Keith Smart enjoyed the experience of playground basketball and the greatest collegiate spotlight of all…the NCAA Tournament. Keith hit one of the biggest shots of all helping Indiana capture the 1987 National Championship. But it was events on and off the court that have helped him see God’s Championship Game Plan. You’ll be challenged to Power Up for Christ as you follow his journey. 

Bio:

He is perhaps best remembered for hitting the game-winning shot in the 1987 NCAA championship game that gave the Indiana Hoosiers a 74–73 victory over the Syracuse. 

After two seasons at Indiana, Smart was signed by the San Antonio Spurs. He also played in the World Basketball League and later in the Continental Basketball Association with the Rapid City Thrillers (1995–96) and Fort Wayne Fury (1996–97).[6] He also played two seasons in France, and one in Venezuela.

In 2002, Smart finished the season as interim coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2003, he became an assistant with the Golden State Warriors. In 2010, Smart took over for Golden State Warriors head coach Don Nelson before the start of the 2010-11 training camp. He later joined the Sacramento Kings as an assistant coach in November 2011. On September 17, 2014, the Miami Heat announced they had hired Smart as an assistant coach. On May 12, 2021, Smart was announced as Assistant Coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks under Head Coach Eric Musselman. On January 15, 2022, Smart served one game as the Arkansas interim coach while Musselman was out with shoulder surgery. Smart led the unranked Razorbacks to a thrilling 65-58 victory over No. 12 LSU in Baton Rouge.

Smart and his wife Carol have two children.  His son Jared played football at the University of Hawaii. 

Links/Books/Resources:

The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/

Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/

Sports Ministry Certificate Program through Our Daily Bread University @ odbu.org/sports

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WNBA Chaplain, Diane Vampatella shares her journey of collegiate athlete, wife, mother, WNBA and collegiate Division I Chaplain. You’ll quickly understand why we titled our visit with her “A Front Row Seat to God’s Amazing Grace.”  You will be inspired to Power Up for Christ when you hear how the Lord has used Diane and her amazing family.

Guest Bio:

Diane Vampatella has been on staff with Cru and Athletes in Action for over 30 years, primarily at the University of Connecticut. She and her husband, John, also with AIA, have been married since 1992.  One of our greatest joys has been the privilege of raising our four now-adult children:  Steven, Justin (now married to Lydia), Abby, and Julia.  

At UConn, Diane leads a ministry to student-athletes, and also serves as a co-chaplain for the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA, a role she has had since 2003.  As a volleyball player at the University of Pennsylvania, she first understood God's grace and forgiveness by watching the lives of some teammates involved in AIA.  She's continually amazed that she gets a front-row seat to watch God transform lives!  Please feel free to reach out for more information or to receive our regular newsletter by contacting us at:  [email protected]

Links/Books/Resources:

Athletes in Action:  https://athletesinaction.org

The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/

Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/

Sports Ministry Certificate Program through Our Daily Bread University @ odbu.org/sports

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Just as most sports contests experience an ebb and flow, so it is with sports ministry. Athletes in Action president, Mark Householder shares some valuable insight as it relates to ministry and sport…the ups, downs and growing opportunities. With over 40 years of leading a world-wide ministry to athletes, coaches and others, Mark opens his heart as to how sports ministry has impacted his walk with Christ and how he desires to impact others as he Powers Up for Christ. 

Bio: Mark came to Christ on the campus of the University of Cincinnati in 1977 when an Athletes in Action staff member shared the Four Spiritual Laws with him.  Five years later, as a graduating engineering student, Mark clearly felt the Lord's call to enter the mission after taking a staff interview during a spring break conference in Daytona Beach. Mark joined staff in 1982 and was placed in Cincinnati in a role that was split between campus field staff at the University of Cincinnati and office administration that served campus and pro staff across the U.S. Over the years, Mark has served in various roles within Athletes in Action, including leading campus and pro staff, the Ultimate Training Camp and various international projects and assignments.  He has served as AIA's fourth president since 2009.

Mark and Marianne were married in 1985 and have three adult children: Lauren, married to Mark Sjoberg, and two sons, Robbie, married to Katie, and Garrett. The Householders have four grandchildren; Ezra, Wyatt, Avery and Knox.  Marianne's role with AIA includes serving and supporting our staff. She loves people and has served AIA staff over the years by applying her gifts and abilities in the areas of leadership development, ethnic diversity, donor relations, and staff care.

