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Faith over Fame: Carlie Muhlbach Trusts Romans 8:18 After Nebraska’s Statement Win

Fresh off a statement victory over the No. 1 team in the nation, Texas Tech Red Raiders softball, the confidence inside the Nebraska Cornhuskers softball program is rising.

For redshirt freshman Carlie Muhlbach, the moment is big — but her foundation is bigger.

Sitting in her Instagram bio is a powerful reminder of where her strength comes from:

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” — Romans 8:18 (ESV)

After knocking off the top-ranked team in the country, it would be easy to focus solely on the highlight. But Romans 8:18 reminds athletes that both the highs and the lows are part of something greater.

From Redshirt Season to Big Moments

Being a redshirt freshman comes with its own challenges:

• Sitting out while teammates compete

• Grinding in practice without game-day recognition

• Developing in the shadows

• Trusting the process when you want immediate impact

Those are the “sufferings of this present time” Paul speaks about — the unseen growth seasons that test patience and faith.

Now, coming off a monumental win over No. 1 Texas Tech, the glory of the moment shines brighter because of the work that came before it.

What Romans 8:18 Means for Softball Athletes

For softball players at every level, this verse provides perspective:

1. Slumps Don’t Define You

Every hitter faces stretches where nothing falls. Romans 8:18 reminds athletes that temporary struggle doesn’t determine long-term purpose.

2. Development Takes Time

Strength gains, mechanical adjustments, and mental growth require patience. The “present suffering” of extra reps and hard coaching leads to future confidence.

3. Pressure Is Preparation

Beating the No. 1 team in the nation doesn’t happen by accident. Pressure moments reveal preparation. Hard seasons prepare athletes for big stages.

4. Identity Over Performance

When your identity is rooted in Christ, wins don’t inflate you and losses don’t crush you. You compete freely because your worth isn’t tied to the scoreboard.

Photo by Ricky Bumgardner, Four One Sports

Faith in the Spotlight

Moments like Nebraska’s victory over top-ranked Texas Tech bring national attention. Cameras roll. Social media buzzes. Confidence surges.

But when an athlete anchors herself in Romans 8:18, she understands:

The grind mattered.
The redshirt year mattered.
The quiet development mattered.

And no single game — no matter how big — compares to the eternal glory God promises.

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A Message to the Next Generation

Young softball players watching Nebraska’s upset should see more than the final score. They should see the foundation.

By placing Romans 8:18 in her bio, Carlie Muhlbach is showing that faith fuels performance — not the other way around.

The extra conditioning.
The rehab sessions.
The tough losses.
The patience of waiting your turn.

None of it is wasted.

And when preparation meets opportunity — like it did against the No. 1 team in the nation — the glory shines even brighter.

Meet the Author Ricky Bumgardner Jr