Cole Claybourn, Author at Sports Spectrum

MAGAZINE: Alabama Quarterback Bryce Young Puts Faith Before Fame

Sports Spectrum Magazine Fall 2022: Alabama QB Bryce Young is grounded by his Christian faith despite the fame that comes his way.

Albert Pujols tells fans to keep historic home run ball: 'They deserve to have it'

Albert Pujols hit one of the biggest home runs of his career on Sunday afternoon....

Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan leaning on his faith during breakout rookie season

The St. Louis Cardinals (81-57) are once again in the thick of the chase for...

UConn star Paige Bueckers, after tearing ACL, feels 'God is using me as a testimony'

After battling back from a left knee injury and leading UConn to the national championship...

Cardinals pitcher Steven Matz says Jesus has 'changed the trajectory of my life'

The year was 2011, and Steven Matz found himself and his baseball career in limbo....

Years after incredible comeback, Aaron Barrett calls it a career: 'I wouldn't be here without God'

After making one of the most improbable comebacks in recent sports memory, veteran pitcher Aaron...

Former Arizona Cardinals chaplain Anthony Edwards running for city council in hometown

For a guy who has worn a lot of hats in his career, former Arizona...

Steph Curry leads Warriors to NBA title, earns 1st NBA Finals MVP: 'God is great'

For the fourth time since 2015, the Golden State Warriors are the NBA champions. But...

Colts safety Khari Willis retires to pursue ministry, advance 'the Gospel of Jesus Christ'

Khari Willis was a year away from free agency and quite possibly the largest contract...

Led by faith, Oklahoma softball caps dominant season with second straight national title

Before the Women's College World Series championship series began, Oklahoma chaplain Sarah Roberts told her...

New Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham: God is 'the Master of all plans'

Darvin Ham applied and interviewed for a handful of NBA head coaching jobs but was...

Oklahoma State baseball star Nolan McLean grounded by his faith in God

It wasn't an easy decision for Nolan McLean to quit football. The Oklahoma State sophomore...

'Audience of One' mantra helping No. 1 Oklahoma softball keep focus on Christ

The Oklahoma softball team knows it has a target on its back. That comes with...

Christ-following Red Sox 2B Trevor Story named AL Player of the Week

Just two weeks ago, Trevor Story was hearing the boos. Fresh off an 0-for-4 game...

Led by faith, 18-year-old Lucy Westlake becomes youngest American woman to summit Mt. Everest

It might be hard to believe that Lucy Westlake was once afraid of heights. At...

Auburn baseball star Sonny DiChiara thriving after arduous health, faith journey

Sonny DiChiara is having a breakout season and making a case to be the Southeastern...

Diamondbacks pitcher Luke Weaver puts faith on display with 'Bible Glove'

The last few seasons haven't gone how Luke Weaver had hoped. After being traded to...

NFL wife Sarah Taylor says 'name of Jesus brought so much comfort' after attempted abduction

Sarah Taylor had just arrived in San Diego to begin her career as a sports...

Trevor Hudgins leads NW Missouri State to D-II basketball championship: 'Glory to God first'

You could make the argument that Trevor Hudgins is the most accomplished player in NCAA...

SS PODCAST: Baseball reporter Emily Waldon on battling cancer, trusting in God

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH COLE CLAYBOURN, FEATURING EMILY WALDON Emily Waldon is...

Christ-centered Hope College women's basketball team wins long-awaited national title

Through two pandemic-shortened seasons in 2019-20 and 2020-21, the Hope College women's basketball team remained...

Hubert Davis leads North Carolina to Sweet 16, sees coaching as 'missionary work'

Hubert Davis took the North Carolina job with high expectations. That's just part of the...

Cancer survivor Andrew Jones continues to inspire, leads Texas to NCAA Tournament win

Texas guard Andrew Jones already knows he'll be present at this year's Final Four in...

Former NFL QB Dan Orlovsky prospering at ESPN while letting faith in God guide him

It didn't take long once he announced his retirement from the NFL in 2017 for...

