In this powerful episode of the Athlete Disciples Podcast, I sit down with Olympic volleyball player Sarah Sponcil to explore Proverbs 3:5–12 and the life-altering transformation she experienced when she traded fame for faith. We dive deep into: • What it really means to trust in the Lord • Why chasing success leaves us empty • The tension of stepping away from the sport you love • How God lovingly disciplines those He calls His own • Sarah’s honest, inspiring testimony of surrendering to Jesus after reaching the top of her sport 📖 Scripture Focus: Proverbs 3:5–12 🗣️ Versions: CSB + Amplified Classic 🎙️ Format: Discovery Bible Study + Testimony + Real Talk Sarah shares how God met her at the peak of her volleyball career—right after the Olympics—and revealed a deeper calling. This conversation is raw, relatable, and full of encouragement for any athlete, coach, or parent trying to find purpose beyond performance. — 🙏 If this episode blesses you: 💬 Leave a review 📲 Share it with an athlete you know 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations about faith, sport, and spiritual growth Follow Christian on IG: @christianvball Connect with Sarah: @smsponcil #AthleteTestimony #FaithAndSports #Proverbs3 #SarahSponcil #OlympicAthlete #Discipleship #AthleteDisciples #TrustGod #ChristianPodcast

In this episode of Athlete Disciples, I sit down with D1 Ohio State wrestler Dylan Fishback to dive deep into 2 Timothy 2:3–7—one of the most powerful callings for Christian athletes to live as soldiers for Christ. We explore what it really means to suffer with Christ, to avoid getting entangled in worldly distractions, and to live on mission for the one who enlisted us. Dylan shares his personal walk with God, including a raw, redemptive testimony of how God met him at his lowest and transformed his life. 👉 In this episode: How to live as a “good soldier” of Jesus Avoiding the distractions of civilian life (2 Timothy 2:4) Dylan’s powerful testimony—from despair to discipleship Wrestling with God, identity, and purpose as a college athlete The balance between competitive intensity and spiritual rest 📖 Scripture Study Focus: 2 Timothy 2:3–7 (ESV + Amplified Classic) Whether you’re a wrestler, athlete, or someone seeking deeper meaning in your walk with God—this episode will encourage, equip, and challenge you to live with bold faith and holy discipline. 📩 Want to join the Athlete Disciples community or be featured on the podcast? Reach out here: @christianvball

In this episode of Athlete Disciples, we sit down with pro basketball player Melvin Tobar for a real, refreshing conversation about faith, rest, and what it means to be a kingdom-minded athlete. We dive deep into Matthew 11:25-30, unpacking Jesus’ invitation to “come to me and I will give you rest”—and what that really means for Christian athletes carrying the pressures of performance, purpose, and identity. Melvin shares powerful personal testimony, how his walk with God transformed his mindset on and off the court, and why true peace only comes from surrender. Whether you’re an athlete, a believer, or both, this conversation is a reminder that rest isn’t weakness—it’s spiritual strength. 👉 Topics we cover: What biblical rest really looks like (especially for high performers) Why Jesus reveals truth to the humble, not the “clever” Childlike faith vs. striving How Melvin’s faith influences his basketball career Encouragement for athletes battling burnout or identity confusion Scripture Focus: Matthew 11:25–30 Version Read: ESV & Amplified Classic

Pro beach volleyball player Avery Drost tackles the foundation question: How do you share faith with someone who doesn't even know there's a Creator? Big pieces of this Bible study: Why understanding God as Creator changes everything about competition How to see your athletic abilities as gifts from your Maker The origin story that transforms your identity as an athlete Tools for sharing faith with teammates and competitors Description: Professional beach volleyball player Avery Drost joins us to explore Acts 17:24-28, where Paul explains God as Creator to the philosophers in Athens. Before we can fully receive the gospel, we need to understand who made us and why we're here. Avery breaks down why this foundational truth changes everything about how we view our abilities, competition, and purpose as athletes. Through Discovery Bible Study, we dive deep into what it means that "in Him we live and move and have our being" and how this reality should shape every aspect of our athletic journey.