Several terms describe Western Illinois volleyball underclassman Aubrey Putman - team player, hardworking, and amiable are just a few. Deeming her as a 'person of faith' also fits well, considering religion played a notable part in the sophomore's upbringing.

A native of Wilton, Iowa, Aubrey's time in the church began during her youthful days. A family outing to Sunday service routinely happened each week. Competing as a four-sport athlete in high school, however, Aubrey's availability for those mornings eventually became more of an issue.

"Growing up in a 'church family,' I just remember being there all of the time," she explained. "After I became involved with more sports, it took up the majority of my weekends. My relationship with God kind of slipped away from me for a bit, and I knew it wasn't where I wanted it to be."

When Aubrey arrived at Macomb last year for the start of her college experience, she joined an old friend and current teammate, Mariah Mitchell. Outside of volleyball, the reunion played a special role in their shared sense of faith. Last fall, Aubrey and Mariah both attended 'The Crossing,' a Christian church located just miles from campus. More specifically, they partook in a young adult ministry named 'The Collective.' The evening sessions are held for college-aged individuals. 

"Sermons that take place at The Collective pretty much are always related to college lives. It helped me connect on a different level. When I started going to those, I could feel myself growing close to God again."

After becoming a familiar face, Aubrey was soon approached by other volunteers within the church. They explained details of 'Crossing Kids Extra,' also referred to as CKX. The after-school program includes a period of devotion and play time for young ones. Staff asked if Aubrey would be interested in assisting and she jumped on the opportunity without hesitation. Being both the daughter of a former daycare provider and oldest sibling, she's a natural when it comes to kids. 

"When I entered college and stepped into a new environment of not being around kids, it kind of hurt a bit. Finding The Crossing helped give me another new home. There is always a positive atmosphere, and I look up to the CKX coordinator."

All of the elements associated with CKX have genuinely resonated with Aubrey. More recently, her eyes have settled on a hopeful future occupation - children's ministry leader. She credits The Crossing in sparking this newly found desire.

Throughout this time of COVID-19, as expected, CKX has seen alterations. In-person attendance for Macomb schools has been limited to only two days a week. As a result, the CKX Remote Learning Center was created months ago. The alternative program functions daily and also caught Aubrey's attention. Her focus of study in elementary education has worked out the situation well. Volunteering at the center can help increase her teaching skills while staying connected to The Crossing. 

"Here at Western, I'm required to do some professional development activities for one of my classes. Helping out at CKX Remote Learning lets me get a feel for the more educational side of things, where the kids need help with schoolwork. The after-school program is more about playing games and having fun."

One can find Aubrey contributing with the CKX Remote Learning Center on mornings prior to her own WIU classes. It is a testament to her dedication of being there for the kids, especially in these challenging times of untraditional instruction.

In addition to mentoring, Aubrey feels being involved with The Crossing has strengthened her self-belief. That growth can help in a variety of ways, both on and off the court.

"So far, I think all of this has helped boost my confidence. Having confidence in what I'm able to do has carried over from the church into volleyball. Our coaches have said they see better leadership out of me now. The Crossing has given me a new mentality and perspective of everything going on. I admire the fact that I can affect others' lives by just continually being there. Many kids need those types of feelings. 

"Developing my leadership skills and finding my purpose can help me figure out who I am as a person."

While she's heavily bought into CKX, Aubrey's volunteering at The Crossing stretches far beyond just one area. This year, a trio of herself, Mariah, and Jessie Connell decided to be door greeters for Sunday service. The three also recently completed a process of becoming 'difference makers' for The Collective.

"The church was looking for more adult volunteers, and there's a required training to become more of an 'official volunteer.' We finished it around four weeks ago. Being 'difference makers' mainly involves us arriving early to set up and leading discussions to help bring our group closer together."

Working as a door greeter led to Aubrey learning more about 'Crossing Kids' - an additional Sunday youth program outside of CKX. It ties back into her love of sharing teachings of the Bible in creative ways.

"Being there for Crossing Kids on Sundays is great because it's more religion-based. We go through a sermon with the kids, play two different worship songs, and simply have fun in a small group."

Aubrey's various volunteering roles at The Crossing adds up to around five separate duties. It stands out even more remarkable when considering her additional responsibilities as a student-athlete. The sophomore's commitment to being a dependable helper has not gone unnoticed.

"She has put in a tremendous amount of hours at the church," said WIU volleyball head coach Ben Staupe. "It has been made clear that everyone over there appreciates her. I love the fact that it has helped benefit both herself and the ones she closely works with."

When not occupied with The Crossing or classes, expect to find Aubrey in the gym alongside her teammates. The Leathernecks recently began holding full team practices after conducting split group workouts for the past couple of months. Any team would feel excited in getting back together as a whole.

"It's really neat to be out there with everyone again," Aubrey stated. "At first, it honestly felt weird having so many players around me on the same side of the court again. I think the small group practices we had helped a lot, especially in easing the newcomers into our playing style. Having the entire group back together brings a different type of energy, though!"