By Jason Erickson
 
Faith Webber's story is one of relentless determination and multifaceted talent, quickly capturing the attention of the college soccer world. As she enters her final season at Utah Valley University, Faith has already gotten off to a quick start, leading her team to an exhibition win over No. 3 ranked crosstown rival BYU on Aug. 7 at Clyde Field, where she scored the game-winning goal. She also recorded a hat trick in UVU's 7-2 exhibition win over Idaho State last week.
 
Over her career, Faith has won a pair of WAC regular season championships, led the team to the school's first-ever at-large NCAA Tournament bid, earned multiple First Team All-WAC and All-District honors, and was recently named the WAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. She will officially open the season this year in her home state of Michigan, with matches at the University of Michigan on Aug. 15 in Ann Arbor and at Detroit Mercy on Aug. 18. It's no coincidence that UVU head coach Chris Lemay, a Michigan native himself, fulfilled a promise made during the recruiting process to bring Faith back home for her senior season, where she'll play in front of family and friends. Lemay has nurtured Faith's talent, helping her develop into one of the premier and remarkable athletes in college soccer today, with stats to prove it. But Faith's journey is more than just about soccer; it's a rich tapestry woven with her Michigan roots, a love for various outdoor activities, and a commitment to environmental advocacy.
 
From Michigan to Utah: A Journey of Growth
 
Faith's journey to UVU began in Grand Blanc, Michigan, a suburb of Flint and about an hour's drive from Detroit. Growing up in a family where athletics were a central part of life, Faith and her siblings thrived under the guidance of their father, a gym teacher and coach. "I always thought I'd be a Wolverine one day," Faith recalls, a dream that came true, albeit in the unfamiliar landscape of Utah, far from her home state.
 
Faith's sister, Paige Webber, played three seasons at Big Ten school Indiana, scoring 18 goals, including 12 last season, earning All-Big Ten First Team honors. "Having Paige as a role model was huge for me," Faith says. "Seeing her succeed at such a high level motivated me to push myself even harder." The fact that both Faith and her sister Paige achieved remarkable success in their respective programs speaks volumes about the competitive spirit and talent that runs in the Webber family. Faith's younger brother, Jackson, will soon be a college athlete as well, competing for the Michigan State track and field team this season.
 
The Webber family's connection to Michigan runs deep, and so does their unique sense of pride. Faith's newborn brother, Cooper Marshall Thomas, bears a middle name honoring the legendary rapper and Michigan native Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers. "We're not little fans; we're big fans, that's for sure," Faith shares with a smile. This connection to Eminem is emblematic of the Webbers' deep roots in Michigan culture, a state known for its strong sense of identity and community. Faith has a deep love for her family, even recently becoming an ordained minister to officiate her mom's wedding—a memorable and special experience for her family. "It was an honor and a joy," she recalls.

The decision to join UVU was driven by Faith's desire to push her limits and explore new horizons. "I wanted to keep those good vibes rolling," she explains. "Soccer teaches you discipline and resilience, and looking back on my career, I've overcome a lot. That's even more motivation to have another great year and to keep playing soccer as long as I can." 
 
A Record-Breaking Talent
 
Faith's tenure at UVU has been nothing short of spectacular. Last season, she tied for fifth in the nation with 16 goals, breaking her own UVU single season record from 2022. Now, with just 10 goals needed to tie the all-time UVU goals record of 40 and 34 points to match the career points record of 105, Faith is poised to etch her name in UVU history.
 
Faith's tenure at UVU has also seen her earn two All-Pacific Region honors and record two of the 13 hat tricks in UVU history, including a hat trick in the 3-2 road win over No. 19 USC last season. These accolades highlight her ability to perform at the highest level and make significant contributions to her team's success.
 
Reflecting on her journey, Faith highlighted her role in some of UVU's most memorable and historic victories, including significant road upsets at nationally ranked BYU and USC. "The energy in the stadium during those games was unforgettable," she recalls. "Those moments are the payoff for all the hard work. I love when those road stadiums are silent after we score." Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay echoes this sentiment, praising her exceptional skills and mentality: "Faith is one of the most talented forwards in the country; her stats speak for themselves. She's composed in critical situations, and her competitiveness sets her apart. Faith is a generational player who can excel at the next level."
 
Beyond the Pitch: A Multifaceted Star
 
While Faith's prowess on the soccer field is undeniable, her life extends far beyond the sport. Faith describes herself as a hobbyist, enjoying a variety of outdoor activities that include skateboarding, snowboarding, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking. "I needed to find other aspects of my identity beyond being a soccer player," she explains. "Exploring different hobbies helped me manage the pressure and enjoy life more fully."
Utah's diverse outdoor scene has provided Faith with the perfect backdrop for her adventurous spirit. "Utah is great for meeting people who share similar interests," she says. "I've tried a bit of everything, and it's been fun to stay active in different ways."
 
Faith's commitment to community involvement is equally impressive. Faith's concern for environmental sustainability led her to advocate for recycling facilities at UVU's Wolverine Service Center. "I noticed there weren't any recycling bins in the student-athlete center, and it just didn't sit right with me," she says. Taking initiative, Faith brought this to the attention of the university's recycling coordinator and successfully advocated for the installation of recycling bins. "It felt good to make a small but positive change," she reflects on the impact of her efforts. "Now, every time I see those bins, it's a reminder that even small actions can lead to significant improvements."
 
An Impressive Academic Record
 
Faith's excellence isn't limited to the soccer field. She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic achievement, holding an impressive 3.94 cumulative grade point average and earning numerous academic throughout her collegiate career. Faith has been recognized with Academic All-District honors, United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American team honors, and Academic All-WAC honors. Balancing the demands of a rigorous athletic schedule with academic responsibilities is no small feat, but Faith's dedication to her studies showcases her impressive work ethic and determination to succeed in all areas of her life.
 
The Final Season: A Legacy in the Making
 
As Faith prepares for her final season at UVU, she remains focused on her goals and the journey ahead. This past week, she was named to the United Soccer Coaches Players to Watch List, further underscoring her status as one of the most promising talents in the sport. "I'm not ready to hang up my boots just yet," she asserts, expressing her desire to continue playing soccer professionally. "A lot depends on how this season goes, but I'm excited for what the future holds for me."
 
Faith Webber's story is about more than just athletic achievements; it's about embracing growth, resilience, and the joy of being part of something bigger than oneself. As she steps onto the field for her final season, Faith represents the true spirit of a Wolverine—a team captain, a leader, a record-breaker, and an inspiration to many. Her legacy is poised to shine brightly, leaving an indelible mark on UVU and beyond.