Safeguarding Our Hearts
In the schwang and bang of life, specifically in the sports world, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Proverbs 4:23 tells us,...
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COACHED BY CHRIST ARTICLES
Examining the intersection of Faith and athletics from the Christian perspective
Ashley McDonough
Nov 222 min read
Hope in Healing
Jesus is in the business of healing souls, not focusing on the nitty-gritty character flaws or past mistakes. His love and compassion...
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Ashley McDonough
Nov 83 min read
Faith and Sports in Pop Culture
In pop culture, the intersection of faith and sports has been a recurring theme in movies, books, and media. The narrative often revolves...
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Ashley McDonough
Nov 13 min read
Joyful Noise
Athletes often find themselves grappling with intense pressure and the need for mental fortitude. As they prepare for competitions, many...
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Ashley McDonough
Oct 253 min read
Beyond NIL’s and Scholarships
In today's college athletics landscape, the conversation has shifted dramatically with the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)...
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Ashley McDonough
Oct 102 min read
The Heat of the Moment: Rivalry in Sports
Sports rivalries have long been a cornerstone of athletic culture, igniting passion and fierce competition among teams and their...
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Ashley McDonough
Oct 33 min read
Faith and Sports Nutrition
Throughout my coaching career, I saw firsthand how athletes’ dietary choices were often influenced by their beliefs. Whether it was a...
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Ashley McDonough
Sep 262 min read
The Proverbs 31 Woman
Today’s post is in response to an email I received back in July. It's not sports-related, but I think it's relevant, considering most...
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Ashley McDonough
Sep 202 min read
An Inclusive Locker Room
In the world of sports, we often find ourselves in locker rooms filled with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. It’s a...
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Ashley McDonough
Sep 132 min read
Spiritual Rebirth and Relationships
"That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6). This verse describes the...
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Ashley McDonough
Sep 62 min read
Divine Timing
In a society that glorifies hustle culture and instant gratification, the pressure to outpace God's timing can damage mental, emotional,...
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Ashley McDonough
Aug 292 min read
Home Teams and Home Churches
As the leaves begin to change colors and the crisp autumn air settles in, there is a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Fall brings...
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Ashley McDonough
Aug 222 min read
A Hole in One
Few games in the world of sports require as much patience and precision as golf. I personally have never been able to focus long enough...
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Ashley McDonough
Aug 152 min read
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
In athletics, teamwork is a cornerstone of success. Just as athletes train together, compete together, and support each other on and off...
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Ashley McDonough
Aug 92 min read
The Ultimate Head Coach
In the game of life, we often face challenges, obstacles, and uncertainties. It can sometimes feel like we're on our own, trying to...
35 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough
Aug 12 min read
Four Friends and a Roof
In the bustling town of Capernaum, a paralyzed man lay on his mat, unable to move or walk. His hope for healing rested in the hands of...
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Ashley McDonough
Jul 262 min read
Trading Transactions for Relationships
The shift from a transactional to a relational approach is not just a philosophical concept but a transformative journey that can...
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Ashley McDonough
Jul 192 min read
Hearing God's Play Call and Following the Holy Spirit
In the game of life, we all need a coach to guide us, inspire us, and push us to be our best selves. As a coach, I know the importance of...
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Ashley McDonough
Jul 123 min read
The Peril of Complacency
When discussing discipline and consistency, the parallels between personal struggles and biblical narratives are striking. Just as I,...
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Ashley McDonough
Jun 272 min read
Coincidence or Divine Intervention?
Have you ever experienced a moment in your life that made you question whether it was just a mere coincidence or something more profound...
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Ashley McDonough
Jun 214 min read
Evangelism and Coaching
Imagine a scenario where a coach, driven by faith and a desire to share God's Word, encounters an athlete who is resistant to receiving...
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Ashley McDonough
Jun 132 min read
Letting Go of the Past
I've often found myself holding onto the past, clinging to memories and experiences that shape who I am (now). However, there comes a...
63 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough
Jun 62 min read
The Modern-Day Judas and Peter: Navigating Life's Temptations
Shakespeare said, "All the world is a stage, and men and women are merely players." In the grand play of life, we've all played our...
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Ashley McDonough
May 302 min read
Real Talk
Studying the depths of real talk with God, we encounter a string of personal encounters in the Bible. From Moses grappling with his role...
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Ashley McDonough
May 232 min read
The Truth, The Way, and The Life
I love John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life." This verse holds tremendous significance for Christian athletes and coaches,...
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Ashley McDonough
May 162 min read
Relativism Isn't a New Concept
The enduring presence of relativism, from the Biblical narratives of Eli and Samuel to its contemporary manifestations, is a striking...