Ohio guard Mark Sears thriving with faith in God: 'I just give Him all the honor and glory'

Coming off the bench wasn't something Mark Sears was used to. Before arriving at Ohio...

Out since 2020 collapse, Keyontae Johnson 'walking in God's favor,' honored on Florida senior day

Florida forward Keyontae Johnson caught the tipoff, dribbled the ball around for a few seconds,...

Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe 'so thankful to God' that mother will get to see him play

The NCAA's new name, image, and likeness rules have undoubtedly been a major difference maker...

Ministry? Coaching? Nick Foles seeks God's plan for life after football, whenever that time comes

Nick Foles said he thinks about life after football "all the time." Whatever he does...

Walter Payton Man of the Year, Rams lineman Andrew Whitworth guided by faith

He's never known when the moments were going to present themselves, but Los Angeles Rams...

Rams TE Kendall Blanton could get Super Bowl start: 'All this is orchestrated by God'

It hasn't exactly been the smoothest ride for tight end Kendall Blanton since he broke...

'God is Good': Kicker Evan McPherson sends Cincinnati Bengals to first Super Bowl since 1988

Another week, another game-winning kick for Evan McPherson. His latest one sent the Cincinnati Bengals...

49ers All-Pro receiver/running back Deebo Samuel grounded in faith thanks to stepmother

There was a point in college when Deebo Samuel contemplated whether or not he wanted...

Suns reward Christ-following general manager James Jones with multiyear contract extension

After a season in which they made it to the NBA Finals, the Phoenix Suns...

Bengals kicker Evan McPherson sports 'God is good' shirt after game-winning kick over Titans

Evan McPherson has proven that pressure doesn't really get to him. Entering Saturday's divisional round...

Led by his faith in Jesus, long snapper James Winchester ties Chiefs playoff appearance record

A win against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday would put the Kansas City Chiefs one...

Guided by faith in Jesus, DeMeco Ryans has stout 49ers defense primed for playoff run

It'll be one of the league's best defenses staring across the way at arguably the...

Kicker Daniel Carlson a big factor in Raiders' playoff hopes as he trusts in the Lord's plans

Despite a trying season, the Las Vegas Raiders are on the brink of clinching a...

Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba praises God after record-setting Rose Bowl performance

When star wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson opted out of the Rose Bowl,...

Led by faith, Hope College women's basketball team riding NCAA-best 55-game winning streak

You'd have to go all the way back to the end of the 2019 season...

QB Nick Foles praises Jesus after comeback win in first start with Bears since 2020

It had been 364 days since his last appearance, and more than a year since...

Colts center Ryan Kelly, wife Emma put trust in God's 'bigger purpose' after daughter's death

Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly and his wife, Emma, are clinging to their faith as...

Ben Roethlisberger leads Steelers to comeback win amid retirement rumors: 'God is good'

The Pittsburgh Steelers desperately needed a win Sunday to stay in the hunt for a...

WR Jerreth Sterns 'trusted God and knew He had a bigger plan' in transfer to Western Kentucky

Jerreth Sterns knew he was taking a big risk. When Zach Kittley, Sterns' offensive coordinator...

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones enjoys career night, lives by 'I am Second' mantra

The Kansas City Chiefs picked up a much-needed win on Sunday over the Dallas Cowboys....

Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright serves food to crowd at Ahmaud Arbery trial

Adam Wainwright is known for his curveball, his faith and his heart for giving back...

Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker authors new Bible-based comic book, 'Scripture for Athletes'

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker can now add "author" to his list of titles. Earlier this...

Sam Howell gives glory to God after record-setting day helps North Carolina upset No. 9 Wake Forest

Sam Howell etched his name into the record books as his North Carolina team delivered...

Dansby Swanson helps hometown Braves win World Series: 'The good Lord, He's blessed me so much'

Dansby Swanson was a year old the last time the Atlanta Braves won a World...

