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Eleven-year-old Shaner Gabaldon is fast becoming one of the most promising professional lawn tennis players in the Philippines. At a young age, this soft-spoken but talented girl developed a liking for this particular sport, in which two or four players use rackets to strike a small ball back and forth on an open court.
Seeing her potential, Shaner’s uncle, a tennis instructor, trained his niece in the sport. To support their daughter, Shaner’s parents also made the difficult but inspired decision to relocate. “We transferred from our province of Isabela in northern Luzon to Metro Manila,” she relates, where she could further her training but at the same time continue her schooling.
Shaner’s star rose as she competed in different tournaments. She won in various high-level competitions, which earned her a Most Valuable Player (MVP) title. She also gained a coveted sponsorship from a major business corporation, which opened more opportunities for her to develop professionally.
But in the midst of all these glittering changes, Shaner and her parents did their best to remain constant to one thing that kept glowing in their lives: the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“One time, I was in Iloilo for a tournament,” Shaner recalls, “and every time before I played, I prayed.” In one particular game, she pleaded with the Lord for strength as she faced a formidable opponent. She won the game.
Then, in another tournament in which the winner would become eligible for a more prestigious competition, Shaner lost. But as tears fell down her face, Shaner felt prompted to lose herself—in prayer. “I felt Heavenly Father’s love,” she recounts, “and I realized that these experiences are part of His way for me to become stronger.”
Shaner also takes strength and comfort from a particular scripture her parents shared to her: “And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.” (Mosiah 4:27)
Shaner’s message to young Latter-day Saints is to follow what she calls her “Most Valuable Prayer” formula: “Decide what you want, ask the Lord in prayer if it is right, and believe in yourself. Always be assured that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are there by your side to help you.”