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Ashley McDonough
May 102 min read
To Cut or Not to Cut--That is the Question
Today's post is slightly different from what I'm used to publishing. I received a question from a club volleyball coach/high school...
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Ashley McDonough
May 22 min read
Whose Before Who
Exploring the profound impact of confidence and self-assurance on our relationships, it becomes clear that a deep and meaningful...
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Ashley McDonough
Apr 252 min read
Seeking Feedback from Athletes
As a coach, it is crucial to be open to hearing what your players have to say. While seeking advice from mentors and fellow coaches is...
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Ashley McDonough
Apr 192 min read
The OG Throwback Jersey: The Blue Tassel
In the Old Testament, the blue tassel is associated with the commandment to wear tzitzit, which are fringes on the corners of a garment...
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Ashley McDonough
Apr 122 min read
Know Him to Know Him
As a coach, I have seen the profound impact that gaining knowledge of God has on our faith and our performance on the court (and life)....
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Ashley McDonough
Apr 42 min read
Welcome Discomfort
In the race of life, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, hesitant to embrace change and step out of our comfort zones. Just like...
403 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough
Mar 222 min read
Rising Above: How Faith Transforms Sports Challenges into Opportunities
As a former coach, I have witnessed countless athletes face challenges and obstacles in their sports careers. In these moments, I often...
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Ashley McDonough
Mar 83 min read
Striving for Excellence: Balancing Ambition and Integrity
In our pursuit of success and greatness, it is crucial to understand the difference between ambition and excellence. While ambition can...
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Ashley McDonough
Mar 12 min read
The Far-Reaching Consequences of Substance Abuse Among College Athletes
As a coach, I have seen the devastating impact of drug and alcohol abuse on college athletes. The prevalence of substance abuse among...
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Ashley McDonough
Feb 222 min read
Running the Race of Life: Embracing Faith as Your Coach
As a coach, I have often heard "follow your heart" as a mantra for success. It encourages us to trust our instincts and pursue our...
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Ashley McDonough
Feb 152 min read
Strike Balance Before You Strike Out
As a former college coach, I understand firsthand the immense challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The demanding nature...
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Ashley McDonough
Feb 92 min read
The Litmus Test of Childlike Trust and Purpose
In the fast-paced world of athletics, it's easy to lose sight of our faith and the profound connection we share with all living things....
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Ashley McDonough
Feb 22 min read
Wings to Soar: Empowering Athletes through Isaiah 40:28-31
I’ve always believed that leadership and team building are the cornerstones of success in sports. Today, I want to share with you some...
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Ashley McDonough
Jan 262 min read
Athletes and Body Dysmorphia
College athletes face immense pressure to perform and maintain a particular physique, which can lead to body dysmorphia. In today’s post,...
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Ashley McDonough
Jan 192 min read
Competitive Personalities with Memory Loss or TBI
Recovering from anterograde amnesia or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a challenging journey, especially for individuals with Type A...
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Ashley McDonough
Jan 122 min read
Bouncing Back: Recovering After a Loss
Experiencing a loss in sports can profoundly impact athletes and coaches, shaking their confidence and emotional stability. But fear not;...
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Ashley McDonough
Jan 54 min read
Developing Future Champions: The Impact of College Athlete Mentoring
The role of college athletes as role models and influencers to younger athletes highlights the importance of mentoring. College athlete...
37 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough
Dec 29, 20232 min read
Self-Perception Shapes How We View Our Teammates
Jealousy and angst among teammates can be detrimental to team cohesion and performance. However, understanding that our self-perception...
55 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough
Dec 22, 20231 min read
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
I am fortunate to witness the incredible journey of athletes, and the message from Psalm 139 resonates deeply with how I guide and coach...
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Ashley McDonough
Dec 15, 20232 min read
Trusting God as the Potter of Our Lives
Transitioning from one career to another can be both exciting and challenging. As I leave my coaching career behind and embark on a new...
37 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough
Dec 8, 20232 min read
Shoulda Woulda Coulda
I’ve witnessed my fair share of teams losing matches they should have won. It reminds me of the biblical story of Joshua 7, where Ai...
40 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough
Dec 1, 20232 min read
The Power of Patience and Grace: Lessons from Moses, Jeremiah, and Jonah
We often encounter situations that test our patience and push us to our limits. Even the most loving and patient individuals have their...
29 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough
Nov 24, 20232 min read
Embracing Spiritual Polarity
Spiritual polarity is a concept that holds immense significance for individuals, mainly coaches, and athletes performing at the highest...
37 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough
Nov 17, 20232 min read
Vanity Fair: Lessons in Humility
Vanity is a recurring theme throughout various Biblical books and verses. Examples include Ecclesiastes, Solomon's purchase of gold...
38 views0 comments
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