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COACHED BY CHRIST ARTICLES
Examining the intersection of Faith and athletics from the Christian perspective


Sports as a Form of Worship
Within the realm of athletics, the search for greatness is often much more than simply fighting for a win; for a large number of athletes...

Ashley McDonough
Apr 212 min read
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Every Role Counts
Coaching a team with talent levels ranging from beginner to intermediate is both a challenge and an opportunity, much like the diverse...

Ashley McDonough
Mar 242 min read
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Suck It Up Buttercup
In sports, where physical prowess meets mental toughness, the role of faith can be a grounding force during moments of vulnerability and...

Ashley McDonough
Mar 32 min read
54 views
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When Plans Meet Providence
The sports world invests a lot of time and energy into planning goals and visualizing success. However, Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that we...

Ashley McDonough
Jan 32 min read
66 views
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Attitude of Gratitude
As we find ourselves just a week away from Christmas, the spirit of the holiday fills the air with joy, hope, and a sense of...

Ashley McDonough
Dec 20, 20242 min read
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What Fuels Your Drive?
As a former college coach, I often found myself standing on the sidelines, watching athletes pour their hearts and souls into the game....

Ashley McDonough
Dec 12, 20243 min read
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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,...

Ashley McDonough
Nov 29, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Nov 22, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Nov 8, 20243 min read
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Joyful Noise
Athletes often find themselves grappling with intense pressure and the need for mental fortitude. As they prepare for competitions, many...

Ashley McDonough
Nov 1, 20243 min read
32 views
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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)...

Ashley McDonough
Oct 25, 20243 min read
36 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Oct 10, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Oct 3, 20243 min read
45 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Sep 26, 20242 min read
87 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Sep 20, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Sep 13, 20242 min read
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Divine Timing
In a society that glorifies hustle culture and instant gratification, the pressure to outpace God's timing can damage mental, emotional,...

Ashley McDonough
Sep 6, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Aug 29, 20242 min read
38 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Aug 22, 20242 min read
67 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Aug 15, 20242 min read
34 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Aug 9, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Aug 1, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Jul 26, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Jul 19, 20242 min read
32 views
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The Peril of Complacency
When discussing discipline and consistency, the parallels between personal struggles and biblical narratives are striking. Just as I,...

Ashley McDonough
Jul 12, 20243 min read
30 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Jun 27, 20242 min read
35 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Jun 21, 20244 min read
34 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Jun 13, 20242 min read
64 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Jun 6, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
May 30, 20242 min read
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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,...

Ashley McDonough
May 23, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
May 16, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
May 10, 20242 min read
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Whose Before Who
Exploring the profound impact of confidence and self-assurance on our relationships, it becomes clear that a deep and meaningful...

Ashley McDonough
May 2, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Apr 25, 20242 min read
36 views
1 comment


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...

Ashley McDonough
Apr 19, 20242 min read
24 views
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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)....

Ashley McDonough
Apr 12, 20242 min read
33 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Apr 4, 20242 min read
403 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Mar 22, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Mar 8, 20243 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Mar 1, 20242 min read
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Feb 22, 20242 min read
32 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Feb 15, 20242 min read
46 views
0 comments


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....

Ashley McDonough
Feb 9, 20242 min read
33 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Feb 2, 20242 min read
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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,...

Ashley McDonough
Jan 26, 20242 min read
35 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Jan 19, 20242 min read
47 views
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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;...

Ashley McDonough
Jan 12, 20242 min read
38 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Jan 5, 20244 min read
41 views
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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...

Ashley McDonough
Dec 29, 20232 min read
55 views
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