As student athletes gear up for the new school year, MCL asked eight coaches and physical education teachers about how they’ve seen God move through athletics and what they wish their students (and parents) understood. Not all responses made it into print, but the biggest takeaway? A student athlete’s worth is never found in sports, but in Jesus Christ. Read on for more.

Doug Lycette, Christ Covenant School, Ridgeland

His role:

Head baseball coach, assistant football coach; 9th-grade history teacher; boys’ Bible study leader, 11th-12th grades.

How he’s seen God impact student athletes:

Sports give us an awesome opportunity to praise God in victory and rely on Him in defeat and to put things in a heavenly perspective!

What he tells every student athlete:

I love you, I am blessed to be (your) coach/teacher, and you are created by a loving God on purpose and for a purpose.

Hardest part of the job:

Long hours!

Best part of the job:

Building (relationships) with students and co-workers … and God using those relationships to encourage me and make me a better, more godly man.

The biggest lesson God has taught him through coaching:

Perspective. When I bump into former players years later, I don’t want them to say, “Hey Coach, thank you for teaching me how to take on a double team block …” I want them to remember that I loved God and treated them with respect.

What he wishes student athletes understood:

Their worth and value is in the blood of Jesus and not in anything else!

What he wishes parents of student athletes understood:

Be present, enjoy this part of (your) child’s journey, be their biggest cheerleader, and be positive!

His biggest wish for students when they graduate:

Two things: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as you are working for the Lord, not for man” (Colossians 3:23) and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Sara Moss, First Presbyterian Day School, Jackson

Her role:
Athletic director and physical education director, K3-6th grades; coaches volleyball, track, and archery.

How she’s seen God impact student athletes:
I’ve seen God build confidence in students. I love watching them realize they can do hard things when they lean on the Lord.

What she tells every student athlete:
You can do hard things. Never give up, always give your best, honor God, and have fun.

Hardest part of the job:
Scheduling practices and games.

Best part of the job:
Working at First Presbyterian Day School is a blessing. I love helping students grow in athletics (physical education) and their confidence.

The biggest lesson God has taught her through coaching:
To listen more, be patient, and trust His timing.

What she wishes student athletes understood:
At this young age, I want them to enjoy learning new sports, have fun, and not let outside pressures define them. FPDS strives to provide a safe, encouraging environment where they can grow.

What she wishes parents of student athletes understood:
It’s their child’s journey, not theirs. Encourage them, but don’t push them toward something they no longer love.

Her biggest wish for students when they move on to seventh grade:
That they always glorify the Lord in everything they do, whether in sports or elsewhere, and that they lead with kindness.

Jake Benton, Hartfield Academy, Flowood

His role:

Head boys’ and girls’ soccer coach; physical education teacher, 2nd-4th grades.

How he’s seen God impact student athletes:
God has shown many athletes and me to learn to work and persevere with humility. That God uses the weak and humble. We don’t have to make it about us; instead, fix our eyes on the things above, where Christ is seated.

What he tells every student-athlete:
That whatever we do, do it unto the glory of God.

Hardest part of the job:
Honestly, it’s losing seniors.

Best part of the job:
I love watching kids develop throughout a season (and) seeing how the team ends as a whole each season. Not just on the field, but the belief that grows through the common bond through tough sessions, hard conversations, etc.

The biggest lesson God has taught him through coaching:
That I’m not in control. I am to be a steward of my student athletes. They belong to Him, not me.

What he wishes student athletes understood:
My only wish is that each athlete comes to the knowledge of knowing Christ. To taste His goodness is better than anything this world has to offer.

What he wishes parents of student athletes understood:
I hope that parents know that I care deeply for their kids. Not just to grow in the sport or life, but even more spiritually.

His biggest wish for students when they graduate:
I just pray they come to know Christ eventually if they don’t already. … If they know freedom in Jesus, then the life stuff will work itself out as long as they seek first His kingdom!

Melissa Denson, Jackson Academy

Her role:

Head volleyball coach; teaches honors anatomy and physiology and biomed.

How she’s seen God impact student athletes:

Through victories, setbacks, injuries, and challenges, He builds character, deepens faith, and teaches (student athletes) to lead and serve others with humility.

What she tells every student athlete:

(That) their worth is not in wins and losses or a stat line. Their worth comes from Jesus and His salvation.

Hardest part of the job:

(In volleyball, it’s) trying to learn, improve, and stay one step ahead of our competition by how we train. I also think managing 50 girls (and) making sure I check in on how they are that day …. I truly value relationships with my players.

Best part of the job:

I absolutely love the girls in my program and my students …. I love watching them grow through the years on and off the court into strong, confident, young women.

The biggest lesson God has taught her through coaching:

(My players and students have) taught me grace and how to love without judgment. God taught me through the years that volleyball and the classroom are my platform (to) love every kid that walks through that door.

What she wishes student athletes understood:
That their value is never determined by playing time, statistics, offers, or championships. … Character, integrity, work ethic, and the way you treat people will last far longer.

What she wishes parents of student athletes understood:

The goal isn’t to eliminate every obstacle; it’s to help them learn how to overcome them.

Her biggest wish for students when they graduate:

(That) they’ve learned way more than skills and science, but how to love God, love people, and know their worth.

Doug Goodwin, Jackson Preparatory School, Flowood

His role:

Head football coach.

How he’s seen God impact student athletes:

I would say (it’s) through other Christians serving them. Students are impacted by the way they are led, taught, and interacted with on a daily basis. When students know that you love and care for them, it creates a great relationship where lives can be impacted.

What he tells every student athlete:

(That) I love them. I am proud of them. … Be careful out there, and make great decisions, and if you have trouble deciding … call one of your coaches, and we’ll help you decide.

Hardest part of the job:

Dealing with unrealistic parent(s).

Best part of the job:

The interaction and relationships I get to have with our players …. I love to see the joy on (players’) faces when things go well, or they accomplish a goal.

The biggest lesson God has taught him through coaching:

That God creates the circumstances to put you where He wants you to be for His purpose.

What he wishes student at...

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