USG Community Impact: Academy Testimonial (Team 45)

Uncommon Sports Group seeks to connect, encourage, and equip Christians working throughout the college and professional sport industry. A large part of how USG seeks to accomplish this mission is through the USG Academy.

For future leaders of the sports industry, USG designates multiple 8-week virtual training courses. Our Academies help participants grow in their love for God, grow in love for the people around them, and grow in a Christ-centered community in the sport industry.

Aliyah Hill, Student-Athlete Development Coordinator/Athletic Academic Advisor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, was one of the graduates for the most recent Academy team (45). Below is a testimony from Aliyah about her experience throughout the USG Academy.

"When I discovered the Uncommon Sports Group Academy, I was in a major season of transition. I was new in my role, had recently moved to a new state, and was deeply longing for community and accountability. Spiritually, I felt like my Christian walk had grown cold. Entering the Academy, I didn’t fully know what to expect, but over the course of the 8 weeks, God met me right where I was. Through the weekly group calls, I experienced genuine community. I truly enjoyed discussing The Purpose Driven Life and diving into scripture from the playbook together. Hearing different perspectives challenged and encouraged me, and it reminded me that I wasn’t walking alone.

The one-on-one calls with our Team 45 Academy Coaches, Karlie and Alyssa, were especially impactful. I could genuinely feel how much they cared about us as people, not just participants, and how deeply they desired to see us grow spiritually. Karlie taught me that I could be honest with God about where I currently am, reassuring me that different seasons with the Lord can reveal different aspects of who He is. Alyssa encouraged me to go deeper in my study of the Word, consistently bringing historical and cultural context to scripture during group discussions and challenging me to become a better, more intentional student of the Bible.

Additionally, my one-on-one call with Etornam, our cohort shepherd, was incredibly meaningful. She allowed the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation as we walked through my testimony. She prayed for me, spoke encouragement into areas where I needed it most, and reminded me that even while carrying heavy responsibility, it is okay to rest and recharge. Her words affirmed that I am doing meaningful work in my current role at UAPB. Overall, I am so thankful I completed the Academy. I have a more positive and hopeful outlook than when I started, and I am deeply grateful for the community, growth, and renewed spiritual fire I gained through this experience."- Aliyah Hill, Student-Athlete Development Coordinator/Athletic Academic Advisor

---

Seeing the impact that the Lord brought about from this academy, both in Aliyah's life and throughout team 45, has been such an encouragement! The best is yet to come!

If you're interested in joining or learning more about the USG Academy, click here! If you are interested in learning more about becoming a part of USG's growing community of Christian sport industry professionals, click here!