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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COACHED BY CHRIST ARTICLES
Examining the intersection of Faith and athletics from the Christian perspective
Ashley McDonough
- Aug 29
- 2 min
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 22
- 2 min
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 15
- 2 min
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 9
- 2 min
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...
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Ashley McDonough
- Aug 1
- 2 min
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 26
- 2 min
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...
31 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough
- Jul 19
- 2 min
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 12
- 3 min
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 27
- 2 min
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 21
- 4 min
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 13
- 2 min
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...
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Ashley McDonough
- Jun 6
- 2 min
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 30
- 2 min
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 23
- 2 min
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 16
- 2 min
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 10
- 2 min
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 2
- 2 min
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 25
- 2 min
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 19
- 2 min
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 12
- 2 min
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 4
- 2 min
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...
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Ashley McDonough
- Mar 22
- 2 min
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 8
- 3 min
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 1
- 2 min
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 22
- 2 min
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 15
- 2 min
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 9
- 2 min
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 2
- 2 min
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 26
- 2 min
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 19
- 2 min
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 12
- 2 min
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 5
- 4 min
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...
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Ashley McDonough
- Dec 29, 2023
- 2 min
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...
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Ashley McDonough
- Dec 22, 2023
- 1 min
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, 2023
- 2 min
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...
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Ashley McDonough
- Dec 8, 2023
- 2 min
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...
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Ashley McDonough
- Dec 1, 2023
- 2 min
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...
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Ashley McDonough
- Nov 24, 2023
- 2 min
Embracing Spiritual Polarity
Spiritual polarity is a concept that holds immense significance for individuals, mainly coaches, and athletes performing at the highest...
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Ashley McDonough
- Nov 17, 2023
- 2 min
Vanity Fair: Lessons in Humility
Vanity is a recurring theme throughout various Biblical books and verses. Examples include Ecclesiastes, Solomon's purchase of gold...
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Ashley McDonough
- Nov 10, 2023
- 3 min
Winning the Battle Within: Balancing Faith and Others' Opinions
Finding a balance between emulating Christ's love and not worrying about others' opinions can be a heavy task for Christian coaches and...
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Ashley McDonough
- Nov 3, 2023
- 3 min
Expanding Athletes' Horizons: College Coaches' Role in Developing Non-Sport Skills
College coaches play a vital role in helping athletes develop skills beyond the confines of the court. While working on physical skills...
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Ashley McDonough
- Oct 27, 2023
- 2 min
Can you Pass the Salt?
In college athletics, commitment, sacrifice, and dedication are fundamental. These values are not only essential for success in sports...
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Ashley McDonough
- Oct 20, 2023
- 2 min
Reflecting on the Inside: The Pathway to Personal Growth
Self-reflection is an essential step in personal growth and development; it refers to looking inward and taking stock of our thoughts,...
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Ashley McDonough
- Oct 13, 2023
- 2 min
Win the Day
"Win the Day" is about focusing on daily growth and progress. I tell my athletes to avoid getting bogged down by the enormity of...
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Ashley McDonough
- Oct 5, 2023
- 3 min
Leading in the Dark
Juggling the responsibilities of managing college athletes alongside mental health issues is overwhelming and unattainable. The role of a...
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Ashley McDonough
- Sep 29, 2023
- 2 min
Patience is a Virtue
"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." - Romans 8:25 Romans 8:25 reminds us that sometimes the things we...
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Ashley McDonough
- Sep 22, 2023
- 2 min
No Man Left Behind
In recent reflections, I've come to appreciate the profound resonance between a couple of biblical passages (Matthew 12:11 and Ezekiel...
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Ashley McDonough
- Sep 15, 2023
- 1 min
Hydrate or Die-drate
The phrase "hydrate or die-drate" is a humorous athletic bon mot to stay hydrated to prevent physical harm during tough workouts....
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Ashley McDonough
- Sep 8, 2023
- 2 min
Assist to Success: The Winning Habits and Traits of Collegiate Assistant Coaches
For the 5th year, I've been assigned mentees through the AVCA Match Point Pairing Program. The program connects experienced coaches with...
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