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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Former College Coach, Writer, Mentor, Servant-Leader,
SCUBA Diver, Vegan, Advocate
COACHED BY CHRIST ARTICLES
Examining the intersection of Faith and athletics from the Christian perspective
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Nov 17
- 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...
36 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Nov 10
- 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...
29 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Nov 3
- 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-Turnipseed
- Oct 27
- 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-Turnipseed
- Oct 20
- 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-Turnipseed
- Oct 13
- 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-Turnipseed
- Oct 5
- 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...
47 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Sep 29
- 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-Turnipseed
- Sep 22
- 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-Turnipseed
- Sep 15
- 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-Turnipseed
- Sep 8
- 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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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Sep 1
- 2 min
2 Books—Countless Lessons
I have the privilege of working with young athletes who strive to excel athletically and academically and seek personal growth and...
28 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Aug 25
- 2 min
The Trinity of Self-Improvement: Physical, Emotional, & Spiritual Leadership in Coaching
Self-evaluation is beneficial and essential for coaches. It's a tool that allows us to reflect on our performance, identify areas of...
29 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Aug 18
- 2 min
Navigating the Transition from High School to College Athletics
As a college volleyball coach, I've witnessed the transition of countless young athletes from high school to college athletics. This...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Aug 11
- 3 min
Dear Freshman
Dear Freshman, As your coach, I want you to know that your talents and abilities are valued, but so are the qualities that make you...
84 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Aug 9
- 1 min
Small Group Ministry Training Manual
I'm excited to present some exclusive content for you this week. If you're a coach, team leader, Christian administrator, or small group...
27 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Aug 4
- 2 min
Generation Keyboard: The War on Communication
The younger generation has grown up with at their fingertips/instant technology, and it is an integral part of their daily lives. They...
39 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Jul 28
- 3 min
How an 'All-In' Mindset Can Score Spiritual and Athletic Success
In today's post, we delve into the power of an "all-in" Christian mindset for achieving spiritual and athletic success. Using core values...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Jul 21
- 2 min
Lessons in Humility: Finding Insight in Unexpected Places
The puzzle pieces of a story can appear in unexpected places. It started at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes event in Baton Rouge,...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Jul 14
- 3 min
Revitalizing Athletic Performance through Comprehensive Rest, Recovery, and Nutrition
Athletes tend to overlook the importance of rest and proper nutrition, placing great emphasis solely on training and eating whatever is...
84 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Jul 4
- 1 min
Finding Freedom in Faith on the Fourth
What do you think of when you imagine July 4th festivities? Do you reminisce about community block parties or family cookouts? Do you...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Jun 30
- 2 min
The Role of Faith in Building a Successful Athletic Program
Two Sunday's ago in Sunday School, we began discussing the Book of James. As our teacher deconstructed the first chapter, I couldn't help...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Jun 23
- 2 min
Muscling Through Adversity: Building Inner Strength with Faith and Sports (Part 2)
This is part two of my recent article series. The previous article, “Finding Strength Through Weakness: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Jun 16
- 2 min
Finding Strength Through Weakness: “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger” (Part 1)
Ever heard the phrase, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?” Nietzsche and Kelly Clarkson were on to something. Finding strength...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Jun 9
- 3 min
Digging Deep: The Summer Regimen That Fuels College Volleyball Players' Success
As spring turns to summer, college life changes for everyone. NARP’s (Non-athletic regular people) enjoy summer jobs, vacations, and...
49 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Jun 5
- 4 min
Faith in Competition: Balancing the Drive to Win with Grace and Humility
As a college coach, I know firsthand the immense pressure and stress competition can bring for college athletes. I firmly believe that...
29 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- May 30
- 4 min
Staying Faithful Amidst the NCAA Transfer Portal: A Christian's Perspective
The transfer portal, a relatively new development in college sports, has led to many transfers of student-athletes from one institution...
38 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- May 12
- 2 min
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Today’s post explores the message behind Jesus’s parable in Matthew 21:28-32, in which he emphasizes that sincerity is more important...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- May 8
- 2 min
Balancing Independence and Support for College Athletes' Emotional Growth
Working with college students involves balancing treating them like adults and acknowledging their ongoing social and biological...
