Steve, Lorri, Tyler and Cody Zeller discuss new book about family, faith

Steve, Lorri, Tyler and Cody Zeller discuss new book about family, faith

By Sports Spectrum Feb 25, 2015

Two ministries come together for one mission at Christians Working in Sports Conference

By Noah Weiss May 13, 2025

Attendees at the 2024 CWS Conference. (Photo courtesy of Uncommon Sports Group)

On July 11-12 in Atlanta, Georgia, at Passion City Church’s Cumberland campus, Uncommon Sports Group and ADs4Christ will host the third annual Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference. Launched in the summer of 2023, the CWS Conference was created to give Christians in the college and professional sports industry a space to connect, be encouraged, and leave equipped to live out their faith with confidence.

Since its launch, the Lord has moved in incredible ways, growing the event’s reach and deepening its sense of community. The plans for this year’s conference clearly show that continued momentum.

One of the biggest challenges for Christians working in sports is the sense of isolation. Many believers struggle to find coworkers and peers who share their faith. This isolation leads not only to loneliness but to a lack of accountability. This is what makes the CWS Conference so significant.

This event is intentionally designed to gather believers working in all areas of sports by fostering meaningful relationships, sharing stories, and encouraging one another. While many conferences support professional networking, few offer the kind of spiritual community found at the CWS Conference. Attendees walk away with new friendships and Gospel-centered relationships that continue to provide encouragement and support long after the event ends.

In addition to building community, the CWS Conference seeks to equip attendees through impactful teaching and discussion. This year’s lineup includes faithful, seasoned speakers and panelists who bring industry insight and Gospel-centered wisdom. Featured speakers include Louie Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church; Jamie Boggs, Vice President of Athletics at Grand Canyon University; and Moses Ehambe, Player Development Coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves. With this powerful lineup — and more to be announced — attendees can expect to be challenged and equipped to live boldly for Christ in their careers.

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This year’s conference also marks an exciting new partnership. While the CWS Conference was launched by Uncommon Sports Group in 2023, it has partnered with ADs4Christ, a ministry dedicated to developing Christ-like leaders in college athletics. In previous years, ADs4Christ has hosted its own annual convention. For the first time, the ADs4Christ community will gather alongside the broader CWS network, uniting Christian leaders across all of professional and collegiate athletics. Both ministries are excited about their shared vision and trust God to use this collaboration for His eternal impact.

Why does a conference like this matter? Christians working in sports often lack fellowship, feel isolated in their faith, and aren’t equipped to navigate the unique challenges of this profession. The CWS Conference meets those needs head-on, fostering Gospel-centered relationships and building up the Kingdom of God in one of the most influential spaces in our culture.

NFL agent Kelli Masters, left, speaks at the 2024 CWS Conference. (Photo courtesy of Uncommon Sports Group)

The impact of this conference can be felt not only in its programming but in the lives of those who attend. Here are just a couple of reflections from past participants:

“I have a renewed spirit, and I’m filled with a lot of hope after interacting with so many impressive people across the sports industry who chose to spend a weekend pouring into each other and getting closer to God. Our industry is competitive and tiring, but when we do it with and for God, incredible works get done. I’m inspired by how much humility was in the room and that in the midst of summer, so many chose to be here.” — Molly McManimie, NFL Agent

“My biggest takeaway from this conference was to make an advanced decision on how you will handle trials and adversity. It has shaped my view on my time in the sport industry, broadened my support system, and reinforced my purpose and calling to this career.” — Nick Peterson, Sporting Kansas City

If you’re a Christian working in college or professional sports, the CWS Conference is a can’t-miss event. Join us in Atlanta on July 11-12 at Passion City Church’s Cumberland campus. Registration is just $79 until May 15 — after that, the price increases to $99. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly meaningful. Register today!