MAGAZINE: 'Fill The Stadium' Initiative Was Launched For Such A Time As This

This story appears in the Fall 2021 issue of Sports Spectrum Magazine. To read more...

Open about mental health, Braves SS Dansby Swanson leans on faith entering World Series

The Atlanta Braves on Tuesday begin their quest to capture their fourth World Series championship,...

Oliver Marmol named manager of St. Louis Cardinals, organization he joined years ago after trusting God

The St. Louis Cardinals have a new manager, and it's a familiar face. Oliver Marmol,...

Manager Dave Roberts has 'resilient' Dodgers in NLCS for fifth time in six years as he's led by his faith

Two years in a row, manager Dave Roberts and his Los Angeles Dodgers team had...

Zach Ertz traded to Arizona Cardinals, leaves legacy of faith and hard work in Philadelphia

Zach Ertz had an inkling that Thursday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be...

Texas A&M kicker Seth Small gives praise to God after game-winning kick over No. 1 Alabama

Seth Small came up big for Texas A&M Saturday night. The senior kicker drilled a...

'More humble and considerate' Hugh Freeze determined to teach Liberty players character, integrity

Early in his tenure as head coach at Ole Miss, Hugh Freeze took a recruiting...

LB Logan Wilson leads strong Bengals defense as he honors friend with Joshua 1:9 tattoo

Logan Wilson is quickly establishing himself as one of the defensive leaders on the Cincinnati...

Broncos safety Justin Simmons shares about 'impactful' prayer with QB Teddy Bridgewater

Justin Simmons is off to yet another strong start for the Denver Broncos. The All-Pro...

Georgia Southern football coach Chad Lunsford: 'I've got one person to please, and that's God, my Savior'

Georgia Southern football fans are used to winning. Even head coach Chad Lunsford is used...

Royals' Salvador Perez thanks God after setting home run record for catchers

The spotlight was shining brightly on Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez on Monday night...

'Follower of Jesus' Adam Wainwright enjoying one of the best seasons of his career at age 40

The St. Louis Cardinals are back in the middle of yet another playoff chase, and...

Former N.Y. Yankees star Andy Pettitte reflects on 9/11 now 20 years later

It was the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, and Andy Pettitte was at home in...

Drew Brees partners with Pray.com: 'Prayer has been my consistent, go-to secret weapon'

Drew Brees has often shared how his faith played an integral role in his career...

5 College QBs to Watch in 2021: D.J. Uiagalelei gives Clemson another faith-driven leader

Leading up to the 2021 football season, Sports Spectrum will highlight five Christ-following college quarterbacks...

Pro golfer Jimmy Stanger donating $10 for every birdie to help build churches in Colombia

When Jimmy Stanger was just 6 years old, his family adopted his sister from China....

Carson Wentz, wife Maddie pledge $250K in Haiti relief through AO1 Foundation

Carson Wentz returned to the practice field on Monday with the Indianapolis Colts after being...

Long snapper Matt Overton lives by 'stay ready' motto, joins Chargers and thanks God

You don't have to get ready if you stay ready. That's the motto Matt Overton...

Orioles slugger Chris Davis announces retirement, reflects on community impact

Chris Davis has called it a career. The Baltimore Orioles slugger on Thursday announced he...

New Hall of Famer Donnie Shell served as mentor to fellow Hall of Famer Tony Dungy

Five years ago, Donnie Shell was standing next to his friend, Tony Dungy, as he...

U.S. wrestler Kyle Snyder wins silver at Tokyo Olympics as he keeps his identity in Christ

Kyle Snyder knew it was going to be tough to defend his 2016 Olympic wrestling...

New Zealand runner Nick Willis set for 5th Olympics as he lives out faith in Jesus

The Olympics are full of stories of athletes defying odds, defeating physical norms and pushing...

Jalen Suggs drafted No. 5 overall by Orlando Magic, says, 'It was God's plan'

Jalen Suggs wasn't expected to still be available with the No. 5 pick, but the...