38 views0 comments
maddienono13
- May 4
- 3 min
The Power of Dedication
Madison “Maddie” Schonberg, a Junior outside hitter on the Centenary College Volleyball team, wrote this article. Maddie is from Harbor...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Apr 30
- 3 min
Participation Awards: Their Place in Sports
As young athletes progress from youth to high school to college-level performance, a fundamental question arises: Does recognition earned...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Apr 25
- 4 min
Mitigate Locker Room Drama: Let the CRO Fly!
Note that I am not a psychologist or mental health professional. My assertions are solely based on my observations as a coach working...
63 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Apr 21
- 5 min
Coach Hard Love Harder
Coach Hard Love Harder is based on finding the ideal harmony between empathy and tough love. It's about motivating our athletes to reach...
236 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Apr 17
- 3 min
Protecting Athletes from Athletic Burnout: A Comprehensive Approach
Over the past 20 years, youth sports have become increasingly competitive. With an emphasis often on winning over skill development and...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Apr 13
- 2 min
The Parallels of Being a Parent and Coaching College Sports
Being a parent (step-parent in my case) and coaching college athletics are enriching experiences that require patience, dedication, and...
36 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Apr 9
- 2 min
Rabbits, Rhubarb, and The Resurrection
Easter is a significant holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, symbolizing renewal, joy, and self-reflection. Despite the...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Apr 5
- 3 min
Faith on the Court: Reaching Success Through Goal-Setting
Setting goals is crucial for both student-athletes and coaches to find and sustain success. By breaking down larger goals into smaller,...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Mar 31
- 3 min
Athletics vs. 'The Other Side' of Campus: A Higher ED Taboo
"It's not about competing with one another but about working together to become more successful as an institution." When it comes to the...
86 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Mar 27
- 3 min
Winning the Coach's Approval: How Negative Traits Impact Player Recruitment
As a recruiter, I am often asked what qualities I look for when scouting young athletes. Of course, skills and talent are important, but...
149 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Mar 25
- 2 min
Lead Like You Mean It: Student Athlete Leadership Training Program
Over the past few years, I've had some tough medical battles to face. I've undergone four surgeries, consumed countless medications, and...
75 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Mar 22
- 2 min
Unspoken Faith: Overcoming Obstacles to Free Expression in Athletics and Education
In my recent post, I explore the obstacles athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff face when sharing their spiritual beliefs. It's...
60 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Mar 17
- 1 min
No Luck Needed: The Importance of Controlling Your Controllables in College Athletics
Q: What did the volleyball say to the lucky one? A: Thank you, I'm feeling volley blessed! The phrase "I'd rather be lucky than good"...
55 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Mar 14
- 3 min
Accepting vs. Respecting: Navigating Differences in Belief Systems
Respecting someone's beliefs and accepting someone's beliefs represent two distinct notions. If a person does not accept another...
84 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Mar 10
- 3 min
Athletic Identity: Life After Sports
Athletic identity is a concept that refers to an individual's perception of themselves as an athlete and has been shown to have positive...
59 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Mar 6
- 3 min
How Athletes Overcome Adversity: Mental Strength, Mindfulness & Respect through Scuba and Jubilee
For those unfamiliar with me, I am a professional volleyball coach and an avid scuba diver. As a PADI Divemaster, I have undergone...
47 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Mar 5
- 3 min
The Under-read Book of Judith: A Story of Courage, Loyalty and Its Relevance Today
So I was hesitant to post this, but with Lent just a few days away it spoke to me. This article has nothing to do with higher education...
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Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Mar 3
- 3 min
You Can’t Microwave Success
Success for athletes means consistently demonstrating excellence in their sport. This requires dedication, hard work, discipline, and...
437 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Feb 28
- 2 min
Achieving Success and Unity Through Faith-Based Conflict Resolution Strategies
Conflict is inherent in any team dynamic, and how teams manage conflict can be the difference between success and failure. In athletics,...
33 views0 comments
Ashley McDonough-Turnipseed
- Feb 24
- 3 min
Leading Female Athletes to Success: The Role of Coaches & Captains in Creating a Positive Culture
Coaches and team captains can find a balance between character and relationship building and a fierce competition mindset by setting...
462 views0 comments
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