"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” John 12:32'' The Word says that every knee should bow at the name of Jesus. Sports are no exception. From athletic administrators to stadium custodial staff members, EVERY knee will bow. Regardless of the nation, tribe, sports team, or tongue, Jesus Christ is Lord. The gospel was preached, and Jesus' name was exalted at the 2025 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention in Orlando, Florida. The Lord moved as believers gathered to worship, fellowship, and be encouraged. On Monday evening of the conference, 50-plus people came together in one room after a day packed with meetings to enjoy the Lord's presence. We started the evening by introducing, praying, and delivering the gospel message. Then, thanks to the leadership of Jesus Films' Seth Irby, we sang songs unto the Lord. This time was filled with sweet refreshment (we even had desserts on deck). Following worship, Orlando Magic's head athletic trainer, Ernest Eugene, gave an inspiring message on work-life balance, with his wife Jackie and three children in attendance. That opened the conversation for Q&A and round-table discussions about prioritizing spending time with God first daily. After the discussions, Angela Marin, Director of Athletics at UT Dallas, and Paul Conner, Associate Director of Development at Florida State, shared testimony of how the Lord is moving in their lives and through Uncommon Sports Group. This was powerful. Revelation 12:11 says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." This holds true! To wrap up the evening, we closed in prayer, commissioning, and plenty of socialization. We're so grateful to the World Center Marriott Resort staff for extending our stay and giving us space for added fellowship. It was a quick turnaround, as alarms went off early Tuesday morning for the ADs4Christ devotional. Once again, over fifty believers gathered before conference meetings to hear an encouraging message from Curtis Janz, Director of Athletics at Arkansas-Fort Smith. He spoke on the necessity of boldness in our Christian walk and freeing our minds from the noise. "What are we doing to make ourselves available to hear the whisper of God..." - Curtis Janz Following the devotional, many gathered in the hallways and conference rooms to carry a heart awakened to Jesus to the sports realm, one handshake at a time. I'm leaving Orlando believing that princess castles and Mickey ears cannot compete with a small gathering of believers who live surrendered to the Holy Spirit, advancing His Kingdom on the earth. Thank you for reading and learning more about USG, the NBA Chaplaincy, and our outreach. If you'd like to know more about Uncommon Sports Group , Clean Out for a Cause , or our programs, please contact us . We'd love to hear from you.

There are always different seasons and rhythms in life and sports. Handling change in an ever-evolving industry is a challenge for sports professionals. Often, the seasons of transition reveal what's really under the surface, because there's greater dependency on God and less certainty in circumstances. In this episode, Ashley Augkhopinee, Fox Sports Operations/Production Manager and Seattle Mariners In-Game Host, shares tips on navigating seasons of change and chasing Jesus above career goals. She also illuminates the importance of servanthood, finding identity in Christ, and overcoming envy. We discuss singleness, engagement, and marriage for sports industry professionals and the joys of cultivating a lifestyle that honors family while working in a busy industry. All of this and more... A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sports industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .

Before we open the scriptures together, I encourage you—still your heart before the Lord. Come quietly before Him, humbly to the Word of God. We know that in Him is life and Jesus is the Word of God. As we read the scriptures together, ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate certain words or parts of the passage, revealing Jesus to you. It says in John 15:26 that the Spirit of Truth will testify of Jesus. Believe Him! Wait on Him to demonstrate knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of Christ to you, as we open the scriptures together. Pause and be still in His presence. Present yourself to Him as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) and enjoy Him.  Pause & praise Read:  John 2:13-17 says, “Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” This Jesus, whom we serve, has fire and tears in His eyes. (Revelation 19:12-15, Luke 22:44) He’s full of zeal and of suffering. He longs for a pure, Holy bride, without spot or blemish. It’s the great reward for Jesus’ suffering. The reward of His seed, His life laid down, is to bring the body of Christ to life. You walking with Jesus pleases the Father. It’s what Jesus paid for—your life, all of you, for Him.  Here in chapter two, we see the zeal of Jesus. He’s purifying the temple of anything unrighteous and unholy. Friend, He’s doing the same today. Ephesians 2:19-22 says, “Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.”  Jesus’s body (the temple) was torn down at Calvary and rebuilt in His resurrected body. His body is now one with the church (the body of Christ). His dwelling place needs to be Holy; He cannot inhabit areas that are not. His blood cleanses us, so the Spirit of God may dwell richly in us. We are saved but being saved. Justified by Jesus’ life, but undergoing sanctification by His Spirit, there’s work to do in His temple. You are His temple. Your body is His dwelling place.  There’s no place for compromise in the temple, no mixture. He is a PERFECT God. He calls us to be holy as He is holy. How do we do this? By the sanctification and rejuvenation of the Holy Spirit in us. As we read the Word, commune with God, fellowship with believers, and live under the loving and powerful conviction of the Holy Spirit, we become more like Jesus. This is LIFE: Knowing Him and becoming more like Him.  Sanctification is not always easy. But, oh so worth it. It will cost you comfort, time, and all of your life handed over. But, once you realize that He is the only way, truth, and life, you will know confidently that He is worth giving everything to. It’s by His mercy that you’re alive today. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping…it’s all by His mercy that we’re alive in His Holy presence.  In John 6:68, Jesus asks the disciples if they also want to go away. Many left Jesus’ teachings for they believed He was too harsh. Peter responds, “Lord, where would we go? You have the Words of eternal life.” This is true today. Where would we go that’s better than Jesus’s presence? He is life, and He is all and all. There’s no life apart from Him. Here’s the Good News continued: No height nor depth can separate you from the love of God. Yield to His cleansing and receive a deeper measure of Jesus when you do!  As a servant of Jesus, you’ve been sent out into the sports industry to know Him, to be made more like Him, and to glorify His name. He is purifying and refinding His ambassadors, that there would be no darkness in you, but the light of Christ would shine brightly. Surrender your life and circumstances to the Lord Jesus, and allow Him to do this cleansing work in you. Give Him all of your heart, mind, and soul, and trust Him to do a very good work.  Your life will look different than those in the sports industry, and that’s OK! We are a peculiar people, a royal priesthood that is not swayed by the lusts or cares of this world. We are wholly given to the Prince of Life, Jesus, who is our life. May you be a person who cries, “It is not I who lives, but Christ who lives in me,” in the sports industry and beyond. You are called to be His hands and His feet, not your hands and your feet. HIS! Allow Him to work His ways and likeness in you and realize this is radical freedom! To live free of self-will and enjoy the security, safety, and wonderful pleasures of surrendering all to Jesus.  John 14:23 says, “Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” You are the Father’s house. Your body, your life is His. (Repeating this to add emphasis.) When you give your life to Christ, by His body and blood, He makes atonement for you. His life reconciles you to the Father and allows you to enter eternal life, free from the wrath of God forever. WHAT A GIFT. But it doesn’t stop there. Your life becomes His. There’s no turning back.  James 4:5 says, “Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us.” This is Jesus, yearning jealousy for you. Zeal for His house still consumes Him. When fire entered the temple Solomon built, it consumed ALL of the temple. (2 Chronicles 7:1) What parts of your life have you not surrendered to Jesus? Today, take time to search your heart. Repent and ask the Holy Spirit to consume and fill those spaces. Oh, and when you do, rejoice, because there is nothing more satisfying, more free, more joyful than experiencing the living God taking complete residence in you!  Additional Thoughts on John 2:13-17:  The whip of cords He used to cleanse would one day strike His back, the punishment for our sin cast upon Him.  The sheep and oxen were driven out of the temple, just as His body was driven out of the city limits to Calvary. The worthless money poured out, just as His priceless blood was spilled for our forgiveness.   His body was torn apart, that the temple of God may be restored.  The tables overturned, that we may dine with Him at the table prepared in the presence of our enemies, the last supper table now a place of restoration for sinners called saints, the table at the marriage supper of the Lamb made available through the death, burial, resurrection and second coming of Jesus Christ.  Oh, how He foreshadows the cleansing that must soon take place –  bearing both judgment and redemption in His body, the punishment on His shoulders, zeal for His house has indeed consumed Him…and it still does.  Prayer:  Holy Spirit, I give you full permission to take residence in all areas of my life. I surrender all to you. Please show me there’s nothing better than living in full givenness to you. Lead me in the path of life. There is fullness of joy in your presence, and I receive all of you now in Jesus’ name, amen. If you would like to learn more about Uncommon Sports Group, or get involved with our ministries, tap the link here !