Carlin Isles leads U.S. rugby sevens at Olympics while being led by God

Five years ago, the U.S. men's rugby sevens squad suffered an early exit from the...

Jrue Holiday helps lead Milwaukee Bucks to NBA championship: 'This is only God'

It's been a long year for Jrue Holiday. He was traded just before the start...

Ole Miss football/baseball star John Rhys Plumlee relying on faith amid uncertain QB role

John Rhys Plumlee could play quarterback for Ole Miss this season. He could also play...

All-Star Closers For Christ: Mark Melancon, Liam Hendriks, Craig Kimbrel

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game is back after a year in which the COVID-19...

Avid Chiefs fan Jace Ward passes away after courageous battle with rare cancer

Jace Ward lived by the phrase "I can't die, I'm busy." His fight against a...

North Carolina QB Sam Howell gets baptized: 'Best decision I've ever made in my life'

Sam Howell called it "a day I'll remember forever." The University of North Carolina quarterback...

Mississippi State wins College World Series, star senior Tanner Allen says 'God is so good'

Mississippi State baseball coach Chris Lemonis wasn't shy about the legacy his seniors will leave...

U.S. sprinter Allyson Felix defies odds, prepares for fifth and final Olympics

Allyson Felix vowed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics despite enduring a challenging birth of...

Royals GM Dayton Moore guided by selflessness: 'I’ve got to follow something, and for me that’s Jesus'

It's a simple piece of advice from his father that has guided Dayton Moore in...

Rockies SS Trevor Story says faith is what keeps him going amid success, failures

Rockies shortstop Trevor Story says his faith is what keeps him going through the highs and lows of professional baseball.

Oklahoma softball wins Women's College World Series, gives glory to God

No. 1 Oklahoma softball won gave glory to God as it won its third national championship and fifth in program history.

Florida State's Kaley Mudge closing in on hits record with focus on Christ

Florida State freshman outfielder Kaley Mudge tied a Women's College World Series record with 13 hits, but is keeping her focus on God.

Oklahoma softball team playing '4' God, '4' each other in quest for title

If you've watched the Women's College World Series, you've probably seen the Oklahoma softball players...

New Houston Baptist baseball coach Lance Berkman aims to influence kids 'for the good'

Before he even retired from playing in the major leagues, Lance Berkman knew he wanted...

New Titans CB Caleb Farley trusting God through adversity: 'I would be lost without Him'

The NFL draft is typically full of images of athletes celebrating with their families when...

Albert Pujols signs with L.A. Dodgers, places future in God's hands

When asked about his future while appearing as a guest last month on the "Get...

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, wife Ellen use platform to share faith and do good

Clayton Kershaw and his wife Ellen laugh about the early stages of their relationship. They'd...

Blues honor former captain David Backes, now with Ducks, in likely his final game in St. Louis

David Backes left Wednesday's game against the St. Louis Blues full of emotions in what...

'Jesus Believer' Mark Melancon named NL Reliever of the Month

Through the first month of the Major League Baseball season, no relief pitcher has been...

QB Justin Fields after NFL draft: 'I think this is God's plan for me to be a Bear'

On a night full of surprises, the Chicago Bears provided theirs when they traded up...

Former MLB star Daniel Murphy leaning on God as he returns to college to finish degree

Dozens of eager college-aged students packed a philosophy class this spring at Jacksonville University. In...

Rose Namajunas gives glory to God after becoming strawweight champion in UFC 261

Rose Namajunas is once again the UFC's strawweight champion. In a surprising knockout just 1:18...

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney says 'good Lord was in a good mood when He made' Trevor Lawrence

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney has coached a number of great players. Trevor Lawrence might...

Colts QB Carson Wentz, coach Frank Reich bonded immediately over Scripture

Ahead of the 2016 NFL Draft, Frank Reich took a flight to Fargo, North Dakota....

