How Athletes Overcome Adversity: Mental Strength, Mindfulness & Respect through Scuba and Jubilee

For those who don’t know me, I’m a professional volleyball coach and a passionate scuba diver. As a certified PADI Divemaster, I’ve gone through rigorous training to help others explore the underwater world safely—whether they’re just enjoying a relaxed dive or pushing themselves on a more challenging expedition. Scuba diving is incredibly rewarding. It opens up a whole new world filled with beauty, mystery, and adventure. Of course, it’s not without risk, which is why proper training and preparation are essential for anyone heading beneath the surface.

Whether I’m coaching college volleyball or guiding a dive, both roles have something in common—they rely heavily on teamwork. Communication is everything. Giving clear instructions, offering encouragement, and providing honest, constructive feedback can make all the difference. And before anything begins, there’s always planning and safety to consider. Both sports demand attention to detail and a solid game plan before the action even starts.

Many experienced divers will tell you that being underwater feels almost spiritual. There’s something surreal about slipping into an environment so unlike our own—quiet, weightless, and full of wonder. It often brings a sense of peace, awe, and connection to the natural world. And sometimes, just catching sight of a reef teeming with life or discovering a hidden underwater feature can leave a lasting impression. Moments like those remind you why the effort is worth it.

College athletes can learn a lot about handling adversity and managing stress by stepping outside their comfort zone—scuba diving is a great way to do just that. It’s a sport that demands focus, calm under pressure, and quick thinking when things don’t go as planned. It also builds physical strength and endurance, both of which translate directly to performance on the court. Beyond the physical and mental benefits, diving invites a deeper connection with the environment. There’s something powerful about being submerged in a world so different from our own—it sparks respect for the life that thrives beneath the surface and teaches resilience in the face of complex, unfamiliar challenges.

Scripture also speaks to our relationship with nature and our role in stewarding it. Genesis 2:15 reminds us, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” It’s a clear call to care for Creation, not just use it. The message is simple: we’re meant to be responsible stewards, protecting and appreciating what God has made. Psalm 19:1–4 echoes this with awe: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands… there is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” Nature is constantly speaking to us—showing us the grandeur of God’s design, if we’re willing to listen.

You can even find a fascinating parallel between ancient biblical practices and modern conservation. Consider the year of jubilee described in Exodus 23:10–11: “For six years sow your fields… but in the seventh year, let the land lie unplowed and unused.” That year of rest wasn’t just about agriculture—it was about renewal, sustainability, and faith. In much the same way, certain dive sites today are periodically closed to give coral reefs time to recover. These “rest periods” are essential for healing marine ecosystems that have been impacted by human activity. And when divers return to these sites after the break, they often find them teeming with more life than before—a reminder that stepping back can actually bring things forward.

By giving nature space to renew, we also gain something in return: a deeper appreciation for its beauty and fragility. Whether through a sabbath year on land or a no-access period underwater, the principle is the same. And for athletes, these lessons matter. Diving pushes them to work as a team, think on their feet, and recognize that true strength sometimes lies in restraint, reflection, and respect for forces larger than themselves.

In the end, scuba diving does more than strengthen the body—it strengthens the spirit. For college athletes, it’s a powerful way to grow mentally, physically, and emotionally. It offers moments of awe, challenges that test limits, and quiet time to reflect on their place in the world. And just like the biblical rhythms of rest and renewal, it teaches that taking care of our environment—whether land or sea—isn’t just good practice. It’s part of our calling.