In two weeks, Uncommon Sports Group will be returning to Nairobi, Kenya, with a group of fourteen Christian sport professionals and four staff for a two-week short-term mission trip. Each summer, Uncommon Sports Group offers a fully-funded international trip for sport industry professionals to experience life, faith, and community outside their normal context. USG members apply for international trips and are selected based on a set of criteria outlined by the USG staff. USG has had the opportunity to serve in Kenya three times before, and we look forward to returning for a fourth time alongside our ministry partners there. This year’s team includes Christian sport industry professionals from various universities and organizations, including the Charlotte Hornets, Southern Methodist University, Florida State University, Middle Tennessee State University, the WNBA, the Indiana Pacers, Oregon State University, the University of Texas at Dallas, Liberty University, and the University of Minnesota. What Are We Doing? USG has two main partners in Kenya. The first partner is a Christian church and primary school located in an impoverished community within the city of Nairobi. The school provides education for students from preschool age until the eighth grade who otherwise would lack access to education. USG will be serving alongside the school during the first three days of the trip. The USG team will provide various equipment for the school, including sports balls (soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, volleyballs), jump ropes, ball pumps, soccer goals, pencils, pens, and writing pads. Furthermore, the team will be serving the students through sports camps. The camps allow the students to compete with one another, develop teamwork skills, learn new sports, and practice Christ-centered principles. Following the three days of sports camps, USG will engage in gospel evangelism within the impoverished community surrounding the school. We will be sent out in groups with members from the local church who can help with translation and engaging in conversation with locals. The second partner that USG will be serving with is a local pastor and sports minister. Alongside this partner, USG will be hosting a coaches' clinic for approximately sixty sports coaches across Kenya and neighboring countries. The clinic will focus on providing practical instruction for the coaches in attendance to help them become Christ-centered leaders for their athletes.  During the clinic, the coaches in attendance will hear instructional messages from three USG attendees, including one staff member. The topics that these messages will cover include “Coaching with a Purpose”, “Characteristics of a Godly Leader”, “Creating a Lasting Impact on Players”, and "Having an Eternal Perspective as a Coach." After each speaker, attendees will reflect on the message in small groups. Beyond the important work that the group will be doing alongside USG's partners in Kenya, they will be doing a six-session Bible study together as a team through the book of Galatians. The group must remain grounded in the Word of God while being busy serving during the day! Lastly, the group will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Kenya by going on a safari at Amboseli National Park! Who Is Attending? USG is grateful to have fourteen sport industry professionals attending the mission trip to Kenya. Below is a short biography written by each attendee to allow you to get to know each of them better. Each of their biographies will have their reason for attending and a prayer request that they have leading up to the trip, and we encourage you to lift those requests to the Lord in prayer! Aaron Magnuson- Facilities Operations Coordinator at Pacers Sports & Entertainment I’m excited for this unique opportunity to serve the people placed in front of me and expectant to see how the Lord is moving in another part of the world. A prayer request from me is that our group would maintain physical health throughout our time in Kenya.  Alex Kaiser- Account Manager, Partnership Activation with the Charlotte Hornets Simply, I felt the Lord call me to this trip. I initially had a trip planned that would have prevented me from going to Kenya, and as soon as it got cancelled, the Lord put it on my heart to ask Mikey about what this year was looking like. It wasn't even a week later that applications opened up, and I knew it was what the Lord had for me for this summer. For the Lord to keep my health intact! I have struggled with a few different health issues over the last few years, and getting on a plane for a day is a bit nerve-racking. Anna Hunsinger- Media Communications & Journalism Major at Asbury University I’m going on this trip to deepen my relationship with Christ, to seek the nations, and to share His love with others. I've never been on an international mission trip, and I know that this opportunity was one I couldn't pass up. Please pray that I can be a light to those I encounter. That ALL my words and actions are all for the kingdom! Anthony Wedel- Ticket Office Associate at Liberty University Athletics I am attending this trip to push myself out of my comfort zone and experience something completely new in my walk with the Lord. A prayer request for me is that I can be fully present during the whole trip and be willing to be open to all experiences and opportunities that the trip is going to bring. Also, prayers that true radical transformation happens for the people we interact with, and our team. Carter