Sarah Hill, best known for her roll as a youth leader in the life of pro surfer and shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton, is portrayed by Carrie Underwood in the film, Soul Surfer. Sarah was instrumental in helping Bethany as she struggled after her tragic shark attack, through her own life story of trial and triumph with Christ.
Sarah was raised in San Diego, CA with her mom and siblings. From a young age she faced many hardships no child should have to go through. Her father, addicted to drugs and alcohol, was in and out of jail. When he was in a drug-induced stupor, Sarah endured much abuse at his hand.
As a child, she faced numerous illnesses and operations. Coupled with watching her mom's battle with cancer, life was anything but easy. With the physical and emotional scars, Sarah grew increasingly withdrawn and often wondered where God was in her life.
In high school, she found an outlet through sports, she excelled at water polo. Sarah’s hopes in playing college water polo on a scholarship were crushed the summer she graduated high school. While out surfing, she was tossed backwards, landing head first on the bottom of the ocean. Left with a broken neck and back, she grew into a deep depression that left her contemplating life.
In her darkest hour, Sarah called out to the Lord. God brought her comfort and purpose through her, now life verse, of 2 Corinthian 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength in made perfect in your weakness.” Sarah grew in her love and devotion to Christ, trusting all the pain she had faced to Him. She desired nothing more than for God to use the trials she faced to help bring purpose in the lives of others who are facing such pain.
Today, Sarah is a missionary to the Island of Kauai where she leads one of the largest student ministries there. She also travels sharing her story of hope to audiences of all ages on a national platform. Grounded in her devotion and love for Christ, her training allows her to recognize those in need and gives her the ability to reach out to them.