This past weekend, Uncommon Sports Group hosted an Impact Weekend in Phoenix, AZ, for twenty-four USG Academy participants. Each of the attendees spent eight weeks walking through USG’s unique Academy program that provides faith-based and professional development opportunities for the participants as they pursue careers in the sport industry. The Impact Weekend experience is a required in-person opportunity that each Academy participant attends to provide them with a more hands-on development experience and a chance to build Christ-centered relationships within the college and pro sport industry. After traveling to Phoenix, the weekend officially began on Friday afternoon with a welcome session and a visit to Grand Canyon University’s campus. At GCU, our group had the opportunity to hear from a panel of speakers that featured six professionals within the Lopes athletic department including Anthony Martinez, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Services; Al Porteous, Associate Athletic Director of Media Production; Will King, Associate Athletic Director of Facilities and Operations; Katy Keenan, Assistant Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Development; Katy Keenan, Director of Student-Athlete Development; Jayme Bailey, Softball Assistant Coach; and Hunter Hays, Softball Assistant Coach. The panel touched on their career journeys, the challenges they face as Christians working in sports, how they are navigating the continuous changes that are happening within college athletics, and more! At the end of the session, our group was able to ask questions to the panel. Once the panel concluded, we were able to take a tour of GCU’s athletic facilities! Our tour included stops at Global Credit Union Arena, basketball practice facility, soccer stadium, and baseball field. From GCU’s campus, we headed to PopStroke in Glendale for dinner and a group social. It was a great opportunity to fellowship with one another over a meal and some friendly mini-golf competition! Following Friday’s activities, Saturday morning began with the group breaking into small groups to study the Scriptures together. Each group dove into Acts 2:42-47 to study the various disciplines evidenced by the early church. The discussion was rich and edifying for the groups! After Bible study, we loaded up into our vans and headed to downtown Phoenix for an outreach activity. We broke into groups once again and spread out around downtown to pass out bags to the needy containing a pair of socks, a granola bar, a toothbrush, deodorant, a New Testament Bible, and a prayer card. Each group passed out bags, prayed over each person, and shared the gospel message of Jesus Christ with the person if they were open to hear it. This activity was a challenge for each participant that helped them grow spiritually and practice being the hands and feet of Jesus. Our next stop after outreach and lunch was Chase Field for a panel discussion and a tour! The panel featured four Arizona Diamondbacks staff members: Amilyn Pierce, Vice President of Government Affairs; Taylor Merwin, Coordinator of Community Relations and Partner Programs; Lucas De Jong, Senior Manager of Corporate Partnership Sales; and Tristin Goldhammer, Senior Graphic Designer. The panel discussed their testimonies, how they live out their faith in the workplace, and how they navigate the challenges of being believers in a secular work environment. This conversation was powerful for our participants to hear because it proved that it is possible to be a Christian living on mission in the workplace. After the panel and tour of Chase Field, our group gathered back at the AirBnB’s for a short commissioning message covering the parable of the sower and a conversation about ways to stay involved with USG moving forward. They also received their Academy completion certificates. The evening wrapped up with dinner and fellowship at a restaurant downtown. The weekend wrapped up on Sunday morning with a church service at Pella Communities. A part of our mission at Uncommon Sports Group is to connect and the best way to do that is to be connected to a local church body! Attending a local church during the weekend emphasizes the importance of the community and discipleship that the church can provide. It was a blessing to grow and serve alongside of this group of future leaders of the college and professional sport industry. Our prayer is that each participant will take what they learned and apply it to their future or present careers in sports. We’re incredibly appreciative of our Clean Out For A Cause donors for their generosity and for making events like these possible. As we send these new USG members out, we’re confident that they are prepared and equipped to be Christ-centered leaders within the college and pro sport industry. Thank you for your continued prayers and support! If you are interested in learning more about our ministry work at Uncommon Sports Group or getting involved, please click here .