Stanton- Director of Creative Strategy for Southern Methodist Football I want to challenge myself personally to spread Jesus' name across the globe. A prayer request is for me to have an openness and willingness to allow the Lord to work in me and in our team in whatever ways He desires. Elizabeth Wood- Owner of Ascension Performance Training and Mental Performance Consultant After spending several summers in high school serving on mission trips both in the U.S. and abroad, I’ve sensed the Lord stirring my heart to return to this kind of service. I believe He’s called me to empower others to step into their God-given purpose—especially through athletics in this season of my life—and I’m excited to bring that heart to Kenya. My prayer is that God would prepare hearts to receive His love and truth through our time there. I also ask for prayer for humility and a teachable spirit—for me to learn from those we serve and to plant kingdom seeds that will bear eternal fruit. Hope Anderson- Athletic Equipment Manager at Oregon State University I decided to go on the Kenya Mission Trip to push myself out of my comfort zone, especially in my faith. I am excited to join alongside the other members of the mission team to go out, serve, and build relationships within the body of Christ.  My prayer request is for God to continue preparing my heart for the trip and to be present while in Kenya. Paul Conner- Account Executive for Florida State Athletics My reason for attending the trip is to grow closer to the Lord and to learn what it means to serve and live on mission! Prayer request for me is for health and safety, being able to be fully present with the people and experiences around me, and to learn more and become closer to Jesus. Sydney Wright- Associate Manager, Marketing Partnerships at WNBA I am attending this trip to serve and to learn about another culture. My prayer request is to love the kids and people well that we will be working with and for safe travel. Victoria Smith- Learning Specialist at the University of Minnesota Athletics After building relationships with some of my international students through faith, I felt called by the Lord to participate in this mission trip and further explore the relationships He builds with His people outside of my own cultural background. My prayer request is that I may posture my heart in a manner of servitude and that I be open to all the ways the Lord will work during our time together. Caitlyn Manning- Chief of Staff for Middle Tennessee State Football I am so excited to be joining the Kenya 2025 team!  This is such a powerful opportunity to impact spiritual and relational growth -- not only in the communities we serve but also within our team. Sports are an international language that we get to use to share the love and light of Christ. I've always had a heart for Africa and a passion for sharing the gospel internationally. I can't wait to spend time with this team and see how God will work through us in Kenya! Elias Henry- Seasonal Basketball Coach for the Orono Boys Basketball Association I'm attending this trip because I want to share the hope of Christ that I once heard about and eventually received for myself—a message that brought a life-changing experience into my life. I believe God has called me to serve others with that same message of love, hope, and transformation. As a coach and mentor, I’ve seen the impact of leadership and presence—and I’m excited to do the same through this ministry opportunity, pointing others to Jesus not just in word but in the way I live. Please pray that I would be led by God in all things and that those I encounter would see Christ living through me. Angela Marin- Director of Athletics at the University of Texas at Dallas I am attending this trip to stretch myself personally and in my faith. I am excited to see the Lord work through USG and the opportunity to plant seeds of Christ's word. Praying for endurance, courage, and community. Jordan Varner- Club Soccer Coach at Grand Canyon University I'm attending to glorify the Lord and grow through a new experience. My prayer request is for opportunities to share the Gospel. Conclusion USG is grateful to have the opportunity to serve the Lord in Kenya alongside a group of Christ-centered sport industry professionals. A special thank you to every supporter of Uncommon Sports Group, specifically those who have donated to the Clean Out For A Cause  funding operation. Without your prayerful and financial support, trips such as these would not be possible! If you are interested in keeping up with USG’s activities in Kenya, be sure to follow our social media pages or subscribe to our newsletter  so you can see what we are up to!

Throughout the life of every believer, the Lord, in His mercy, purifies and refines to make His people into the likeness of God—restored to the original good design, made in His image. Often, as sports professionals, this process involves ridding oneself of ego, selfish ambition, and the desire to be the greatest in the industry. Matthew 23:11 says, "But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant." The Kingdom of God turns the career ladder upside down. In this episode, Megan Mendoza, Senior Manager of Community Relations for a Professional Sports League, discusses evangelism in the sports industry, humility and being free of selfish ambition, honoring your family, forsaking all to follow Jesus, and much more! A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sports industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .

“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” Matthew 16:24-26 Oftentimes, before reading the Word, I say this simple prayer. “Holy Spirit, help me understand this word.” This is my hope for us as we dive into Matthew 16:24-26 together: that the Spirit of God would illuminate our eyes with an understanding of the scriptures and that we may see the heart of God in every word.  This portion of scripture in the gospel of Matthew is not always easy to comprehend. To lose your life is to find it? What does that mean? The disciples who followed Jesus as He walked the earth had many of the same questions. In John 6, some of Jesus’ followers responded to his teaching with this…”On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” If you’ve ever read something in the Word of God and had questions, you’re in good company.  Questions are an invitation. They draw a hungry person into deeper fellowship with God; as you seek Him and seek answers, you find Him. So, let’s ponder this question. What does Jesus mean in Matthew 16:24-26? The first place we must go to and learn from is the cross.  Jesus, fully God and fully man, came from heaven to earth. Born of a virgin, He was crucified on a tree as a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. Three days after His death, He rose and revealed Himself to many. He ascended to the Father's right hand, where He makes constant intercession for us. Those who believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life will not perish but have everlasting life. By His body and blood shed on the cross, He made atonement for sin and therefore reconciled those who deserved wrath to be at peace with God; that we may be called Sons and daughters of the most High. This is good news!  Jesus lost His life on the cross so that we would find our life in Him. He died for us and in place of us and invited us into this lifestyle. Due to the fallen nature of humanity, we have this ugly thing called the flesh. The flesh is in direct opposition to the will and nature of God due to sin. Operating in the will of the flesh (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life) leads to death. But, operating in the spirit (the new life, joined with Christ Jesus) is LIFE and life more abundantly.  So, how do we practically live out Matthew 16:24-26? When we surrender our lives, agendas, hearts, minds, souls, and strength moment by moment to the Lord Jesus, that is called “dying to self.” As a result of this constant decision, we experience and taste the true life that is found when we come ALIVE in Christ Jesus. The more we know Him, the more we desire to be like Him. This takes intentionality in setting time apart to seek the Lord in prayer, worship, scripture reading, gathering of the body of Christ, etc.  In a world that glamorizes self-promotion, fame, raises, and followers…Jesus says, "Abandon this thinking and instead follow me." We need to ask a real and raw question right now: Do we genuinely believe that forsaking all to follow Jesus is worth it?  As a sports industry professional, athlete, etc., you’re faced with two roads. One road is the way of the world, which preaches “do everything and anything you can to gain worldly success…no matter the cost. Another road (the one less traveled) says, “Surrender control…your striving, expectations, plans and seek first the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew 6:33)  Let me tell you something…Standing before the Lord Jesus, you won’t wonder, ‘Did I have enough worldly recognition? Did every dream come to fruition? Did I have a big enough influence?” No earthly title, resume, or high-profile job will get you deeper into the throne room. Oh no, only the blood of Jesus. Instead, while you’re at the gate of eternity, you will be asked, “What did you do with my Son.”  He’s worth it.  Jesus is your best Friend. He is your Husband. He is your Lord, Master, Maker, King. He is holiness, the essence of God personified. He is the beginning and the end, Alpha and Omega. He is more than we can comprehend. In His Spirit is life, joy, peace, righteousness. That longing in your heart that you have right now…He’s got the answer for it. He’s the solution. He’s the most faithful and loving and HOLY ONE. The best part? He’s longing for you. He desires all of you.  Right now, you have a choice. Continue to strive and chase after the things of this world…or surrender. Give every ambition over to Jesus. Spend time with Him and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus. Watch Him turn every want, concern, need, and desire into greater intimacy, knowledge, and revelation of Jesus.  Prayer: Lord, I choose you. Right now, I pick up my cross. I desire to be where you are, to live how you lived…No matter the cost. You are worthy because there is no life, only death without you. I choose LIFE found in Jesus. Keep me close to the cross. Teach me to delight in your ways and rejoice in the freedom of losing my life to find it. In Jesus’ name, amen.  If you would like to learn more about Uncommon Sports Group, or get involved with our ministries, tap the link here !