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Sport What's Up Podcast

WHAT’S UP PODCAST: Mallory Hasselbeck – Boston College Lacrosse Player

By Sports Spectrum May 12, 2025

(Photo courtesy of Mallory Hasselbeck)

THIS IS SPORTS SPECTRUM’S WHAT’S UP PODCAST
WITH ANNABELLE HASSELBECK

On today’s episode of Sports Spectrum’s “What’s Up” podcast, we have Boston College lacrosse player Mallory Hasselbeck.

Mallory shares about her journey to Boston College, overcoming injuries, winning the national championship, and how she’s held onto the Lord through it all.

“What’s Up” is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

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PLEASE CONSIDER FOLLOWING, SUBSCRIBING AND LEAVING A REVIEW

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Basketball

Buddy Hield providing spark for Warriors in playoffs: ‘Without Him this would not be possible’

By Joshua Doering May 6, 2025

Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield. (AP Photo/Howard Lao)

Between Steph Curry, Draymond Green and midseason acquisition Jimmy Butler, the Golden State Warriors have as much playoff experience as any team in the NBA. Offseason addition Buddy Hield, however, had four career postseason appearances when he joined the Warriors.

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But with their season on the line in a win-or-go-home Game 7 Sunday night, it was Hield who propelled No. 7-seed Golden State past the Houston Rockets and into the second round. The nine-year veteran will not forget his performance inside the Toyota Center anytime soon.

Having scored four total points in Games 5 and 6 (both losses), Hield tied a Game 7 record by knocking down nine of his 11 3-point attempts. He went 12-of-15 from the field for a game-high 33 points in the Warriors’ 103-89 victory.

Two players have EVER hit 9+ threes on at least 80% from deep in a Playoff game:

Buddy Hield (9-11 3PM last night)
Jason Terry (9-10 3PM on May 8, 2011) pic.twitter.com/P6rJvFOLuU

— NBA (@NBA) May 5, 2025

“It’s a childhood dream,” he said in the postgame press conference. “We all talk about Game 7s. We all want to play in Game 7s, but actually playing in a Game 7 and preparing for it is one of the hardest things ever.”

Hield scored 22 of his points before halftime, including a buzzer-beater from halfcourt to end the first quarter.

SIX splashes for Buddy in the first half.

Keep 'em coming💪 pic.twitter.com/yZc7sAjFnc

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 5, 2025

Speaking with the media after the game, Hield openly discussed the nerves and pressure he felt. He told TNT’s “Inside the NBA” crew that his strong faith in God helped steady him.

“All glory to God, man,” he said. “Without Him this would not be possible. I was really locked in, just keeping my mind right and just talking to God and knowing I had to come through and help my team.”

Hield gave thanks to God again in the postgame press conference.

“Just trying to find my joy,” he said. “I’ve never been in this situation before. Just trying to seize the moment … Tonight was fun. All glory to God.”

Drafted sixth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016, Golden State is the fifth different organization Hield — who was born in the Bahamas and won the 3-point contest at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game — has played for. He appeared in all 82 games this season, averaging 11.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

In 2021, he became the fastest player in NBA history to make 1,000 3-pointers, breaking the record held by his now-teammate Curry.

Going back to his college days at the University of Oklahoma, Hield has also been outspoken about his faith in the Lord. He regularly thanks God for “Life, Health and Strength” on X and credits his mom, Jackie Swann, for laying the foundation for his relationship with the Lord.

“Psalm 23 is the one I always read, the main one before my games,” he said in a 2016 Sports Spectrum article. “My mom always told me to read that when I was nervous or before a big game. I also like Psalm 91, 27, 35, and 37. I read them before every game. I’m trying to get my mind right.”

These days, he regularly attends the chapel service held before every NBA game. Hield’s former teammate in Indiana and Sacramento, Tyrese Haliburton, said last month that he and Hield would often attend chapel together. Hield also has Proverbs 3:5-6 as his X background and Philippians 4:13 listed in his Instagram bio.