MAGAZINE: Western Kentucky Volleyball Coach Travis Hudson Is Purpose Driven

This story originally appeared in the Winter 2020 issue of Sports Spectrum Magazine. It has...

Liberty rewards basketball coach Ritchie McKay with contract extension: 'This place is pretty special'

The Liberty University men's basketball program continued its run of success this season with a...

Packers RB Aaron Jones turns to God as he mourns his father's death

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones on Wednesday announced via social media that his...

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts: 'Parents came to know the Lord' through his cancer battle

Dave Roberts wouldn't wish it upon anyone else. But as for his own battle with...

21 MLB players to watch in 2021: Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto

Through the month of March, leading up to MLB Opening Day on April 1, Sports...

Not just a football school, 'historic' basketball season ends for Alabama men, coach Nate Oats

The dream season for Alabama and head coach Nate Oats ended Sunday night with a...

Baylor star Jared Butler leads team in scoring, teaches Sunday School in free time

Jared Butler has been lighting up the scoreboards this year for Baylor as the Bears...

21 MLB players to watch in 2021: St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty

Through the month of March, leading up to MLB Opening Day on April 1, Sports...

Bryce Drew walking by faith in leading Grand Canyon to 1st NCAA Tournament appearance

Bryce Drew's year away from coaching was just what he needed — time spent with...

Former MLB star Andy Pettitte relying on God, grieving loss of wife's parents to COVID

Andy Pettitte and his wife, Laura, were en route from Houston to Dallas for what...

Introducing the 'Get in the Game' podcast with former MLB pitcher Scott Linebrink

We are excited to welcome a new show to the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network —...

21 MLB players to watch in 2021: Atlanta Braves SS Dansby Swanson

Through the month of March, leading up to MLB Opening Day on April 1, Sports...

After trying year, Liberty men stand on God's Word as they prepare for NCAA Tournament

On the surface, it might seem like business as usual for the Liberty University men’s...

21 MLB players to watch in 2021: St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright

Through the month of March, leading up to MLB Opening Day on April 1, Sports...

21 MLB players to watch in 2021: Colorado Rockies SS Trevor Story

Through the month of March, leading up to MLB Opening Day on April 1, Sports...

21 MLB players to watch in 2021: St. Louis Cardinals 3B Nolan Arenado

Through the month of March, leading up to MLB Opening Day on April 1, Sports...

Murray Garvin, college basketball coaches joining together for 'needed' National Day of Prayer

It’s no secret the past year has been challenging, in many ways, for everyone. College...

Titans veteran long snapper Matt Overton finding joy in real estate venture

There were a few weeks last season where Matt Overton was, as he described it,...

Florida's Keyontae Johnson: Future is 'in God's hands' after collapse

Keyontae Johnson knew this basketball season would look a little different. He just didn’t know...

Steelers players walked with 'rockstar' chaplain Kent Chevalier as he grieved loss of brother

Kent Chevalier is usually the one who is there to comfort and counsel the Pittsburgh...

Chiefs & owner Clark Hunt aim to bring unity: 'We need to put God first, others second, ourselves third'

Numerous professional athletes and organizations were moved to affect change in their communities amid the...

Titans RB Derrick Henry thanks God as he wins NFL Offensive Player of the Year

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry was named the Associated Press Offensive Player of the...

Saints LB Demario Davis honored, Benjamin Watson shares Gospel at virtual Super Bowl Breakfast

It was no surprise to hear Demario Davis thank God in his acceptance speech after...

Chiefs FB Anthony Sherman surprises cancer-fighting K.C. fan with Super Bowl tickets

Jace Ward thought he was getting on a Zoom call to talk to a psychologist...

'Hard-nosed,' high character Nolan Arenado becomes St. Louis Cardinals 3B

It almost made too much sense. After much courting that dates back to at least...

Chiefs FB Anthony Sherman helping to 'Fill the Stadium' through Compassion International

This year’s Super Bowl won’t have many fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic,...