How do people get into full-time ministry? And how can someone become more effective in their discipleship strategies? In this episode, Tim Griffin — Dean of Students, University Pastor, and Vice President of Student Affairs at Grand Canyon University — shares his journey to full-time ministry, his experience as a NASCAR chaplain, and how to minister to the younger generation, among other topics. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .

Uncommon Sports Group is humbled to have the opportunity to provide $15,000 of scholarship funds to thirteen young professionals who desire to work in the sport industry each semester. These scholarships are awarded thanks to our generous sponsor, Helmet Tracker . Our Spring 2025 Reflection Scholarship required applicants to watch a choice of 2 videos from our 2024 CWS Conference. Applicants were then asked to answer three reflective questions based on the video. We'd like to thank everyone who took the time to apply! Scholarship Winners: First Place - $3,000 Scholarship: Anthony Wedel - Graduate Assistant/Ticket Office Associate, Liberty University Second Place - $2,500 Scholarship: Natalie Osborne - Doctoral Student, George Fox University Third Place - $2,000 Scholarship: Wright Kimbro - Men’s Basketball Graduate Assistant, Gardner-Webb. Honorable Mentions:  $750 Scholarships William Bale - Graduate Assistant with Equipment Room Athletics, VCU Eli Hopkins -  Masters of Science in Management, UNC Charlotte Tamara Brown - Sports Journalism Professional Brett Hemphill - Volunteer Scout Player for Women’s Basketball Team, Loyola University Maryland Jaylon Joyner - Adjunct Instructor, Exercise Science Program, Loyola University Chicago Hope Krekoska - Director of Operations for Men’s Golf and Women’s Volleyball, Liberty University Danika Dobson - Student Equipment Manager for Football, Iowa State Jason Yeick - Athletic Department Intern, Bloomsburg University Victoriano Garcia III - Master’s in Athletic Training, Texas A&M University Luke Nichols  - Sports Management Student For those who are new to Uncommon Sports Group, USG is a non-profit that provides professional and Christ-centered training to young adults pursuing a career in collegiate or professional athletics. For more information, check out our website  or contact us . We'd love to hear from you.

USG member Anthony Wedel won USG's 2025 Spring Reflection Scholarship. This blog will feature Anthony’s winning essay! Winning Spring 2025 Essay by: Anthony Wedel -  Graduate Assistant/Ticket Office Associate at Liberty University "In the fast-paced and demanding world of the sports industry, it is easy to become consumed by work and neglect the spiritual disciplines that ground and sustain us. As Christians working or aspiring to work in sports, maintaining a consistent relationship with God is essential, even in the busiest seasons. This message emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual disciplines, especially prayer, as a way to stay connected to God and strengthen our faith. By making time for prayer and other spiritual practices, we honor God and allow Him to guide our paths, no matter how hectic our schedules may be. The message is deeply relevant to Christians in the sports industry because it highlights the struggle to balance work and spiritual life which is one of the most prevalent discussions in the sports world. The demanding nature of sports often blurs the lines between professional and personal time, causing spiritual disciplines to become secondary. However, as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 instructs, we are called to "pray without ceasing," encouraging us to maintain a continual conversation with God. Even in the busiest moments, there are opportunities to seek Him through prayer. This message reminds us that God desires our attention and presence, and when we prioritize Him, He rewards our faithfulness. By intentionally making time for spiritual practices, we can nurture our relationship with God and stay grounded despite the pressures of the sports world. This lesson challenged me to reevaluate how I prioritize my spiritual life in the midst of a demanding schedule. A particularly convicting statement from the message was when Kelli said, "If Jesus needed to get up before the day started and pray and spend time with His Father, don’t you think we need to?" This quote served as a powerful reminder that if even Jesus made time for prayer, I must also be intentional about dedicating time to God even when I may feel that I am too busy. Often, when life becomes overwhelming, I focus on the external demands instead of the most important relationship in my life—my relationship with God. This message encourages me to make tangible changes, such as waking up earlier to spend quiet time with God. It also prompts me to seek a true quiet space where I can be fully present with Him, regardless of how busy my day may be. A practical step I can take to apply this message is to incorporate intentional prayer into the beginning and end of my day. Specifically, spending 15 to 30 minutes to start my day in prayer and fellowship with God. This quiet time will help me center my thoughts, seek His guidance, and prepare for the challenges ahead especially when I may be feeling overwhelmed or drained from work. Additionally, I will conclude my day by spending another 15 minutes in