As I reflect on my career, my most defining moment came in the spring of 2002. I was beginning my sixth season as a varsity softball coach, and I had been struggling in my relationship with  God. Some very special young women changed all that.

Every Wednesday, my players would remind me, “Coach, it’s church night; we need out early.” As I would dismiss practice, they would always ask, “Coach, want to come to church with us?” I always had an excuse. God began to deal with me with more urgency. Their persistence was rewarded when I finally gave in, attended the service, and rededicated my life. Later that season we won our conference tournament, beating a team that had previously defeated us by ten runs. The blessings were only beginning as the following season the players insisted on more prayer as a team. We went undefeated in our conference season and won first place in the conference tournament. God truly blessed those young ladies for their obedience.

In the spring of 2005 with two FCA huddle leaders on our team, they decided to start every game with a prayer on the mound and invite the opposing team to join them. We finished the season just under 500, but I would classify this as one of my most successful seasons as a coach. These young women impacted so many lives: players, coaches, parents, and fans with their stand of faith. These are two seasons I will never forget.

What joy these obedient children of God have brought to me as they have set an example by “walking in truth, in keeping with a command we have received from the Father” (2 Jn 1:4).