Pitcher Adam Wainwright re-signs with St. Louis Cardinals, lauded as 'highly-respected team leader'

Adam Wainwright is returning to St. Louis. The veteran pitcher entering his 16th season (17th...

Alabama men's hoops coach Nate Oats has top-10 team as he honors cancer-surviving wife

The University of Alabama men's basketball team has a big rematch with Kentucky on Tuesday...

Baseball legend Hank Aaron passes away at 86, relied on God as his strength

Hank Aaron, a Baseball Hall of Famer and former home run king, passed away Friday...

Jake Fromm leaning on God to stay 'sane' as Bills' quarantine quarterback

Jake Fromm decided to forgo his senior season at Georgia and enter the NFL Draft...

Giants lineman Nate Solder trusting God with next steps after opting out of 2020 season

It was great to just be a fan this year, New York Giants offensive lineman...

Texas hoops star Andrew Jones hits game-winner on anniversary of cancer diagnosis

Talk about an anniversary celebration. On Jan. 9, 2018, University of Texas men's basketball star...

Saints LB Demario Davis named 2021 Bart Starr Award winner for character, leadership

One of the premiere events on the sports calendar that intersects faith and sports each...

Florida's Keyontae Johnson speaks after collapse: 'God said my work here ain't done'

University of Florida star basketball player Keyontae Johnson posted a video to social media on...

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw calls for end of child marriage in Dominican Republic

Los Angeles Dodger star pitcher Clayton Kershaw is fresh off of winning his first World...

Prayers flood in for Florida star Keyontae Johnson following collapse mid-game

People in and around the sports world are praying for Florida basketball star Keyontae Johnson,...

MAGAZINE: Clemson Quarterback Trevor Lawrence Has His Identity Secured

This story appears in the Fall 2020 issue of Sports Spectrum Magazine. To read the...

Brewers' Lorenzo Cain 'trying to get my life right with God' as he sits out 2020 season

A number of players have opted out of the 2020 Major League Baseball season due...

Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty talks faith and grief on 'Table Forty' podcast

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty is one of Major League Baseball’s rising stars. Much...

Lance Berkman describes his prayer before game-tying 2011 World Series hit

Game 6 of the 2011 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas...

Will Shipley, nation’s No. 1 all-purpose back, thanks God in committing to Clemson

The pressure is off for four-star prospect Will Shipley. On Tuesday, the nation’s No. 1...

eConnXn focused on bringing Jesus, love into eSports world

The online video gaming community is one of the most rapidly growing movements all across...

Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright, wife Jenny donate $250,000 to help minor leaguers

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy. Many people have lost...

Former Ohio State basketball star Aaron Craft shares faith as he rides out coronavirus in Italy

People are looking for hope in a lot of places amid the coronavirus outbreak. Former...

Oklahoma softball pitcher Shannon Saile gets baptized, trusts Christ amid uncertainty

Oklahoma senior softball player Shannon Saile saw her season get cut short due to the...

Alabama head coach Nate Oats leans on Bible as team aims to finish season strong

The Alabama men’s basketball team and coach Nate Oats are gearing up for their season...

Raiders QB Derek Carr: 'Today is the day to get it right' with God

The tragic death of former Lakers star Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others...

Sports figures join END IT Movement to help end slavery

A picture really is worth a thousand words, and sometimes it can possibly save lives....

Orlando Magic VP Pat Williams: Kobe Bryant's death has 'people really thinking about their own mortality'

Kobe Bryant’s tragic death on Sunday rattled the nation, and the world. It was compounded...

NFL's 2020 Super Bowl Breakfast to feature faith and football, honor Giants QB Eli Manning

Thousands upon thousands of people will head to Miami next month to celebrate Super Bowl...

Titans QB Ryan Tannehill clings to faith as he prepares for playoff matchup

It’s been an up-and-down career for Ryan Tannehill. But after spending six years with the...

10 years later: Colt McCoy's witness for Christ heard 'round the world

Colt McCoy was one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in University of Texas football history....