Ephesians 4:17–6:20 offers one of the most direct depictions of what it looks like to live differently after being made new in Christ. Paul isn’t writing abstract theology. He’s describing a way of walking that shows up in daily relationships, in discipline, in authority, and in pressure. This is why this passage resonated so strongly with me in the context of sports. Sports amplify who we already are. Pressure exposes character. Locker rooms reveal hearts. Coaching reveals l

There’s something alluring and exciting about an underdog story. You know… when the smaller, slower, overlooked player rises against a giant. Or when the team with no budget and virtually zero chance of pulling off the impossible does. This is the kind of stuff sport dramas are made of—and if you think about it, it’s the essence of the Gospel. Traditionally, God has done some of His best work through the people no one expected anything from. Scripture is full of “dramatic ups

Leadership shows up in a variety of styles, but one contrast stands out everywhere: some leaders operate with flash while others operate with legacy. Flash leadership is loud, attention-seeking, and focused on being noticed. Legacy leadership is steady, humble, and more interested in impact than visibility. One fades quickly. The other continues influencing people long after the moment has passed. 2 Corinthians 10:18 says: “For it is not the one who commends himself who is ap

I give thanks with a whole heart, remembering the wonders You have done (Psalm 9:1). Your steadfast love endures forever, even in the quiet places of my life (Psalm 136:1). With thanksgiving I enter Your courts, choosing praise over worry (Psalm 100:4). This is the day You have made, and I rejoice because You are near (Psalm 118:24). In all circumstances, I give thanks, for this is Your will for me (1 Thessalonians 5:18). With gratefulness I lift my prayers, knowing You hear

There’s a particular kind of silence that follows being told you’re not starting. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how talented you are, or how hard you’ve worked—those words hit in a place deeper than your stats. And if we’re being honest, for a lot of athletes, that silence quickly turns into something louder in your spirit: shame, frustration, doubt, or even anger. I’ve seen it happen again and again—athletes who go from confident to crushed because they didn’t make the

When you think about leadership in sports, names like John Wooden or Tony Dungy may come to mind. But some of the greatest lessons for leaders—coaches, captains, and athletes—are found in Scripture. When most people think of heroes in the Bible, they might name Moses, Joshua, Samson, Esther, or Judas Maccabeus (Catholic and Orthodox). I just finished the Book of Nehemiah in my Bible in a Year podcast (Fr. Mike Schmidt). Nehemiah is the Old Testament leader who rallied God’s p

A follow-up to the previously published article: “Athletes and Body Dysmorphia” There is a big difference between taking care of your...

*Heads up— I was hanging out in left field with this one. It has nothing to do with athletics. A few weekends ago, I visited Lake Pointe...

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Bible, wedged between Amos and Jonah. His message was directed towards the Edomites—Esau’s...

I take issue with how casually some pastors and teachers present the gospel, especially when it comes to the topic of salvation. The book...

I still remember the sting of her words like it was yesterday. “You’re like having five players on the court instead of six.” That’s what...

This post is longer than usual, but please—stick with me. I’ve recently been reflecting on my adult baptism and how vastly different it...

Today’s post will be a little different. I wanted to approach this article from a very practical and inclusive point of view. Yes, there...

James 3:1 reminds us of the weight that comes with teaching. It warns that those who step into that role will be judged more strictly....

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...

Coaching a team with talent levels ranging from beginner to intermediate is both a challenge and an opportunity, much like the diverse body of Christ, where every teammate contributes in unique ways. As a coach, your first task is to meet each athlete where they are, understanding that 100% effort doesn't mean uniform ability. 1 Corinthians 12 teaches us that every part of the body has a distinct role. It’s vital to recognize that each skill level on your team contributes to

In sports, where physical prowess meets mental toughness, the role of faith can be a grounding force during moments of vulnerability and self-doubt. Athletes often face pressure to perform at their best, and when emotions run high, they may get inside their own heads, turning into a cycle of whininess and a constant need for reassurance. While it is natural for any individual to experience moments of fragility, sometimes this behavior crosses a line where it becomes disruptiv

The sports world invests a lot of time and energy into planning goals and visualizing success. However, Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that we...

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...

As a former college coach, I often found myself standing on the sidelines, watching athletes pour their hearts and souls into the game. The intensity on the court was palpable, but what struck me even more was the passion that fueled their drive. It made me reflect on my own experiences and the deeper motivations that have guided me throughout my life—both in athletics and in faith. When I first stepped onto the coaching scene, I was driven by a desire to win. I wanted to bui

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,...

Jesus is in the business of healing souls, not focusing on the nitty-gritty character flaws or past mistakes. His love and compassion...

In pop culture, the intersection of faith and sports has been a recurring theme in movies, books, and media. The narrative often revolves...

Athletes often find themselves grappling with intense pressure and the need for mental fortitude. As they prepare for competitions, many...

In today's college athletics landscape, the conversation has shifted dramatically with the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)...

Sports rivalries have always been a powerful part of athletic culture—fueling passion, loyalty, and intense competition between teams and...

Throughout my coaching career, I saw firsthand how athletes’ dietary choices were often influenced by their beliefs. Whether it was a...

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...

In the world of sports, we often find ourselves in locker rooms filled with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. It’s a...

"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...

In a society that glorifies hustle culture and instant gratification, the pressure to outpace God's timing can damage mental, emotional,...

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...

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...

In athletics, teamwork is a cornerstone of success. Just as athletes train together, compete together, and support each other on and off...

In the game of life, we often face challenges, obstacles, and uncertainties. It can sometimes feel like we're on our own, trying to...

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...

The shift from a transactional to a relational approach is not just a philosophical concept but a transformative journey that can...

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...