Mark loves to work in the mission, and a number of years ago Marianne exhorted him to develop some hobbies.  That was great advice.  Mark loves the outdoors, has recently played more golf and loves to grill and smoke meat.  He currently is on a quest to smoke the "perfect brisket."

Links/Books/Resources:

Athletes in Action:  https://athletesinaction.org

The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/

Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/

Sports Ministry Certificate Program through Our Daily Bread University @ odbu.org/sports

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Bob Schindler has been involved in helping many move forward in sports ministry as COO of CEDE Sports. His passion is coming alongside and encouraging those who are serving athletes, coaches and others in the ever-growing, ever-changing world of sports. He also has a desire to help those who serve others in the Name of Christ through sports in the local church.    

Bio:

Bob Schindler is the COO of CEDE SPORTS, where he has served since 2003.  (CEDE SPORTS strives to impact the people of sport through churches and chaplaincy). Prior to that, Schindler was an Associate Pastor, church planter and Senior Pastor in two churches in East Tennessee. In both churches, Bob started sports ministries that served both adults and children and were the primary outreach vehicle for both churches.  Before entering the ministry as a vocation, Schindler played professional golf, worked in the chemical and software industries. Bob studied Chemical Engineering at Vanderbilt University and is currently pursuing his Masters in Religion with an emphasis in Christian Thought at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC. Schindler published his first book - Does God Care Who Wins? - in 2017.  Bob and his wife of 45 years (Beth), have seven grown children (one daughter, three sons, three daughters- in-law) and five grandchildren. They have called New City Church (formerly Church at Charlotte) home since 2003 and have been supporting missionaries of the church since 2008.

Links/Books/Resources:

• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/

• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/

• Sports Ministry Certificate Program through Our Daily Bread University @ odbu.org/sports

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Brian Cabral knows the joys and the struggles of playing professional football. From being cut from a squad to wondering if he ever wanted to play again to experiencing what NFL player desires…a Super Bowl Championship! Brian also knows the ultimate fulfillment of surrendering his heart and life to Jesus Christ…God’s Plan is Truly Super! 

Guest Bio:

Brian Cabral stood in as the head coach at the university of Colorado for three games during the 2010 football season. His experience as an NFL Line-backer and Super Bowl winner for the Chicago Bears has paved the way for many experiences in the game. He now serves as the character coach at the University of Colorado. He was also an outstanding linebacker for the Buffaloes at the University of Colorado. Cabral has worked youth camps as well as all-Polynesian camps in the continental U.S. He is a founding board member of the Polynesian Coaches Association.

Links/Books/Resources:

• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Sports Ministry Certificate Program through Our Daily Bread University @ odbu.org/sports

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In this conversation we hear from a young lady who knows what it’s like to experience the pressures of study, sports and at times…little sleep as she competes at the Division One level. Jill Bohnet is a senior defensive specialist with LSU Volleyball.

Her desire has been to participate, practice and compete in a manner that reveals why Christ is the center of all she does. She is truly Powering Up for Jesus!

Guest Bio:

A high energy defensive specialist with great speed and ball control … helped lead College Park High School to two third place finishes at districts and an Elite Eight appearance in 2017 … As a team captain in 2018, she set the single-game dig record (64), single-season dig record (1,057) and the career dig record (1,996) … named Vype North Houston Player of the Year and Third Team All-Greater Houston as a senior … Won numerous awards as a senior in 2018 including Wendy’s High School Heisman School Award Winner, American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour All American Team – Honorable Mention and PrepVolleyball All American Team- Special Mention … a three-time academic all-district performer in the classroom, four-year honor roll member, National Honor Society member, National English and Honor Society member. 2021 SEC Academic Honor Roll. As a Freshman with LSU volleyball, saw play in 47 out of 102 sets. In sophomore year, played in all 22 of LSU’s matches and as a  junior appeared in 25 matches and played in 83 sets with three starts.  A devoted follower of Jesus desiring others to see Christ in her no matter what the endeavor.

Daughter of Michele and Steve Bohnet … Has two siblings, Michael and Kristen Bohnet … Both parents and both siblings have attended LSU.

Links/Books/Resources:

• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Sports Ministry Certificate Program through Our Daily Bread University @ odbu.org/sports

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Robert Ash knows the excitement in playing in a post-season Bowl game and he knows the exhilaration that comes from winning a bowl game. Robert also understands the pain of having a dream taken away due to injury. But when you listen to his journey, you’ll quickly understand that his desire rests not in big time wins or performance on the field but in representing Jesus Christ with a champion heart focused on eternity. 

