One of the most exciting times of the year is finally here — college playoff hoops! I love watching college basketball, but it’s even MORE fun when you know the heart of the athletes you are cheering on.
Recently on Sports Spectrum’s “What’s Up” podcast, I’ve had the chance to interview seven incredibly impressive players who you need to be cheering for in the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments. Here’s a little bit about each player!
Dylan Cardwell – Auburn
No. 1 seed — first game vs. Alabama State, March 20
Not only is he a star on the court, but also in front of the camera! Dylan Cardwell hosts a show called “Chillin with Dylan,” where he explores Auburn’s campus for some exciting collabs that will make you laugh. I also loved learning about his team’s trip to Honduras. Dylan explained this was the most impactful trip of his life, and ultimately led him to tithe his money back to the organization in Honduras. About his five years at Auburn, Cardwell said, “I’ve never seen a team pursue the Lord as much as this team has.” Wow! That is pretty cool to be a part of for your last season as a Tiger. And Dylan isn’t the only Cardwell on the Auburn basketball team you can cheer for; his younger brother, Drake, is a freshman who has had his own fun dancing in the fan zone after big wins this season.
Favorite quote: “When God is all you have, you’ll realize God is all you need.”
Raegan Beers – Oklahoma
No. 3 seed — first game vs. Florida Gulf Coast, March 22
Earlier this season, Raegan Beers went viral for the handmade blankets she made for her entire team this Christmas! Her thoughtfulness and enthusiasm toward her new team shined through our entire conversation. After two seasons at Oregon State, Raegan decided to enter the portal. While the portal process can be exciting, it’s also extremely stressful. Raegan described how her trust in the Lord and “praying through it” allowed her to come to her decision to be a Sooner. As athletes, it’s easy to get caught up in the repetition of games, practices and just the fast pace of being in season. However, Raegan impressed me so much by her recognition that she is “now living an answered prayer.” Her stats clearly show her impact on this team, but after getting to know her, I have no doubt that she will leave Oklahoma better than she found it.
Favorite quote: “I’m going to do Your (God) work wherever I go.”
Joe Anderson – Lipscomb
No. 14 seed — first game vs. Iowa State, March 21
Even over a video call I could see the joy that ASUN Tournament MVP Joe Anderson has for this experience, helping his team get to only the second March Madness appearance in Lipscomb history! Joe explained how he was praying for a life change and the Lord led him to transfer to Lipscomb. I absolutely loved what he had to say about how the Lord does more than we ask. He explained how while at Furman, he was just asking the Lord for more playing time, “something that means so little in the Kingdom.” In turn, the Lord over-delivered, giving Joe not only more playing time, but a team and community of others pursuing the Lord in Nashville. I also had Joe’s teammate, Will Pruitt, on for this interview. They have a special bond you need to hear more about!
Favorite quote: “We have a God who gives us second chances and He answers more than we can ask for.”
Caleb Shaw – Grand Canyon
No. 13 seed — first game vs. Maryland, March 21
“We have the best fans in the country. I’ll argue that with anybody.” GCU’s Caleb Shaw is confident that the purple pregame party of the Havocs fan zone is unmatched. While game days at GCU are loud, chaotic and thrilling, Caleb explained how he listens to worship music before games to calm him down and remind him of the One he is playing for. For Caleb, worship music is battle music. He is one of three Shaw brothers and he said they are the biggest blessings in his life — though he made sure to mention that he would be the Shaw brother to win their frequent one-on-one-on-ones. Something so cool about Caleb’s time at GCU is that he’s coached by his uncle, Bryce Drew, and dad, Casey Shaw. Caleb explained how it means more when you get to play for family. And, if you’re looking for any tips on dunking, Caleb shares his special “secret to the bounce.”
Favorite quote: “I play hard because it’s how I say ‘thank You’ to God for giving me these gifts.”
Anna Camden – Richmond
No. 8 seed — first game vs. Georgia Tech, March 21
Podcast to be released March 22 … STAY TUNED!
Talk about turning pain into purpose! Anna Camden is as fun in person as she is on her Instagram reels! I was smiling this whole interview. Last season, Anna battled an ACL injury. However, she used this trying time to point others to the goodness of God. Anna shared some incredibly cool God moments, highlights from her basketball career at both Penn State and Richmond, and what she is all about right now! Anna’s impact on athletes facing physical adversity has reached as far as Barcelona, Spain! In her graduate year as a Richmond Spider, Anna has made an impact on her local community, team and broader world around her!
Favorite quote: “He’s in control, and because of that I have nothing to be afraid of.”
Will Pruitt – Lipscomb
No. 14 seed — first game vs. Iowa State, March 21
I loved talking to not one, but TWO Lipscomb men’s basketball players! Will Pruitt has been an impact player for the Bisons since his freshman year, and this year, he’ll go to his first NCAA Tournament. As described by his teammate Joe Anderson, “Will is the man on campus” — which makes sense considering he is a finalist for the Nolan Richardson Award, given to the Division-I player who is the heart and soul of their team. Will shared how he and other Lipscomb players attend a Bible study with other basketball players in the Nashville area from teams like Vanderbilt, Belmont and Trevecca. This group has given Will another community to lean on through intentional prayer and even just supporting each other at their home games. When I asked Will what he was most excited about for March Madness, without hesitation he said, “The plane ride.” I have no doubt Will and the rest of Lipscomb will be playing with what they told me is “urgent joy” this postseason. Go Bisons!
Favorite quote: “Basketball makes a great game, but a terrible god.”
Landry Williams – Oklahoma State
No. 7 seed — first game vs. South Dakota State, March 22
Podcast to be released March 31 … STAY TUNED!
Resilience is a beautiful word, but it is only held by those who have endured ugly, painful and trying situations. Landry Williams’ beauty shines through so evidently. Landry is coming off her fifth surgery in 2.5 years, which ultimately sidelined her for the majority of her time at OSU. While her career didn’t look like what she thought, she has become the most unselfish “team mom” and inspiration for OSU women’s basketball past, present and future. When God had other plans for her this season, Landry felt called to host a team Bible study at her house. What I love most about my conversation with Landry is how she continued to say “yes” to God. I have no doubt that the Lord has prepared Landry in ways she can’t even comprehend for her life beyond college. One more fun detail I’m so excited to keep up on is her upcoming wedding! Landry mentioned that she wants to be a wedding planner, so I can only imagine how spectacular this day will be!
Favorite quote: “The Lord exceeded every expectation I could have ever had for the team that we have.”
Thanks for staying tuned into WHAT’S UP in March Madness! Watch all March Madness interviews here.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
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