If the Warriors are going to make a run at another NBA title, they’ll need Hield to continue making shots and playing at a high level. They have not reached the conference finals since winning the championship in 2021-22.

The No. 6-seed Minnesota Timberwolves await them in the second round. Game 1 from the Target Center in Minneapolis is at 9:30 p.m. ET Tuesday. The winner of the series will face either the Denver Nuggets or Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

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Basketball

Tyrese Haliburton leads Pacers in NBA playoffs, finds ‘peace’ in Bible, pregame chapel

By Kevin Mercer Apr 21, 2025

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives past a Bucks defender, April 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

The Indiana Pacers have improved on their regular-season record each of the three full seasons star guard Tyrese Haliburton has been with the franchise. A year ago they made the postseason for the first time in four years, won a playoff series for the first time since 2014, and advanced all the way to the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals.

This spring, with a 50-32 regular-season record and the No. 4 seed in the East, Haliburton and the Pacers are positioned for another deep playoff run.

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Haliburton had a relatively quiet game in Indiana’s 117-98 Game 1 victory Saturday against its first-round opponent, the Milwaukee Bucks, yet still nearly compiled a triple-double; he scored 10 points, dished out 12 assists and snagged seven rebounds.

Tyrese Haliburton 🏎️💨

"That's IndyCar speed." pic.twitter.com/YQUBVpEVnU

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 19, 2025

Drafted No. 12 overall by the Sacramento Kings out of Iowa State in 2020, Haliburton was traded to the Pacers mid-way through the 2021-22 season. In Indiana, he’s become one of the best passers in the NBA and a two-time All-Star (2023, 2024). He averaged 9.2 assists per game this regular season (the third-most in the league) in addition to his 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.

Haliburton was a member of Team USA’s gold medal-winning basketball team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and as his fame has grown, he’s continued to speak about the importance of faith in his life. At a press conference earlier this month, he was asked about the chapel services NBA teams hold before games.

“Chapel is a big part of my game-day routine,” Haliburton said. “It started my rookie year with Harrison Barnes. As my vet, he always made sure I was going to chapel. … That 15-20 minutes I get every day to step aside and talk about what really matters — which is my Lord and Savior — I think it’s very important for me. I think we’ve built a little bit of a community within our locker room too.”

He continued later, “It’s a super cool thing that we do here in the NBA and I always appreciate it. So (chapel has) been a big part of my success and, honestly, my sanity throughout this year. It’s been an up-and-down year, but I know that coming back to the [Bible], coming back to my peace really there always makes me feel at peace and knowing the bigger picture.”

Haliburton writes “To Him be the glory forever” in his X bio, and this summer in an interview with GQ said his Bible was the first of 10 items he can’t live without.

“Over the last two years, my religion has become very important in my life,” he said in the video. “Just understanding that I’m made in the image of God, in a world where you have a bad game and they’re killing you on social media, or confidence goes up and down, I can always come right here. [The Bible] is my peace.”

Haliburton admitted he’s never truly read the Bible until recent years, knowing only the isolated verses athletes commonly reference. However, as the 25-year-old Oshkosh, Wisconsin, native has established himself in the NBA, God has been at work in his heart to draw him closer to Himself.

“Growing up we didn’t go to church a lot, but we understood God’s place in our lives,” Haliburton told NBA.com last year. “Now that I’m an adult I guess — I own a house now and live on my own — I go to church on Sunday every chance I can. I go to chapel before games.”

God has even used Haliburton’s life as a witness to his own parents, John and Brenda.

“Tyrese is humble and very blessed,” John told Andscape in December 2023. “We give God the praise and the glory. Tyrese is nothing without the mercy of God. He knows how to handle it. He knows where he comes from.”

Tip-off for Game 2 between the Bucks and Haliburton’s Pacers is set for Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET in Indianapolis, as Indiana will try to secure a commanding two-game lead in the best-of-seven series. And one thing is for certain: 60 minutes before tip, Haliburton will be in chapel, learning about and worshiping God.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<