CWS 2025: Table groups building community and discussing the previous session's takeaways. At the 2025 Christians Working in Sports Conference, we were blessed with amazing speakers and panelists. Each session brought challenges, authenticity, and most of all, a demonstrated reliance on Jesus Christ. We've outlined each session below with a few key takeaways. We've also provided links to our session recordings, which are accessible for free on our USG YouTube channel . For more information on the Christians Working in Sports Conference and our forthcoming CWS 2026 Conference, visit us at cws.uncommonsg.org . We've outlined the sessions in their conference order. We hope that you will both be challenged and refreshed by their messages. Mayo Sowell – “Living on Mission” Former Auburn football player and NFL athlete turned pastor, Mayo Sowell, reminded us that we are designed instruments for God. Our calling is not confined to church work—secular work can still be sacred. Watch Mr. Sowell's message on YouTube . Key Takeaways: “You are designed to do great things.” “I’m not qualified” is not an excuse to give up. Acts 1:15-16 reminds us we are God's chosen instruments. Instruments don’t play for themselves—they play for others. In the same way, we are here to serve. “What distraction is taking you away from the purpose God has given you?” Every Kingdom is progressive—keep growing or you’re falling behind. Panel 1: Navigating Uncertainty Athletic Directors Jason Romano, Jamaal Walton, Jamie Boggs, and Graham Neff provided practical wisdom for navigating difficult seasons. Watch the Navigating Uncertainty Panel on YouTube . Key Takeaways: Give yourself grace. Remember who you work for: “Jesus over job title.” Lean on strong believers within your industry. Keep asking: Am I still following the Lord’s plan for my life? Find perspectives from outside the sports industry to stay grounded. Your job is something…Jesus is everything Jon Gordon – Leadership and Prayer Jon brought practical, spiritual encouragement around discipline, prayer, and spiritual warfare. Watch Mr. Gordon's message on YouTube . Key Takeaways: “When you’re selfless, you’re fearless.” Devotion drives discipline. You’re in a spiritual battlefield—remind yourself of the truth daily. Connect with God through prayer; it’s the greatest weapon against the enemy. “ You can't be stressed and Thankful at the same time.” “A praying leader makes you a positive leader." “You’re still here because God’s not done with you yet.” Prayer Formula – P.R.A.Y.E.R. Praise (Thank Him) Repent (Ask for forgiveness) Ask (For strength) Yield (Surrender to Him) Expect (Expect great things because he delivers) Receive (His blessings) Panel: Managing Competitiveness & Career Ambition Panelists Jaunelle White, Kyle Stark, and Christina Hovestadt spoke about ambition, leadership, and trusting God through career changes. Watch the Managing Competitiveness & Career Ambition panel on YouTube . Key Takeaways: Leadership isn’t about you—it’s about your people. Know your spiritual standard. Practice “obscure obedience”— John 4:34. “The calling stays the same, but the platform may change.” Obedience over outcome. God cares more about your faithfulness than your results. “Continue to plant seeds wherever you are.” Lauren Sisler – “Having bold faith in the workplace” Lauren shared her journey of loss and resilience, urging us to show up fully present rather than chasing the next thing. Watch Mrs. Sisler's message on YouTube . Key Takeaways: “Adversity can be your gift to others.” “Be where your feet are: Stop chasing what's next, and start showing up for what's now.” “You are not broken, you are becoming.” “Let your story glorify God” “Comfort is the number one enemy of spiritual growth.” Panel: Pursuing Work/Life Balance Jason Romano, Lori Krueger, Moses Ehambe, and Matt Marasco challenged us to define what balance looks like under God’s leadership. Watch the Pursuing Work/Life Balance panel on YouTube . Key Takeaways: Your first team is your home—prioritize family. Let the Lord lead your track record. There’s always a cost to following Jesus, but it’s worth it. State your goals clearly and live them out. “Celebrate the small things that God is doing.” Benjamin Watson – “A Christian Movement in Sports” Benjamin brought a compelling message about authentic faith and influence in your community and daily life. Watch Mr. Watson's message on YouTube . Key Takeaways: “Hold everything with open hands.” Ask if you’re idolizing anything before God. Take inventory of the food of God in the midst of the mess. People crave authenticity, not perfection. Be a person of response (Spirit-led), not reaction (flesh-led). “Don’t be afraid to step out of the boat.” Ephesians 2:8-9 – We are saved by grace, not works. We hope that you will be blessed by these messages and discussions. For more information about The Christians Working in Sports Conference, hit the link below to visit the conference's website. We'll be announcing more information about CWS 2026 soon. We will hope to see you there. Discover more about the CWS Conference If you'd like to get more information about USG or CWS or to connect with one of our USG staff, please contact us . We'd love to hear from you.

Last month, our Clean Out For A Cause program crossed a milestone that still seems surreal: over ONE MILLION POUNDS of donated gear from college and professional sports teams across the country. It’s an amazing number, but even more than the weight of the gear, when I look back, I see the steady, faithful hand of God’s providence. The first-ever Managers on a Mission Trip to Malawi in 2013. God’s Providence in Ezra. I began studying the book of Ezra with my small group at church this fall. In Ezra 1, the people of Israel were given permission by King Cyrus to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. A pagan king setting these exiles free is remarkable in itself. But God didn’t just let them go—He stirred Cyrus’ heart to provide resources for the mission. 2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: “‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. 4 And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’” Ezra 1:2-4 The return to Jerusalem wasn’t possible because they had earned the right to go free, or because the people had everything they needed to finally escape. It was possible because God provided. And that same story of providence is what we’ve seen in Uncommon Sports Group. From a Basement to a Movement The very first “clean out” was just me boxing up my old Cardinals, Chargers, and Gophers gear during my time at Virginia Tech in 2011. Selling those items provided over $2,000 to fund the flight for my first mission trip to Rwanda. A class project following that mission trip is what sparked the idea, “What if everyone in the college and pro sports industry did this with their used/excess gear?” The first donation collection boxes that we shipped to EQ Managers from my sister's home in Minneapolis. From there, God’s fingerprints have been everywhere. Only a few months later, God orchestrated our first-ever Clean Out donation through Tubby Smith’s generosity before he transitioned from the University of Minnesota to Texas Tech. Soon after, we filled an entire room in my sister's basement with donations from college equipment managers throughout the country. Less than a year later, this expanded to fill my parents’ garage as well. At every step, God provided. Provision Through People In the early years of our ministry, I often dreamed of one large donation that would provide all we needed. But God’s providence looked different: not one gift, but literally thousands of smaller ones faithfully given. 10,893 donations from 1,636 donors totalling 1,021,009 pounds to date, to be exact. Just like in Ezra, God stirred countless hearts, and together those gifts added up to something far greater than any one act could accomplish. He has provided through: Our booth at the 2018 AEMA Convention. Partners like Frank Beamer’s nonprofit Hermas Readers who served as our fiscal sponsor until we became our own 501c3 nonprofit. The Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA), who gave us a platform to share the vision of the Clean Out program at the AEMA Convention just months after we launched. Our first contractor, Ken, and his team in Minneapolis, who monetized the items for us when I was working hundreds of miles away at Auburn. Wayne Kotulic and Texon Towel for sponsoring our first-ever scholarship awards. The Four13 team was and is vital in helping us scale our entire e-commerce operation when we were buried in donations that needed to be processed. Helmet Tracker, who helped us build a custom Inventory system that allows us to process items in just minutes. Board Members who have volunteered countless hours prayerfully helping shape our ministry. Our staff has established a Christ-exalting culture of humility, stewardship, and purpose-driven living. Individuals committed to USG’s vision and with unique gifts and talents have been exactly what USG has needed in each season of our development. Volunteers who have helped us repurpose shelving from libraries, hospitals, and law offices whenever we run out of space. Keith, who stopped in after work each day to package orders on his way home from the bus stop. Roger, who diligently sorted boxes in his garage when we ran out of warehouse space Interns from Cristo Rey, St. Thomas, and the U of M when we could afford full-time staff. My parents: My dad spent countless evenings and weekends helping build more shelving every time we ran out of space, and my mom has continued to help ship orders since day 1. My grandma (& nephew) helping sort donations in my parents' garage. The dozens of volunteers who would come in for “Volunteer Events” on evenings and weekends to help sort donations and photograph items. And even helped move our entire operation into our current warehouse space in a single weekend so we would be ready to ship orders by Monday. Each person, each contribution, each act of service—was God’s providence in action. Impact by God’s Hand Because of God’s provision, we’ve seen gear distributed in remarkable ways and literally millions of dollars invested in raising Christ-centered leaders throughout the college and pro sports industry by: Connecting, encouraging, & equipping nearly 3,000 Christians working throughout the college & pro sports. Raising 335 future leaders of the sports industry through our USG Academy Fully funding 187 mission trips $346,000 in scholarships awarded Distributing gear and equipment through our mission trips and sports camps in Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Liberia, and Israel. And throughout the US, through our Laundry Events and other outreach programs - including over $250k of gear given away to inner city youth during the 2019 Final Four in Minneapolis. Our first-ever donation from Tubby Smith in the Spring of 2013. The numbers only underscore His faithfulness: from 4,000 pounds of donations received in 2014, 10,000 in 2015, 21,000 in 2016, 50,000 in 2017, and more than 3,000 pounds per week today. That growth wasn’t because we always had the perfect strategy, strength, or even space for the items. It’s because God has continuously provided every step of the way. He multiplied what little we had and turned it into much. God’s Providence Then and Now The story of Clean Out For A Cause is not a story of clever planning or lucky breaks. It’s the story of a God who has provided—again and again, through people, through opportunities, through gifts large and small. From basements and garages to warehouses and box trucks, from a box of gear in the bottom of my closet to over a million pounds collected, the constant thread has been God’s providence. Just as He stirred Cyrus to send the Israelites with provisions, He has stirred hearts across the sports industry to give generously. And because of His hand, lives have been impacted around the world. So today, we celebrate one million pounds not as a number we achieved, but as a testimony: God provides. He always has. And He always will. Here’s to the next million—entrusting it fully into His hands. Drew Boe Founder, Executive Director Uncommon Sports Group

We're celebrating an incredible feat with the USG team! In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, host Noah Weiss is joined by Drew Boe and Josh Meyer to discuss the remarkable journey of Clean Out For A Cause (COFAC), a program under Uncommon Sports Group (USG) that has achieved over one million pounds of apparel donations. The conversation covers the origins of COFAC, its current operations, the relationship between COFAC and USG's ministry initiatives, and the significant impact on the sports community. They also celebrate the milestone of one million pounds, discuss the future goals of the program, and highlight how listeners can get involved in supporting this impactful mission. 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 . ⁠⁠⁠

The USG Operations Team is celebrating its One Millionth Pound of Donations. Blessings to all the members, donors, board members, staff, and all of you who have helped reach this important milestone. I wanted to take some time to share what the Clean Out For A Cause program means to me and express my gratitude for all involved. If you've ever wondered how excess sports gear could become a vessel for God's kingdom work, then pull up a chair. Today, I'm sharing a deeply personal reflection on the Clean Out For A Cause program—what it means to me, its profound impact on the sports industry through Uncommon Sports Group (USG) , and the incredible ways it has shaped my life. As someone who's spent nearly two decades in the trenches of athletics, from dusty equipment rooms to high-stakes game days, the sports industry isn't just an initiative; it's a divine calling. I'll weave in my testimony of being introduced to USG as a believer navigating the industry's challenges, the honor of serving on the board that paved the way for my full-time role as Director of Donor Relations, and the myriad relationships the Lord has built through my years in over 300 equipment rooms. So many deserve thanks for this organization's achievements, but ultimately, all glory goes to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who provides abundantly for something far greater than we could imagine. What Clean Out For A Cause Means to Me To me, Clean Out For A Cause is more than a donation program—it's a symphony of redemption, where the overlooked and excess become instruments of hope. Picture this: in the world of sports, teams accumulate mountains of apparel, footwear, and gear each season. New sponsorships roll in, uniforms get refreshed, and suddenly, storage spaces overflow with perfectly good items that no longer fit the current lineup. Rather than letting these gather dust or contribute to waste, Clean Out For A Cause, an official USG program, steps in. Donors—be they college programs, pro teams, or even individuals—request free boxes and shipping labels, pack up their excess, and send it off. USG then redistributes these items through global partnerships, sells unique pieces via its eCommerce arm, Locker Room Direct, and uses the proceeds to fund faith-based initiatives that benefit the sports industry. On a personal level, this program symbolizes God's economy of abundance. In Ephesians 3:20, we're told He can do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." That's precisely what happens here. Excess cleats might equip a missionary in Africa, teaching life skills through soccer to at-risk youth. A box of jerseys could fund a chaplain's work doing a community service event, offering spiritual guidance amid the pressures of performance. For me, it's a reminder that nothing is wasted in God's plan. Having witnessed the industry's extravagance firsthand—the lavish gear hauls that often end up unused—seeing it repurposed stirs my soul. It's stewardship in action, turning material blessings into eternal investments. This meaning deepened during my own seasons of doubt. Sports can be all-consuming, leaving little room for reflection. Clean Out For A Cause has been my anchor, showing me that my work has purpose beyond the office, field, or arena. It meant freedom from clutter for teams, tax benefits for donors, and most importantly, lives changed. As we approach the milestone of 1 million pounds donated (we're at over 994,000 as I write this), I see God's hand multiplying our efforts, just like the loaves and fishes. My Personal Testimony: Introduced to USG as a Believer in the Industry My story with USG begins in the early 2010s, a time when I was deeply embedded in the sports industry but feeling spiritually adrift. I had come to faith in Christ during college, drawn to His grace amid the chaos of student-athlete life. But as I transitioned into professional roles—starting in athletics compliance—the demands challenged me in new ways. I worked long hours on rosters, processing scholarship requests, and checking eligibility reports. I was blessed to be part of a great Christ-centered leadership team and a University that offered the ability to be forward with your faith while at work.  When God called and had different plans for me professionally, I found myself with a hole in my life without the same spiritual guidance and leadership in my new role. That's when a divine introduction happened. Meeting Drew Boe while on the road as a vendor in space quickly filled this void in my life. USG, then evolving from its roots as Managers On A Mission, was described as a faith-based community for Christians in the college and pro sports industry. A relationship with Drew started, and I was able to connect my work with the Lord's work once again.  This introduction came at a crucial juncture in my life. I was in my late 30s, married with young kids, and the industry's grind was straining everything. Burnout loomed; I even considered leaving sports. But USG reignited my fire. Through their community, I found mentors who prayed over my struggles, shared testimonies of God's provision, and helped me view equipment rooms as mission fields. I started incorporating faith into my work—praying with staff and organizing small Bible studies during downtime. Clean Out For A Cause became my entry point; I coordinated my first donation from the road, shipping boxes of excess sneakers, apparel, and equipment.  That period was transformative. USG's emphasis on navigating industry temptations (fame, pressure, moral compromises) equipped me to stay grounded. It wasn't just professional development; it was spiritual revival. Without this, I might have quit. Instead, it solidified my identity as a believer in the industry, showing me how faith could be throughout my professional life. USG became family, and Clean Out For A Cause is a part of our lifecycle that has made it all possible. The Honor of the Board and My Path to a Full-Time Role Building on that foundation, my involvement deepened. By 2018, USG invited me to their board—a tremendous honor. The board comprised passionate leaders: former pros, coaches, and executives united by faith. My niche? Insights from the equipment side. I'd seen how the COFAC program worked and the considerable benefits to both the donors and our organization. Through that lens, we worked as a group to reach new heights with the program while staying rooted in our firm foundation in the Lord. Board meetings were highlights: starting with prayer, diving into strategy, and ending in fellowship. We brainstormed expanding Clean Out For A Cause, partnering with more teams, and leveraging relationships to reach more with the opportunity. During this time, I was asked to lead a mission trip to Uganda with four other members. While I thought I was heading out to change the lives of many, I was not prepared for the slice of humble pie I was going to be handed during this trip. On this trip, my priorities were challenged, and on the way home, I changed my life and priorities to spend more time with my family and put my wife and kids at the top of my priorities list. After finding a new job opportunity that allowed me to work from home more, my biggest challenge was figuring out how to still contribute to the organization that meant so much to me and so many others in the industry. This service naturally led to my full-time role. In 2022, as USG grew, the Director of Donor Relations position opened. Leadership approached me, citing my board contributions and industry network. It was a faith step—leaving a secure job for nonprofit work—but I felt God's leading. As Director, I oversee donor engagement for Clean Out For A Cause, cultivating relationships, coordinating shipments, and tracking impact. It's rewarding to see pounds turn into purpose. From humble board member to leading donor efforts, it's God's promotion, not mine. The Impact on the Sports Industry Through USG Clean Out For A Cause has revolutionized the sports industry via USG. Environmentally, it diverts used and excess items from landfills, aligning with sustainability emphasis across the globe. Philanthropically, proceeds fund USG's core: Connect, Encourage, and Equip Christians working throughout the college and professional sports industry by maximizing the impact of the sport industry resources. Football cleats support a bible study, a batch of practice shirts from a recently retired coach helps a graduate assistant attend the WBCA convention for the first time, the locker clean-out initiative by the track and field program helps an equipment manager attend his/her first convention. These are the everlasting impacts created by the Clean Out For A Cause program through Uncommon Sports Group. The Relationships Forged: Over 300 Equipment Rooms and Counting The Lord has woven an incredible tapestry of relationships through my career. It has been a privilege to step into over 300 equipment rooms—from high schools to pros. Each room holds stories: the harried manager at a Big Ten school sharing his faith over inventory or the NBA staffer confiding struggles during lunch while in the facility. These connections are God-ordained. Early on, mentors in the industry guided me technically and spiritually. With USG, they've exploded—coordinating donations and building bonds with 200+ teams. One memorable thing was seeing the Lord grow in the child of one of my former staff members and connecting them to USG after being out of touch for over a decade. These aren't transactions; they're eternal links, fostering accountability and encouragement. In those rooms, I saw God's work: conversions amid gear stacks and prayers for injured players. It humbled me and showed the industry's need for Christ. Gratitude and Ultimate Thanks There are so many to thank: donors, board members, USG staff, and the inhabitants of the 300+ rooms. Your generosity fuels this. But ultimately, thanks to Jesus Christ—Provider, Redeemer. He turns excess into abundance, calling us to greater things. May Clean Out For A Cause continue glorifying Him. Josh Meyer Director of Donations Uncommon Sports Group

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14.) As I write this blog, my focus and prayer are that each word is seasoned in deep dependency, not on man's wisdom or creativity, but on the power and influence of the Holy Ghost. This probably won't be your typical blog, as I'm not attempting to impart any ground-shattering revelations or cheat codes to improve your life. In fact, my goal is actually to have you stop reading and shut your device. A plan that may not fare well for viewership, but is absolutely necessary for knowing Jesus and maturing in the fullness of who God has created you to be. John 17:3 says, "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." The Lord's longing for you and me is that we may know Him. That we may taste and see His goodness, to delight in the pleasure of being intimately knit and reconciled to Him, back to the original design. How do we pursue the person of Jesus above all else when the ways of the world seem to try their very hardest to distract us from knowing God? John 16:33 says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Many are the troubles of this world, and many are the cares of life. However, Jesus gives us everything we need to endure with patience and joy, living in the hope of salvation and the love of Christ in all circumstances. It begins and ends with knowing Him, intimately. The most effective ministry one could ever experience is a life staring at the face of Jesus . When we know Him, we shine His glory always. When we know Him, we become so unified with Him that His presence permeates the greatest darkness. When we truly see Him and know Him, the cares of this world dissipate into the most minor irritant, and eventually, His Spirit removes their grip from our being. How do we know Him in this way? First, we must cry out for His mercy. Asking the Father to draw us to Himself, to give us a desire to know Him and love Him. John 6:44 says, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." The Holy Spirit is drawing you to Him right now. He desires to be with you more than you could even imagine. Matthew 6:6 says, "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." Any honest and vulnerable relationship requires one-on-one quality time. My encouragement to you is to respond to the Lord and answer the knocking on the door. Set a time to get in "secret", be alone (free from distraction), and say, "Here I am, Lord. I long to know you..." Watch, day after day, as you give your life to this rhythm, how the transformative work of the Holy Spirit makes you come alive to His nearness, His love, His presence, His personality, His voice, His awesome nature. Ask Him to teach you how to worship Him in this intimate space. Allow His power to strengthen your inner man, that you may live a life freely walking in the shadow of the Almighty, never coming out of His wing. The Holy Spirit works in our lives to illuminate Christ Jesus to us. The Lord says, "He will testify of me" in reference to the Holy Spirit, which would be sent after Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. The greatest relationship you and I can learn to foster is friendship and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. There is much more I could say on this topic, but I'm afraid that I would be taking away precious time that the Holy Spirit could use to communicate with you directly. By the body and blood of Jesus, I bless you to be free from the addiction to entertainment, electronics, work, productivity, striving, worry, worldly communication, and any lesser lovers that would draw your focus and gaze away from Him. I bless you to enter into the bliss of seeking God, to find God. He's waiting to be found. Open His Word, the LIVING Word, and seek the person of Jesus on every single page. Witness the glory of His majesty be revealed to you as you meditate gently on every verse. Come before Him raw, with a heart beckoning for His affection. Release control, lay it all down on the altar, and...Enjoy Him. Amen!

Season three of the Uncommon Podcast has officially launched with a live recording of the podcast! In this engaging conversation, Karlie Flowers and Christina Hovestadt explore the intersection of faith and sports, sharing personal testimonies, the importance of community, and the role of obedience in their lives. They discuss how to find joy amidst trials, the significance of scripture, and the power of prayer. Christina shares her journey in the NFL and how her faith shapes her work, while Karlie emphasizes the need for intentionality in seeking God. Together, they encourage listeners to embrace their identity in Christ and to support one another in their faith journeys. 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 . ⁠⁠⁠

Hello everyone, my name is Michael Bizerra and I am USG’s newest Engagement Associate. I am so excited to have the opportunity to serve the Lord in this role, and to support the mission of connecting, encouraging, and equipping brothers and sisters in Christ throughout collegiate and professional sports. I am also excited to share a little about myself and hope that this post can serve as an initial invitation to connect with me.  I was born in São Paulo, Brazil. By the grace of God, I was brought up in the ways of the Lord, and my faith was always an essential part of my life. However, as most of us can relate, sports soon became another fundamental aspect of life. Over the years, I participated in every sport my school had to offer. So when I transitioned to college, I decided to pursue a degree in sport management from Liberty University. During my time at Liberty, I had the opportunity to gain experience in several of their athletic programs. My freshman year I did an internship with the Football team and was able to get my first look into collegiate athletics. After that, I worked with the Flames Club’s fan experience team and helped run in-game promotions and events for all of Liberty Athletics. Finally, I worked as an Events and Operations intern with Liberty’s Club Sports department. Overall, these experiences helped shape my knowledge and understanding of how collegiate athletics operate.  I first came across Uncommon Sports Group at Liberty’s Sport Leadership Summit in October 2024. During one of the intermissions, Karlie Flowers shared about a regional gathering that would be taking place on Liberty’s campus later that evening. I decided to investigate what USG was all about. I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that USG was not a sports organization that also happened to be Christian, but was a Christ-centered organization that happened to work through sports. A few months later I began the Academy, where I was able to meet incredible individuals in my team but also had a great mentor in Mikey Carpenter. For my Impact Weekend I attended the CWS Conference, where I was blown away by the commitment of so many individuals to live out their faith through the sports industry. I knew this was an organization I wanted to be a part of.  So, when the Lord opened the door for me to become an Engagement Associate with USG, I was so excited to step through it. Since then, the Lord has provided for me at every turn. He blessed me with the financial support I needed to get started here with USG, safe travels on the road from Virginia to Minneapolis, and even a place to stay during my time here in Minnesota. I am in awe of the Lord’s blessings over me and cannot imagine where I would be without Him.  As I get started in this new role I am asking the Lord to guide my steps and use me in ways that I cannot imagine. I am excited to serve the Lord in this capacity and serve this incredible community. As I mentioned earlier, it is my hope that this post would serve as an invitation for those reading it to reach out and connect with me. I look forward to getting to know more of the USG family in the coming months. God Bless! Thank you for reading and learning more about the USG team! 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!

In 2020, Ben Watson, professional football player and author of the book "Under Our Skin: Getting Real about Race. Getting Free from the Fears and Frustrations that Divide Us." joined our Equipment Managers Book Study to discuss two critical concepts: Grace and Truth. Ben shed light on his journey as a Christian during this challenging time in sports and our country. Thank you, Ben, for taking the time to meet with our book study. The Equipment Managers Book Study is sponsored by Clean Out for a Cause. Learn more about our Clean Out for a Cause program at cleanout.org . If you have questions about our Equipment Managers book study, please visit us at cleanout.org - Equipment Managers Book Study . Thank you, and God bless!

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 by funding its members to attend international mission trips that help equip them to live missional lives through their careers in sports. This summer, USG traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, with a group of fourteen of its members and four staff for a two-week short-term trip. While in Kenya, USG served alongside local ministry partners in a variety of ways, as well as experiencing the local culture and scenery in Kenya. If you want to learn more about the trip to Kenya, you can read a detailed summary here . Caitlyn Manning was one of the attendees on this summer's trip to Kenya. Caitlyn is a part of the USG community and has been on two mission trips with USG prior to this year's trip. Currently, Caitlyn serves as the Chief of Staff for Middle Tennessee State's football program. Below is a testimony from Caitlyn reflecting on her experience in Kenya: There’s a common denominator in the uncommon blessings. We have the privilege of these uncommon blessings multiplying in Christ-centered communities. That’s what we experienced firsthand while in Kenya. I’ve always dreamed of going to Africa. Since I was a little girl, it was a goal of mine to encounter the people who live across the globe with a fraction of the resources but exponentially more joy. I could identify it in pictures, videos, books, and stories. It really can’t go unnoticed, but I wanted to witness it for myself. I wanted my own stories, my own testimony. I underestimated what my future would hold. God is so much bigger than we can grasp. He moves in ways that we cannot fathom, showing up in places we’ve never been or imagined. Through USG, I have been lucky enough to experience Africa two times prior to this summer (Uganda ‘19 and Kenya ‘21), yet each short-term mission trip brings its own faith journey and uncommon blessings. Kenya 2025 was no exception to this. I would be doing you a disservice if I did not begin with our team. This group, these friends of mine, they are earth-shakers. They are everything I want to be. Each one of them showed up ready to work, serve, laugh, play, and get their hands dirty (physically and spiritually). They are authentic. They are teachers and learners. They are humble. They are consistent. They love beyond measure. These are the people I got to do life with in Kenya, and for that, I am forever grateful. Each day, we had dedicated time to invest in each other. We spent time in small groups studying Galatians, sharing, laughing, crying, and praying. As a big group, we came together and shared even more. Our cups were overflowing with gratitude for who He is and how He has chased our hearts through the ups and downs that this world thrusts us into. What an uncommon blessing it was to learn and grow with my new best friends. This team is the best of us. They pushed me to be the best me. Because of them, I will never be the same. As a team, we walked into a lot of unknowns together. AST (African Stretch Time) will always come with a learning curve. (Just because it has a start time, doesn’t mean it will start on time. It’s merely a suggestion for arrival.) Timing was flexible, so we learned to be that too. Each day brought new faces, new conversations, new challenges, new Kenyan massages (bumpy drives to our destination), and new uncommon blessings. Some of my favorite faces were at the Huduma School. The teachers and administrators pour into those kids with everything they have, and the kids love bigger than anyone I know. Their smiles are contagious, and their willingness to dive into whatever was next came from a place of curiosity and gratitude. They have so little, but they know where their hope comes from. They are blinding lights of the Lord’s love, faithfulness, and goodness. They laugh at you. They laugh with you. They humble you. They encourage you. They love without caution. They fear nothing. While we had the intentions of loving on these kids, they loved on us even bigger. They were the definition of uncommon. Each moment with them was its own blessing. Huduma is located in a large slum in Nairobi where all the students live. It’s likely that their parents don’t have consistent jobs and have multiple kids to feed and clothe. They live in homes that are, at most, a few hundred square feet; one room that serves as a living room, bedroom, dining room, and kitchen. On Friday, June 27th, we were set to do door-to-door evangelism. This will never cease to give me anxiety, but it will also never cease to amaze me. Our team had the privilege of walking through the slum with church members to share the gospel with anyone who might welcome us in. And, boy, did they welcome us in. I was in awe of how the Lord worked through and around us, sending family after family simply wanting to hear about Jesus and receive prayers for a variety of circumstances. They chased us down with the confidence that they might receive a slight glimpse of hope in the Good News we were sharing. They had childlike wonder that I admired.  That’s not something we see every day, nor is it something we practice every day. The common denominator in these uncommon blessings is where they come from. The light that shines through these experiences. The fire burning in His people. The love and laughter of His children. It’s all Him. We are simply vessels for His works. We have an opportunity, an instruction, an obligation, to share that love and light with others and grow His Kingdom. The God we experienced and walked with in Kenya is the same God we have at home. Who are we not to seek and share Him always? Who am I not to be in awe of Him, His people, and His works every day? This feeling is one I hope I never lose sight of, one that I want to hold onto and live in forever. It’s a fire for Him that feeds the eternity of others. It’s the greatest gift we’ve been given. Why not share it? To the Kenya 2025 team - Thank you for saying “yes” to taking this journey together. Thank you for showing up as you are, for meeting each other right where we needed to, for not having personal agendas, and for embracing the unexpected and uncommon experiences we were blessed with. I can’t wait to see where the Lord takes you. Love y’all forever and ever. To our partners in Kenya - Thank you for treating us as lifelong friends and family. You shared your lives with us, allowing God to shine His light in an unfamiliar way. Your posture of gratitude and grace did not waver. You changed us forever. To the USG staff - “Uncommon” does not do your impact justice. You walk beside us on our best and worst days, challenging us and resourcing us to grow in our faith. You provide us with avenues to share the gospel in our work and social communities. Thank you for believing in us and equipping us to grow His Kingdom. Thank you for walking with us and creating a community that aims to glorify the Lord in everything. We are forever grateful for how well you love and lead. Thank you!" Seeing the impact that the Lord brought about from this trip, both in Caitlyn's life and in the individuals we served in Kenya, has been such an encouragement! We are grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the Lord in Kenya with this group of Christ-centered leaders of the sport industry. If you would like to learn more about the trip to Kenya, click here  to read a detailed summary. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a part of USG's growing community of Christian sport industry professionals, click here !

This past weekend, the 2025 Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference gathered over 200 believers working throughout the sport industry in Atlanta, GA, at Passion City Church’s Cumberland campus. This was the third annual CWS Conference, and for the first time, Uncommon Sports Group partnered with ADs4Christ to host the event. The goal of this conference is to connect Christian professionals working in athletics, encourage them in their walk with Christ, and equip them to live out their faith while navigating a career in sports. These goals were accomplished through intentional fellowship and small group discussions, a lineup of experienced and inspiring guest speakers, and practical takeaways for attendees to apply in their lives and careers. Doors opened on the afternoon of Friday, July 12th. The first session featured a keynote message from Pastor Mayo Sowell on living on mission as a Christian in the sport industry. Mayo addressed the common misconception that secular work is not spiritual, reminding us that for Christians, all work—including work in sports—can be used for God’s kingdom purposes. Following Mayo’s tone-setting message, a panel of athletic directors took the stage to discuss navigating uncertainty in the world of sports, with Jason Romano serving as the panel host. The panelists included Graham Neff (Director of Athletics at Clemson University), Jamie Boggs (Vice President of Athletics at Grand Canyon University), and Jamaal Walton (Director of Athletics at VMI). The discussion centered on the major uncertainties currently facing college athletics and how these leaders are navigating those challenges through their faith in Christ. Before dinner, after a time of table discussion, attendees heard from Chad Chatlos, Managing Director at Turnkey ZRG. Chad shared helpful insights on how Christians working in sports can approach job transitions with both wisdom and faith. After dinner, attendees entered into a powerful time of worship led by Passion Worship. This corporate worship session was deeply moving and aligned perfectly with the conference’s goal of encouraging attendees in their faith. The evening concluded with a message from Passion City Church’s lead pastor, Louie Giglio. On Saturday morning, everyone gathered again for another worship session to kick off the day. Afterward, renowned speaker and author Jon Gordon delivered a compelling keynote on the power of a praying leader. He emphasized the vital role of prayer in the life of the Christian—especially for those in leadership positions. Following a time of reflection and small group discussion, another panel took the stage—this one led by Pastor Greg Hendricks. The topic: managing competitiveness and ambition as a Christian in sports. The panelists were Christina Hovestadt (Senior Manager of Community Relations with the NFL), Kyle Stark (President of Stark Contrast), and Jaunelle White (Vice President of Athletics at Point University). Each panelist shared personal insights on how they balance excellence and ambition with faithfulness and humility. Before lunch, five individuals were honored with awards that reflect their faithfulness to connect, encourage, and equip Christians working in sports. The Rising Uncommon Leader Awards went to Alex Kaiser and Natalie Osborne. The Collegiate and Professional Uncommon Leader Awards were presented to Angela Marin and Christina Hovestadt. The Barnabas Award—given to someone who models encouragement and servant-hearted leadership—was awarded to James Weiss. After lunch, ESPN sideline reporter and author Lauren Sisler shared a keynote on having bold faith in the workplace. She shared her personal story and the trials she’s overcome, while encouraging attendees to share their testimony boldly, even in professional environments. Another time of table discussion followed, after which a final panel—hosted once again by Jason Romano—took the stage to address the topic of work/life balance in the sports industry. Panelists included Moses Ehambe (former NBA coach), Lori Krueger (Chaplain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team), and Matt Marasco (Senior Director of Leadership Development with the Kansas City Royals). Their vulnerability and practical wisdom made this session especially relatable and helpful. The final session of the conference brought a strong close. Former NFL tight end, author, and speaker Benjamin Watson joined Pastor Greg Hendricks for a discussion on the Christian movement we are seeing across the sport industry. Benjamin shared about his family, marriage, and what it has looked like to live out his faith as a professional athlete. This honest and encouraging conversation was a powerful way to conclude the weekend. Gathering over 200 Christians from across the sports industry under one roof for the purpose of glorifying Christ is a unique and special privilege. Watching the church within sports come together to grow, connect, and leave encouraged was a joy—and we’re excited to see how God will use the seeds planted during this conference to expand His Kingdom! If you missed this year’s conference—or if you attended and can’t wait to return—make plans now for the 2026 CWS Conference, coming back to Atlanta, GA, on June 26–27. Registration is already open, so click here to register! See you next summer in Atlanta!

In this episode, Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach at LeTourneau University, Joel Wallace, discusses his journey to coaching, his approach to coaching and recruiting as a Christian, and how he balances being a husband, father, and coach. 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 .