target - Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Atlanta Hawk
Kyle Korver's
Faith And Aim
are Always
on
target
FCA Staff Profile:
Arkansas'
Becky Patterson
clean slate:
How Faith
Impacts Athletic
Expectations
TM
A GIFT TO YOU
OUR
FCA
STAFF
• FCA.ORG
TheFROM
heart and
soul in
sports
~ fca.org
1
his ways
are higher
CONTENTS
Courtesy of Scott Cunningham/NBAE/Getty Images, Amy Elrod, Louisville Athletics, Kyle Ditter and Becky Patterson
M
ore often than not, I have high expectations.
Blame it on my spiritual gift of faith, but that
mindset will probably never change.
Expectations of any kind are complex. When
they get too high and aren’t met, disappointment comes. When they’re too low,
empty joy results from easily exceeding them.
In sports, expectations give us goals, an end result, a specific win total or
championship at the end of a dream season. But what about when you make
it so close and fall just short? And can it really be a success when expectations
were too low and happen to be exceeded?
So, really, what’s the point of expectations in the first place? Don’t they just
lead to disappointment? Honestly, I don’t have an answer. I’ve faced my share of
disappointments when my lofty expectations weren’t met, but that’s where God
has met me in the sweetest of ways and taught me, just as Isaiah 55:9 says, "For
as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My
thoughts than your thoughts.”
It’s the start of a new year, and with it comes resolutions and high
expectations for what 2015 holds. We thought it’d be appropriate to address
expectations, how we set them and—most importantly—how God meets us in
both failure and accomplishment. And, true to form, this and every issue of FCA
Magazine began with high expectations, went through some ups and downs,
and ended as it always does—far exceeding any expectations our human minds
could have conjured up.
That’s the thing about our expectations. They sometimes limit God and the
path He has ultimately chosen for us. So set them high, hold them loosely, and
let God’s plans—which are higher and greater than ours could ever be—surprise
and inspire us to lean into and trust Him more than we ever have before.
COVER STORY
In Christ,
ON TARGET
At every stop along his NBA
journey, Kyle Korver has made his
presence felt beyond the arc and
beyond the court.
Clay Meyer
Editor
ALL ACCESS:
BY DAVE POND
Page 8
5 Coach’s Corner
6 All Access
14 Heart of a coach
FCA Becky
Arkansas FCA staff Becky
Patterson’s rich story
of faithfulness in Christ
reaches far beyond the
pain of this world.
By John Strubel
Jason Lammers
UMass Lowell
15 Heart of an Athlete
Holly Johnson
Southern Illinois
CLEAN SLATE
16 POSTER
25Region round-up
26 team fca profiles
28fit4ever
29 Home stretch
page 22
COLUMNS
FEATURES
page 18
The many faces of
athletic expectations
and how to unmask
them.
By Sarah Rennicke
4 FCA Magazine
page 6
FCA introduces its new camp theme, Oklahoma women's
basketball coach Sherri Coale steps into the FCA Zone, and
Denver Bronco Virgil Green answers our 6 Questions!
Sara Hammond
Louisville
30 Finish strong
page 29
Cover Photo: Courtesy of Scott Cunningham/NBAE/Getty Images
COACH'S
CORNER
Volume 57, Issue 1
Editorial Team
Les Steckel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publisher
Nancy Hedrick. . . . . . . . . . . Executive Editor
Clay Meyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor
Samantha Couch. . . . . . . . . Editorial Assistant
Sarah Rennicke. . . . . . . . . . Content Writer
Matheau Casner. . . . . . . . . Creative Director
Regina Casner. . . . . . . . . . . Production Designer
Nick Dunn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editorial Consultant
Contributing Authors:
Ron Brown
Sara Hammond
Kyle Korver
Jimmy Page
Dave Pond
John Strubel
FCA Magazine is published six times a year by the
Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Subscription: $16.99 per year
Copyright 2015, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
All statements, including product claims, are those of the
person or organization making the statement or claim. The
publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its
own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily
reflect the opinion of the publisher.
Freelance writers and photographers should check fca.org for
guidelines. FCA is not responsible for unsolicited submissions.
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, Holman
Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) unless otherwise stated.
Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002 by Holman Bible Publishers.
For advertising information, contact FCA Magazine at
1-800-289-0909 or [email protected].
If you need to:
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Visit fcagear.com, call 1-800-289-0909 or scan below.
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We welcome your comments about FCA Magazine.
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Connect with FCA Magazine!
FCA Vision: “To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ
through the influence of coaches and athletes.”
FCA Mission: “To present to coaches and athletes, and
all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of
receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in
their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.”
FCA Values: Integrity, Serving, Teamwork, Excellence
FCA would like to thank Chick-fil-A for their
corporate sponsorship.
Expect to Win
D
uring my 32 years as a coach, I loved what the fresh start of a new
season meant as the slate was wiped clean from the previous year. It
was refreshing to begin anew with each member of the organization
locking arms, united in one common goal: win a championship.
On one of the more successful teams I was a part of, we carried the motto,
“Expect To Win.” We were a very talented team, sure, but I truly believe that
mindset of expecting to win each week—coupled with our game-planning,
preparation and effort—helped us take the leap from being good to great. Yes, we
still faced our share of adversity along the way. Injuries, personnel changes and
even some losses are a part of almost any football season. But it was amazing to
see how our high expectations—paired with a confident mental mindset—produced
remarkable results.
Now that I’ve been away from the game for a while, I get that same feeling of
newness and anticipation with each new year. For 2015, we can wipe last year’s
slate clean and look forward, with high expectations, to what the next 365 days will
hold.
Our team was aware, as we all are, that unexpected challenges, setbacks and
frustrations will come our way. But I’m confident with Christ as our Savior and Lord
that we can approach this year with the mindset that no matter what we face,
God is going before us and will never let us down. Through Him, we can all have a
mindset of “Expect To Win,” just like that team.
It says in Proverbs 21:31, “A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory
comes from the LORD.” Victory comes from the Lord. I really believe that!
As I look through the pages of Proverbs in my Bible, they’re marked with notes
about all kinds of situations in my life where God was speaking to me, leading me
through different moments in His perfect timing. My prayer log, which I’ve kept
since 1985, is no different. Looking back at the notes I’ve written in those pages
brings me so much peace to see how I may have felt defeated, but Christ knew His
plan of victory was waiting to be revealed. Those pages are a constant reminder of
how God has worked in my life in the past, and they give me confidence knowing
the future is in good hands because of His faithfulness.
Hard times happen in this life. I don’t want to downplay your challenges, but
the stress that comes with them can be like a gravitational pull that brings us
downward and inward, trying to figure out life on our own.
As believers in Christ, we should always be looking upward to Him and then
inward to see and recognize the Holy Spirit living inside of us, ready to go outward
as a shining light for Him.
We should be encouraged by what Romans 8:28 says: “We know that all things
work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according
to His purpose.” Be confident that Christ has never departed nor forsaken us. He is
always with us. Just like my Bible and prayer log prove, by reflecting on our past,
we can always see how God intervenes in His perfect timing.
As you approach this new year, know that it will be full of promise and, yes,
difficulty. But remember that while so many people work hard for victory, we as
Christians are working from victory—the victory our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
won for us on the cross years ago that continues to impact the world in each and
every year we begin.
Model the Master,
Our Gift to You:
As a way of appreciating and informing our
financial supporters, FCA Magazine is provided by
FCA Staff as a complimentary gift to anyone who
contributes $50 or more annually to the ministry.
Les Steckel
FCA President/CEO
The heart and soul in sports
®
~
fca.org
5
aLL Access
Two staff members were drafted into heaven in 2014 while serving for FCA.
Bill Buckner – Following an athletic and
coaching career that spanned from high
school to the junior college, college and
professional levels, Buckner joined FCA in
Mississippi in 1987 and found his life’s calling
in sports ministry. He was part of the original
chapter of FCA at Mississippi State UniverBuckner
sity and helped grow both staff and campus
numbers during his 27 years on staff. An inductee to numerous halls of fame, including three community colleges, Delta
State University and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, he
touched the lives of thousands of Mississippi athletes. Buckner passed away in May 2014.
Mark Tidwell – A former teacher and coach
at an Atlanta private school, Tidwell came
on staff for FCA in 2007. He played an
integral role in growing FCA’s presence
from 10 percent to 80 percent of private
and Christian schools in Cobb County. Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009, Tidwell
Tidwell
met the challenge head on and battled for
five years while still ministering to those around him as FCA
Area Director for Buckhead/South Cobb County. He was
the visionary behind the “Leave a Mark” ministry, created
to impact individuals in the here and now to leave a legacy.
Tidwell passed away in March 2014.
FCAZone
“FCA is an energy source, a
guiding light, and a gentle
compass that serves young
athletes as they face the
equally daunting tasks of
handling success and failure.
Simply said, FCA keeps Jesus
in the daily conversation of the
lives of young people.”
-Sherri Coale
Women’s Basketball Coach
University of Oklahoma
Thanks from
FCA Magazine!
Want your own copy of
Jesus Is ____. Student
Edition by Judah Smith?
One could be yours by
subscribing, purchasing
a gift subscription, or
following @FCAMag on
Twitter during January
or February. We will
randomly select five
people to receive the
book as a thank-you!
Courtesy of Ty Russell/OU Athletics, Harper Collins Christian Publishing, Quintrell Hollis, Next Century Publishing, Rick Hoganson, The Media Collective and the Denver Broncos
FCA Pays Tribute
2015 FCA Camp Theme: Undefeated
It’s the unwavering determination
for excellence, the unshakable
courage to persevere, the
heart-fueled passion to pursue
perfection. Undefeated.
Do you give everything within
you for your sport? Do you strive
to set yourself apart for God? Are
you willing to do what it takes to
be undefeated?
We serve a God who has never lost and will never lose.
His string of victories is unmatched. He has dominated the
competition throughout history. He is the ultimate competitor
6
FCA Magazine
with a game plan that cannot be stopped. God is holy. God is
mighty. He is undefeated!
This year’s FCA Camp theme, Undefeated, inspires athletes
to step up their physical and spiritual play for our undefeated
coach, Jesus Christ. Based on 1 Corinthians 15:57—“But thanks
be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ!”—campers will learn how Jesus lived a life undefeated
and claimed victory over every battle He faced. They’ll be
challenged to commit their competition to God and join His
team for unyielding triumph.
Ready to pursue an undefeated life? Sign up for an FCA
Camp in your area by visiting fcacamps.org or calling FCA’s
National Support Center at (800) 289-0909.
“The hope of the righteous
Follow @FCAMag
Magazine
recommends
literature:
JANUARY 2015
• A devotional that delivers godly insights based on the
on- and off-court reputations of selected NBA players: N.B.A. New Believers Accepted: Life Lessons From
NBA Players by Bondservant Hollis
• A guide to develop ongoing communication with Jesus
seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day:
My Prayer Chair by Carla McDougal
• The student edition of this bestseller revealing
the character of Jesus and the importance of
Christ's message: Jesus Is ____. Student Edition
by Judah Smith
tunes:
•A solo album of intimate songs describing the
life we live between our Sunday worship gatherings: The Undoing by Steffany Gretzingere
•A remix album adding flavor and creativity to charttopping original songs: Eye’m All Mixed Up by TobyMac
6
Faith & Sports
Calendar
Questions
with
Virgil Green
1New Year’s Day
College Football Playoff Semifinals
12 College Football Playoff National Championship
19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
19-Feb. 1 Australian Open (ATP/WTA)
22-25 Winter X Games
25
NFL Pro Bowl
27-30 FCA Camp School
FEBRUARY 2015
1 Super Bowl XLIX
14
Valentine’s Day
15NBA All-Star Game
16
Presidents Day
22 Daytona 500
88
The percentage of Americans
who own a Bible.
(Via Barna Group)
Tight End, Denver Broncos | @VGreen85
1)
believing that Christ died on the cross
for my sins and putting my full trust and faith in Christ through
the good and bad times.
2) Something most people do not know about playing in the NFL is there is a lot
more studying than expected in terms of watching film and
knowing the playbook.
3)I intentionally bring Jesus into my game by praying before every game and
writing on my right wrist tape ‘Faith’ and ‘Psalms 91.’
4) The most memorable moment of my football career has been beating Boise State
my senior year at Nevada for the first time in 10
years and winning the WAC Championship.
5) One piece of athletic advice I’d share with kids is you have to be willing
to work. No matter what, let nothing stand in the way of the
pursuit of your dreams.
6) One piece of spiritual advice I’d share with kids is never be embarrassed
of your faith. People will try to make it seem like being a
Christ-follower is weird. Like Ephesians 6:10-18 says, ‘stand firm’.
is joy...” – Proverbs 10:28
Being a Christ-follower means
The heart and soul in sports
®
~
fca.org
7
FCA Magazine
by dave pond
When coaches, teammates and opposing
players talk about Atlanta Hawks forward Kyle
Korver, they usually mention his long-range
shooting ability or how he reinvented himself
into a well-rounded, pick-and-roll specialist who thrives in
the Hawks’ fast-paced, ball-moving offense. But—over the course of his 12-year NBA career—it’s
Korver’s character, integrity and ever-deepening relationship
with Christ that will impact the NBA for years to come,
far more than any praise stemming from his on-court
achievements.
“Kyle’s one of the most professional, high-character
players I’ve ever been around,” Atlanta Hawks head coach
Mike Budenholzer said. “Our league is full of guys who are
high-character and hard-working, but Kyle’s just elite when it
comes to that.”
Almost every day, you hear professional athletes talk a
good game and say the right things, only to later contradict
their words with sinful actions. So, in building the Hawks
lineup, general manager Danny Ferry and the Atlanta front
office made a concerted effort to stock the organization with
talented, high-character players.
In fact, one of Ferry’s first moves after he joined the Hawks
in June 2012 was the player-for-cash swap with Chicago that
brought in the 6-foot-7 Korver—an unheralded transaction at
the time that has since paid big dividends.
“Character matters, and having high-character people
within your organization is something we all strive for,”
Courtesy of Clemson University Athletic Communications
O
RG N
ET
TA
Courtesy of the Cincinnati Bengals
8
At every stop along
his NBA journey, Kyle
Korver has made his
presence felt beyond
the arc and beyond
the court.
Courtesy of Scott Cunningham/NBAE/Getty Images
9
fca.org
~
®
The heart and soul in sports
10
FCA Magazine
KORVER and KIDS
Since his rookie season
in Philadelphia, Kyle
His father (Kevin) and
Korver has been
mother (Laine) each played at
giving back to each
Pella’s Central College—where
community he's been
Laine once scored 74 points
a part of, including
in a high school game. But as
the Kyle Korver
big as basketball has been in
Foundation's work with
Helping Hands Rescue
their lives, the Korver family’s
Mission.
bloodlines belong to Christ
alone.
“My dad, grandpa and a couple of my uncles were
pastors, and I grew up with so many godly examples to
look up to in addition to them,” Kyle said. “What a gift
that was for me.”
But no gift, Kyle said, could be greater than having his
dad teach him about Christ.
“I don't think a young man could ask for a better gift,”
he said, “than an incredible example for life from his
father.”
Following a prep career at Pella High School (where his
number was retired in 2006), Kyle played four seasons
at Creighton University, averaging 14.1 points and 5.2
rebounds and draining more than 45 percent of his
3-point attempts, eventually earning Second Team AllAmerica honors his senior year.
He realized his professional hoop dreams in June 2003
when the New Jersey Nets drafted him in the second
round. Following a draft-night trade, Kyle moved to the
Philadelphia 76ers, where he spent his first four and a
half seasons. Once a Huddle leader at Pella High, Kyle
also began to rekindle a relationship with Christ and FCA
upon meeting Sixers chaplain (and FCA Area Director)
Kevin Harvey.
“My first impression of Kyle was that he was a polite,
down-to-earth ‘good guy’ who wasn’t really on fire for
Courtesy of NBA Photos and the Kyle Korver Foundation
said Andy Birdsong, Atlanta’s manager of basketball
operations. “A person’s character drives who they are,
and that in turn plays into their ability.”
Since his arrival in Atlanta, Korver’s found a niche in
Budenholzer’s action-oriented offense. Last season,
Korver ranked first in the league in 3-point field goal
percentage (47.2 percent), while capping off an amazing
streak of 127 straight games with a 3-pointer—just one of
the NBA records Korver now holds.
“I was at the game when Kyle broke Dana Barros’
record of 89 straight games with a 3,” said Brad Jones,
pastor of community and students at Atlanta’s Passion
City Church, where the Korver family attends. “My
favorite part was watching Kyle’s teammates work hard
to get him the ball and then celebrate after he hit the
3-pointer.
“His teammates were more fired up than he was, which
says a lot about Kyle and shows how much they value
him as a player and respect him.”
With the on-court success Korver has had, it’d be
understandable if he looked to it alone for his worth and
value. However, the Hawks’ humble sharpshooter would
rather use his accomplishments as a platform to serve
others on both a local and global level.
Besides, he said, he has no idea why God’s put him in
this position.
“I ask myself ‘why’ all the time,” Korver said. “I was
never a basketball prodigy growing up. I was just the tall,
lanky, pigeon-toed gym rat. But I know without a doubt
that I’m still playing basketball by the grace of God.
“I don't know exactly what His plans are for my life,
and I don't know why He’s given me the opportunities He
has, but I’m grateful for them. I'm going to do my best to
honor Him with everything that comes from them.”
Last season, the Hawks awarded Korver the Jason
Collier Memorial Trophy for his dedication to community
service, and he’s been a two-time finalist for the NBA’s
prestigious J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. In a
community of opulence, fast cars and big bank accounts,
serving others is what helps keep Korver and his family
focused on what’s truly important.
“It’s easy to get caught up in stupid, vain stuff, [like]
wearing certain clothes or buying certain cars," Korver
said. “How you spend money and what you invest in—
those are big questions. It’s also easy to start thinking
you’re more important than you are, but that’s why true
community is so important to us.”
From organizing clothing drives for the homeless to
participating in Make-A-Wish experiences, Korver has
been a frequent participant in charitable endeavors over
his two and a half seasons with the Hawks. He purchases
tickets to each Hawks home game for area youth groups
and has participated in “meet and greets” with local
organizations.
“To coach Kyle has been an amazing experience,”
Budenholzer said. “He’s made me better as a coach
and as a person, and he’s somebody we can all model
ourselves after.”
•••
Korver and his three younger brothers (Kaleb, Klayton
and Kirk) grew up in basketball-crazed Pella, Iowa.
Like FCA Magazine
Christ,” said Harvey, who’s now in his 18th year as South
Jersey FCA Area Director and 14th as team chaplain.
“At that time, I think Kyle was working through all the
expectations and challenges of being a ‘PK’ (pastor’s
kid), as well as finding his own identity.
“He really wrestled with the challenges of an NBA
lifestyle and how he could really live out his faith in it.”
Kyle began to study the Word and became more
thoughtful in his approach to God, life and pro basketball.
At the end of his rookie season—one in which he ranked
second among all rookies in 3-point percentage—Kyle
refocused his life on Christ and grew more serious about
his walk with Him.
“Over the years, I really saw Kyle begin to grow in his
hunger for the Lord,” Harvey said. “God was developing
Kyle into a man who was called to be set
apart for Christ as a visible example of
what a Christ-follower—who happens to
play NBA basketball—looks like.”
Kyle’s friendly demeanor, good looks
and propensity to hit big shots from
beyond the arc made him a fan favorite
in Philly. While adjusting to the rigors
of an NBA schedule, Kyle focused more
and more on the Lord. He regularly
attended the Sixers’ chapel and began
volunteering his time at FCA Power
Camps, outreaches and banquets—he
even showed up at a local Chick-fil-A to
sign autographs to help raise funds for
the ministry.
“I always appreciated Kyle’s humble
spirit, even when his goofy chaplain
asked him to do something he probably
didn’t want to do,” Harvey laughed.
“Oftentimes with athletes, increased
popularity and exposure lead guys away from their
convictions, but, as I’ve seen Kyle gain status in the
league, I’ve seen him stay grounded and become more
and more dependent on Christ.”
In 2006, a chance encounter on the streets of one of
Philadelphia’s tougher neighborhoods sparked what
would eventually become the Kyle Korver Foundation.
“I had become part of a Bible study that met in a tough
neighborhood in north Philly,” Kyle said. “At one of our
first studies, some neighborhood kids starting throwing
apples at us. Then, another day, a few of us were playing
catch with a football and the same kids walked up asking
to play.
“They talked trash, we talked trash back, and everyone
had a great time. We showed up early the next Tuesday
night hoping they’d come back, and they did. Basketball,
football, wiffle ball, pitch quarters—you name it, we did it.
We put up some basketball hoops at their school, and the
principal welcomed us to their classrooms. They started
sharing their lives with us, and we listened.”
Today, that same study group still shows up each
Tuesday to work with kindergarteners through eighth
graders, and on Wednesdays for a high school night.
“We still listen, and they still talk trash, but now we also
talk about schoolwork during tutoring sessions,” Kyle
said. “We still talk sports, but now it’s during soccer and
basketball camps.
“We promote creativity through arts, crafts and games.
We’re renovating the Helping Hands mission so boys and
girls have a safe place where they can study, play, relax or
do whatever they want.”
Next, the Kyle Korver Foundation turned its focus
to Omaha, Nebraska—home to Creighton and, like
Philadelphia, a city that has greatly impacted Kyle’s life.
“When I was in school, we used to do our preseason
conditioning on a track near the local Boys & Girls Club,”
Kyle said. “One day, we showed up to run ourselves
ragged and noticed a bunch of kids sitting on the front
steps waiting for rides. When we left, they were still
there. Their parents were all tied up.”
So Korver—along with a few exCreighton teammates and other friends
from college—started a golf fundraiser
that raised enough money to buy vans to
transport club members to and from the
center.
“At the Foundation, we believe a
grassroots, individualistic approach is the
way to enact change,” Kyle said. “One
child, one family, one class, one school,
one neighborhood, one city. That’s it.”
In December 2007, Kyle was traded
to Utah, where he spent two and a half
seasons with the Jazz in a hired-gun,
3-point-specialist role. His community
work continued in Salt Lake City, as he
helped start People Builders Utah, a notfor-profit construction group born from
a single phone call from a 16-year-old girl
dealing with cerebral palsy who needed a
wheelchair-accessible ramp at her home.
The People Builders team began to hear from more
Utah families in need, all without the financial ability to
build a ramp themselves. (To make matters worse, most
insurance companies won’t cover construction costs.)
“Ramps—not so glamorous, but it was the need,” said
Brad Mepham, director of operations for People Builders
Utah. “So we started, and the stories we heard were
overwhelming."
"Many were so similar," Mepham said. "Life was going
along at a nice clip but, in the blink of an eye, everything
changed. Sickness, degenerative disease, permanent
injury from an accident, or something as beautiful as a
new child born with a disability, and then there’s a family
trying to figure out how to cope and move on in their
new circumstances."
To date, People Builders has built and installed more
than 150 ramps at no cost to the families.
Another time, Kyle returned to Omaha for a Foundation
event and crossed paths with Josh Dotzler, another
Creighton basketball alum who’s now the executive
pastor for Bridge Church. He’s also the chief operating
officer of Abide, an Omaha nonprofit with dreams of
developing healthy, thriving neighborhoods within the
city’s urban core.
“The day before his Foundation event, Kyle got off the
“I believe God is
seeking all of our
hearts, and if we
are truly seeking
His, He's going to
take hold of us."
­—Kyle Korver
The heart and soul in sports
®
~
fca.org
11
12
FCA Magazine
The Kyle Korver
Foundation conducted
a “March Madness”
fundraiser to help families
build wheelchair ramps,
similar to the work in
Nebraska. Earlier in the
season, Kyle held a sock
drive in partnership with
Atlanta Mission, which
collected 4,000 pairs
of socks for Atlanta’s
homeless men, women
Korver and his Atlanta
Hawk teammates recently
and children.
visited the Atlanta VA
He and Juliet also
Medical Center as part
participated in a number
of the NBA's Hoops for
of other team-based
Troops program.
initiatives, including the
Hawks Adopt-A-Family
program during the holiday season, a court dedication
ceremony at the Anderson Boys & Girls Club, as well as
Make-A-Wish Experiences.
In October, the Korvers welcomed a son, Knox, into their
family. He joins big sister Kyra in a family striving to love,
lead and serve the community.
“Kyle and Juliet are truly some of the most amazing
people you’ll ever meet,” Jones said. “Yes, they have a cool
life and he’s living out my dream of being an NBA player,
but what stands out even more is how kind, down-to-earth
and genuine they are.
“They’re amazing friends, and they love being
surrounded by community instead of living in an NBA
bubble. They’re a beautiful picture of a Jesus-centered
marriage, and there are a bunch of guys in the NBA who
need to see what a healthy marriage can look like.
“Kyle isn’t marginalized for his faith in Jesus; he’s
respected for it because what he claims to believe is what
people see him living out.”
And just like succeeding in basketball at the highest
level, Kyle said it takes hard work and determination to
stay spiritually disciplined.
“It’s so easy to live this life with a foot in both worlds,”
he said. “So easy, and it stinks. Routine is everything for
me … I can't go out and take 2,000 shots on Monday,
because on Tuesday I won’t feel like doing anything. It’s
the same thing for me spiritually. If I can stay in the Word,
stay connected in prayer, and seek out good conversations
at a steady pace, I'm going to grow.”
When Kyle was young, he had the opportunity to watch
his father pastor a community and start a ministry that
transformed the residents of their town. Now, that’s what
drives Kyle to continue giving back wherever there’s a
need.
“When you can help, it’s what you do,” he said. “It’s not
done for reward or because you have to or so others can
see. It’s done because you can.
“I believe God is seeking all of our hearts, and if we are
truly seeking His, He's going to take hold of us. When He
does, the roots of our faith will grow deep. That’s what
makes for a rich life.”
FCA
HOOPS FOR TROOPS
Courtesy of NBA Photos and Scott Cunningham/NBAE/Getty Images
plane and drove straight
to Abide,” said Dotzler,
who played at Creighton
with Kyle’s brother, Kaleb.
“I’ll never forget talking
to Kyle about what Abide
was doing, giving him a
tour, and hearing about
the things he was already
part of.
“I was so blown away
by Kyle’s heart to impact
the communities he
was playing in and use
his influence for the
Kingdom. He’d established
foundation work in every
city, and it was evident God was all over His life.”
The two became quick friends and built a deep
friendship in Christ. In fact, Kyle and Dotzler worked
together to create a T-shirt with the phrase, “We Are
Better Together”—Abide’s vision to unite Omaha residents
as one family.
Kyle finished his tenure in Utah with a flourish, setting
a new NBA single-season record for 3-point accuracy
(53.6 percent) during the 2009-10 season. That led to
a free-agent contract with the Chicago Bulls, where his
fan-favorite status continued to grow and each pivotal
3-pointer Kyle hit brought forth a shout of “Hot Sauce”
from Bulls announcer Stacey King.
Meanwhile, Kyle and his wife, Juliet, married in 2011 and
began to serve with several area organizations, including
Breakthrough Urban Ministries, the Chicago Housing
Authority and Operation Warm, which provides new coats
for the needy.
“We see so many celebrities and athletes who live in
ways that take people further from Jesus,” Dotzler said.
“Our culture, whether we like it or not, puts athletes on a
pedestal, so having someone like Kyle brings hope to so
many. He shows that you can serve Jesus with everything
you have and still live in a way that is honorable and
respectful to the world."
After playing as part of the Bulls’ “Bench Mob” for two
seasons, Korver was traded to Atlanta during the summer
of 2012.
“I appreciate the toughness and the competitive energy
Kyle brings to the game every night, and we’re very
excited to add him to our team,” Ferry said at the time.
“Adding him makes shooting an even greater strength for
our club.”
Given more playing time, Kyle quickly justified Ferry’s
endorsement by scoring in double figures for a careerbest 13 straight games and, later in the year, setting a
new Hawks record with eight made 3-pointers in a single
half. Last year, he reached career-bests in free-throw
percentage and assists as the Hawks returned to playoffs
for the seventh straight season.
Meanwhile, the Korvers’ charity service continued.
“Kyle loves Jesus from the inside out,” Birdsong said. “This
is evident to me in the way he lives, by the way he cares for
others, and the humility he carries himself with each day.”
DYLAN THOMPSON/South Carolina
DEVOBringing It Home:
The
Simple
Life
By Kyle Korver
F
rom my first organized youth basketball practice
to my days currently in the NBA, my coaches
have always preached the fundamentals. They’re
so simple, yet they have a profound impact on
how well I play the game.
As a shooting guard, one of my primary responsibilities
is to score with the outside jump shot. The fundamentals
include squaring up my shoulders to the basket, fully
extending my arm before releasing the ball, following
through after the shot, and being ready for the rebound or
quickly getting back on defense. Staying focused on the
simple things and doing them right has been one of the
biggest keys to my success.
Not the most athletic guy on the floor, I’ve always felt I
had to put in the extra work to achieve my goals. But it’s
important to remember, as John Wooden used to say, that
doing right isn’t trying “to earn favor with God”—or with
man for that matter. Doing right is a byproduct of having
the proper perspective on your gifts and their purpose.
When I was in college, I’d stay up late or after practice to
shoot around in the gym. It wasn’t to impress the coach or
be in good favor with him. I didn’t just do it when he was
around so he could hear the ball bouncing in the gym. I
went because I loved it, it was fun, and there was joy in it.
God’s Word tells us that doing right is an important part
of sharing the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul sets this
example for us: “... I discipline my body and bring it under
strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself
will not be disqualified.” In other words, doing things with
integrity and resisting the temptation to cut corners will
help maintain our Christian witness.
For me, that means surrounding myself with like-minded
people—people that build me up, not tear me down. I’ve
found that I eventually become like the people with whom
I surround myself. As humans we’re only so strong. If we
put ourselves in enough bad situations, we will eventually
fail. I’ve learned that lesson through many years of making
good and bad decisions. If we focus on what’s important
and ask God for guidance, He will lead us and reveal His
path.
Psalm 37:23 says, “A man’s steps are established by
the LORD, and He takes pleasure in his way.” Once we
understand that truth, it’s a matter of simply putting one
foot in front of the other. That’s the beauty of doing things
the right way and keeping things simple. In today’s world
with so many distractions, doing right isn’t the easy thing
to do. But I’m trying to follow Christ’s example. That’s my
goal as a believer. Watching others live that way has been
a huge inspiration to me in my life. So why wouldn't I try
to do the same for others?
TRAINING TIME
1. How can staying focused on the simple things and doing
them right help you be successful in your family, work
and daily life?
2. How can staying focused on the simple things and
doing them right affect your daily walk with Christ?
3. Are you surrounding yourself with like-minded
people who will help you do things with integrity and
encourage you to follow Christ’s purpose for your life?
PRAYER
Father, I know You have a specific purpose for my
life. Help me to focus on the things that are the most
important and do them with integrity. Help me to follow
Your example and walk the path You’ve laid out for me,
one step at a time. Amen.
This devotional is an excerpt from
The Greatest Coach Ever. Find it
and more at FCAGear.com.
The heart and soul in sports
®
~
fca.org
13
HEART OF
A COACH
jason Lammers
®
UMASS lowell
Men's hockey
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the
good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2
Fourteen-year coaching veteran Jason Lammers found the ice
as a 12-year-old in Pittsburgh, fascinated by Penguin legend
Mario Lemieux. He played college and professional hockey
before transitioning to coaching. Now in his fourth year as an
associate coach at UMass Lowell, Lammers’ faith fills him up to
pour into his athletes.
He died for my sins, and I live accordingly. I have an FCA
Coaches Bible, so I challenge myself every day to read
that. I try to carve time out in the quiet of the morning. I
get up early to spend time with Jesus and get centered
in my reflection and prayer. I don’t think I stand up as a
preacher; I just stand as a light in the world to make a
difference.
“I live to continuously grow
closer to Jesus ...”
FCA: What do you think players are looking for in a
coach?
JL:
They’re looking for honesty, someone they can
trust, someone to explain why to them. We
really have to earn student-athletes’ trust, and
that’s a big deal. The bigger part is developing
a relationship with each individual player and
trying to meet them where they’re at personally.
That is really important to me in developing
them.
FCA: How do you intertwine your faith throughout
each day?
JL:I live to continuously grow closer to Jesus and
demonstrate by my actions that I’m a Christian.
If people ask why, I have an opportunity to tell
them it’s because I believe in Jesus, I believe
About the COACH:
family:
Wife: Michelle
Son: Rhett
Daughter: Bryn
Coaching Career:
• UMass Lowell (2011-present)
• Colorado College (2009-11)
• Ohio State (2006-09)
• SUNY Geneseo (2005-06)
FCA: How has your faith evolved during your time at UMass
Lowell?
JL: Having strong faith, turning over the results, and trusting
in God have been huge for me. I used to want to control
everything. As a coach you can worry a lot, wondering,
“What are they doing now? What are they thinking?” But
you say a prayer and put your work in the best you can
and don’t worry about it.
Faith is a muscle. You need to work it out just like you
would with bench press or squats or box jumps. You have
to continually trust Him.
FCA: What do you hope your athletes take from you at the
end of their careers?
JL: I really hope they’re a different person when they leave
Lowell. I hope they’ve grown and realize there’s a bigger
world out there than just themselves. I hope they realize
we cared about them and loved them, and they can call
us anytime and we’ll come help.
FCA: If you were to define your relationship with Jesus, what
would be the theme of your journey together?
JL :
Let go and let God. He’s our Father, and He wants what’s
best for us. And we’re not going to be sold short of that.
I realize I’m a child of God and, wow, that excites me! I’ve
been on a real journey of growth in surrendering myself
to Him. That’s just so encouraging to me, that He’s going
to provide what’s best. It doesn’t mean you don’t work
hard; you still do, but you can trust that He’s going to
take care of you.
FCA
• Princeton (2004-05)
• University of AlaskaFairbanks (2003-04)
FCA STAFF Quote:
“Coach Lammers is a true example of a threedimensional coach who is serving the Lord both at his
institution and in his home. He has grown tremendously
in his walk with Jesus Christ as he impacts his players on
the ice, and as men of character off it as well.”
-Rick Randazzo, National Director, FCA Hockey
Courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletic Communications and Bob Ellis
FCA: How do you take what you learned as a player
and transfer it to coaching?
JL:
Playing the game and explaining the game
are two radically different concepts. Trying
to become a teacher rather than a player was
challenging at first, but a good challenge. One
time I got asked in one of my FCA coaches’
studies, “What do you think it feels like to be
coached by you?” That was a big-time question.
If I’m always correcting and demoralizing and
yelling, that person shrinks. But if we encourage
and empower—boy, that feels a lot better.
14
FCA Magazine
HOLLY JOHNSON
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
sWIMMING
HEART OF
AN ATHLETE
“…casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.”
– 1 Peter 5:7
Southern Illinois senior Holly Johnson likes to dive under the
surface—in the pool and with her heart. The Hartland, Wis.,
native leans upon the Lord to hold her up and, as team captain,
presses into her younger teammates to grow their athletic gifts
while becoming relentless and respectful competitors.
fca: What do you like about swimming?
HJ:
I’ve always loved the water and have been swimming
since I was three or four. When I was younger I enjoyed
the racing aspect. When you get a little older it’s really
nice to have a strong group of friends you can rely
on. In high school, we won state three out of my four
years, and it was just an awesome form of camaraderie.
It’s an individual sport, as a lot of the results are based
on yourself, but there’s a whole team full of support
backing you up.
Courtesy of Saluki Athletics
fca: How have you learned to handle the pressure of
competing?
HJ:
Swimming is kind of cutthroat. You compete against
your teammates, against other teams, and it all comes
down to a tenth or a hundredth of a second. That can
be enough to drive someone crazy.
When I was behind the blocks before a big race a
while ago, I thought about how happy and content I
was with my team, my friends, and what was going on
in my life. I felt so blessed, and it translated really well
to my swimming. Ever since then, I’ve put it into God’s
hands and let Him take care of swimming.
fca: What is God teaching you during your time at SIU?
HJ:I joined FCA as a freshman because of other swimmers
on the team whom I respected. Our sports chaplain,
Roger Lipe, is just an incredible guy who asks the right
questions. I’ve learned to be more confident in my
faith. When I’m at practice having a bad day, instead
of letting it get to me, I start to pray. It’s incredible—I
can tell the difference in my mood! I’ve been able to
focus on the mental side. In events where I normally
wouldn’t think I’d be very good, I’m now swimming
with confidence. That’s something I fully attribute to
my faith.
“I’ve learned to be more
confident in my faith.”
fca: How has God been growing your trust in Him?
HJ :
Understanding that He’s not going to let you fall;
He knows what He’s doing. It’s allowed me to fall
back on faith in my swimming rather than being
so independent or relying on other people or my
coach. I need to be happy and content with what I
have and still understand He has the next step for
me all laid out; I just can’t see it yet.
This year I’ve been more open, sharing what I
feel with others, hoping they can come to terms
with God and rely on Him to help them. Knowing
God’s looking out for us and knows what’s going
on—it’s so relaxing to think about. It takes so much
pressure off athletes when they understand they’re
in good hands.
fca: What does it mean for you to compete for Christ?
HJ: Sports are so freeing. It’s a way He shows us that
He’s in our lives. To me, it’s like a win-win on both
sides because He can see me and be happy, and I
can use my talents the way I should. To compete
for Christ means you’re fulfilling what He’s given
you—your talents—and using them to your utmost
potential. I think He looks down on athletes who
are really living through Him and is just so proud.
It’s incomparable to anything I’ve experienced
before. Someone has given you these talents, and
is watching you and wanting you to do well.
FCA
About the Athlete:
Hometown:
Notes:
Hartland, Wis.
• Two-time First-Team All-Missouri Valley
Class:
Conference (2012-14)
Senior
• Two-time Missouri Valley Conference ScholarEVENTS:
Athlete Team (2012-14)
Freestyle/
• Member of 2013 MVC Championship 200-yard
Breaststroke
freestyle relay team (SIU school record)
FCA STAFF Quote:
“Since her arrival on campus, Holly has brought teammates
to FCA and has been a valued contributor to our discussions.
She is a consistent leader and has been an eager volunteer
to speak at area high schools and grade schools, and other
community functions.”
-Roger Lipe, Chaplain, Southern Illinois University
The heart and soul in sports
®
~
fca.org
15
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