I turned down bigger state schools and an Ivy league school, to come to Jessup.  I felt like Jessup was where God was leading me, so I stepped out in faith.”