prayer, allowing me to reflect on the day and rest in God’s presence, opening up a space for correction so that I can make myself better every day. By consistently dedicating these moments to God, I can strengthen my spiritual foundation and navigate the demands of the sports industry with faith and purpose. This message serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how busy life becomes, we must prioritize our relationship with God. As Christians working or aspiring to work in the sports industry, maintaining spiritual disciplines such as prayer is crucial for staying connected to God and living out our faith. By following the example of Jesus and dedicating intentional time to God, we not only honor Him but also receive the strength and wisdom needed to face the demands of our professional lives. Through small, consistent actions like starting and ending each day in prayer, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and bring His light into the world of sports." Thank you, Anthony, for participating in the Spring 2025 USG Reflection Scholarship! We are also thankful to our sponsor, Helmet Tracker , for making this scholarship opportunity possible for all thirteen of our winners! If you have an interest in taking part in USG's Reflection Scholarship program, be sure to apply for our Fall 2025 Reflection Scholarship , which goes live on September 5th!

Working in the sports industry is not for the faint of heart. It's absolutely vital as believers to build spiritual muscles to endure the trials that come while walking on mission in the industry. How can you build spiritual strength and grow in the Lord despite secular culture? Where does contentment come from in an ever-changing industry? How can you trust the Lord when the "next step" is unknown? In this episode, Courtney Taybron, Senior Associate AD / Sports Performance / SWA at Jacksonville University, discusses guarding the heart and mind in the sports industry, strength in suffering, waiting on the Lord, God's promotion, and more. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sports industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .

The first week of April, Uncommon Sports Group sponsored a group of industry professionals to attend the 2025 WBCA Convention in Tampa, Florida. WBCA is the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's annual event. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, grow as a coach or mentor, and learn from those who have paved the way in women's basketball. While the convention opens doors for plenty of career growth, the primary intent is for attendees to shine the light of Christ and encounter Him in a deeper way at the convention. While in Tampa, USG Member and Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Chattanooga, Mallory Odell, led an open Bible study for conference attendees. Enjoy Mallory's testimony from the event! "I was honored to have the opportunity to attend this year’s WBCA Convention in Tampa, Florida, with the assistance of both my institution and USG. It is never lost on me what amazing experiences I am being presented with, so I want to start with pouring out gratitude and continuing with an ever-thankful heart. This year’s convention was heavy on community, which I believe we all need more than ever. I know I do! It was great to be able to connect with colleagues and other coaches in similar situations and listen, share, and learn on all different levels and topics. Similarly, the USG community was welcoming and warm as we reconnected and shared about this past year’s experiences and explored what is to come. I also had the most special experience leading the USG Bible Study. We had an intimate group and dug into John 1. We studied the word, shared about how Jesus moves both in our lives and workplaces, and reflected on how we can all be as faithful and obedient as John and share of Jesus boldly within our professions. This group provided time for honest conversation and discussion as well as genuine fellowship. Also, I had so many special opportunities to share about USG with other believers both while in Tampa and since returning home. I am already looking forward to more fellowship time next year & to continue growing spiritually and professionally with the support and guidance of USG and my fellow coaches and sports professionals in Christ. Let us all follow John’s example and share about Jesus as we draw nearer to him each day!" It was amazing to see how God moved at the WBCA Convention. We are grateful to Mallory for her testimony and bold "yes" to loving and serving Jesus. If you're interested in learning more about Uncommon Sports Group and how we can come alongside you as a Christian in the sport industry, click here  to see how you can get involved.

Anyone who's involved in sports in any capacity knows that the actions you witness in the locker room, gym, sideline, or team meeting are not always representative of Christ's behavior. The question is this: When God calls you to these spaces, how do you maintain a pure heart and life in the realm of sports? In this episode, Bryan Driskell, Notre Dame Football Analyst and Owner of Irish Breakdown, discusses the importance of Christian accountability, upholding faith in secular atmospheres, prioritizing family in sports, job transitions, and more. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .