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I fell in love with basketball in 7th grade. My hero was, and still is, Larry Bird, one of the greatest basketball players of all time. I played all four years in high school. Looking back, I remember the big games, the wins and losses against rivals, my band of brothers, and the road trips. What I reflect on more now is the character that was formed in me. My coaches deserve the credit for creating a culture that bred Christian character. I soaked it in.
Maybe that’s why I love seeing what’s happening now with our girls’ and boys’ basketball programs. Yes, they are having success with wins. The varsity boys are 11-3 (5-0 League) and ranked 8th in state. The girls are having their best season at least since 2019-20 and are 5-6 (2-3 League). More importantly, character is being formed, and it’s that character that’s creating the success, not the other way around.
I asked Coach Neumann and Coach Blum how their programs foster Christian character.
Our focus is to prepare warriors for Christ’s Kingdom. Following His example, our three values this year are: 1) Do hard things, 2) Serve others, and 3) Have fun and celebrate progress. That’s the core of our team and it’s central to the start of the season we’re having so far. This team has fully embraced these values and is creating great chemistry, great culture, great character formation which is leading to some wins as well! – Coach Neumann
Our team verse is 1 Timothy 4:8 which says, ‘For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.’ This means that though we love the game and have so much fun, we understand it is even greater to follow and emulate the ways of Jesus both on and off the court. We read scripture together, pray together, and hold each other accountable to working hard and loving each other. – Coach Blum
I also asked some of the team captains about how basketball is shaping their character.
- Our culture is magical. I sprained my ankle and my teammates prayed for me. I love my teammates. It’s not all about basketball, it’s about the people. – Susie Irving
- The program has shaped my character as a leader. I’m learning to think about others before myself. – Yeva Soto
- God calls us to use our talents to glorify Him. I’ve learned that doing hard things before and during the season results in the success we’re having in games. – Jack O’Shaughnessy
And it’s not just any character! It is Christian character rooted in the Bible, God’s word, the ultimate playbook for how to live life to the fullest.
Steve O'Neil
Head of School
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