Guest Bio:

Robert Ash is a local Youth Pastor and FCA area representative. Rob’s joyful way of communication helps break down walls of insecurity and his love and passion for the youth generation encourages them to find hope and purpose in life.

He has a Masters Degree in Organizational Performance and Workplace Engineering from Boise State and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. He is a Fiesta Bowl and Mountain West Conference Champion and an award winner of the prestigious Boise State- Lyle Smith Award for Community involvement, academic excellence and sports performance on the field.  He is a current student of Western Seminary studying under Phd, Gerry Breshears.

After years of volunteering and doing an internship at a local church he moved into a full time position in youth ministry.  During the transition from the business world to the local church Rob met his wife while speaking at a youth conference.

He currently resides in Meridian, Idaho with his wife Danielle. Together they pastor the youth of his home church, Capital Church. Rob also spends time growing the kingdom as a staff member with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes where he mentors coaches, runs huddles and does character training within the West Ada School District. When he isn't coaching ,attending sporting events, reading or teaching, he loves fly fishing, wake surfing and almost anything else that has to do with warm weather and of course eating. 

Links/Books/Resources:

• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Sports Ministry Certificate Program through Our Daily Bread University @ odbu.org/sports

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When it comes to a discussion about sports and ministry, there are so many avenues to take. But on this program, we have invited Matt & Alissa Wallace to help us take a look at Sports, Ministry, Marriage and Family. This couple understands the challenges sports ministry can present but they also understand the importance of taking time for their marriage and their family. Their journey will encourage you to Power Up on the field but also at home. 

Guest Bios:

Matt and Alissa Wallace have led FSI Michigan now since the fall of 2017. Matt is the Vice President of FSI and they together have a support based ministry that leads college sports teams, churches and ministry groups on Vision trips locally in Grand Rapids and Detroit and globally in Haiti, Guatemala and Honduras. Mentorship, podcasting and Bible studies are also a part of their college student ministry. Matt and Alissa live in Grand Rapids, Michigan with their four children.

Links/Books/Resources:

• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Sports Ministry Certificate Program through Our Daily Bread University @ odbu.org/sports

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In football we often speak of sudden change. This can be described as a turning point where your team fumbles the ball or throws an interception. Our guest this week knows all about sudden change on the field and from a personal standpoint. Frank Giardina has been involved in athletes for over 40 years but in 2015 he experienced sudden change when he suffered a stroke. It was a turning point in his journey but not in his desire to Power Up for Christ. 

Guest Bio:

Frank Giardina has worked as a college football and basketball broadcaster. and athletic administrator, for the last 45 years.  Worked at Marshall University, East Carolina University and Penn State University.  Frank also has worked as a broadcaster for the ESPN Sports Properties, the Big Ten Network and for many years with Sports Spectrum radio. He is a member of the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in the state of West Virginia. Member of the Marshall University School of Journalism Hall of Fame. Frank suffered a massive stroke on Valentine's Day, 2015. He and his wife Cindy have 5 children and 7 grand-children. 

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Sports Ministry Certificate Program through Our Daily Bread University @ odbu.org/sports

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Frank Burton has an interesting story. From a promising collegiate athlete with sites set on professional baseball to a career in the FBI to serving as a team chaplain at the University of Delaware. His journey will be an encouragement that no matter what may come our way, God is still very much in control and desires that we Power Up for Him to impact others for the Kingdom. 

Guest Bio:  

Apostle Burton is a retired Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he completed 22 ½ years of dedicated service. In the FBI he served as the Media Coordinator for the Philadelphia Division. He was a decorated Negotiator, Civil Rights Coordinator & expert, member of the Bureau’s National Recruitment Team, and Team Leader of the FBI’s elite Special Operations Group. Frank currently has 31 years of Law Enforcement experience.

Apostle Burton is the Pastor of Perfect Will Ministries, in New Castle, DE, where he and his wife Tasey are Pastors and Founders. He is a proud member of the Delaware State University Athletic Hall of Fame. He was inducted for his Baseball and Football accomplishments… Class of 2000. He will complete his graduate studies in December of 2022, receiving his Master of Science Degree in Administration of Justice, with a concentration on Criminal Behavior from Wilmington University in Delaware. Apostle is currently the Chaplain for the University of Delaware Football Team in Newark, DE, providing spiritual support and guidance to the UD Student/Athletes & Coaches.

Apostle Burton is also an Author of “From FBI Agent to an Apostle… Saga of a Spiritual Sniper.”  

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Sports Ministry Certificate Program through Our Daily Bread University @ odbu.org/sports

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