“You are something special, Joey. You will make a difference!” That is what my grandfather has said to me since I was in elementary school. He always believed in me, encouraged me, and supported me, even if I didn’t believe him. My Pawpaw Duke is a planner, a goal setter, a provider, and a teacher. He almost died last spring and I realized how much he continues to influence people, especially me. While he was in the hospital, I met one of his former students. He pulled me aside and told me how much my grandfather meant to him. He told me how my PawPaw had encouraged him when he didn’t have anyone or anything. Wow! Duke certainly made a difference. He taught me to have dreams and set goals. “If people don’t laugh at your dreams, they
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I played at church in Upward and then in Hill Country Youth League, but in 7th grade I began playing for the school and was forced to stop playing in youth leagues. However, I was given the opportunity to be an assistant coach and gladly accepted the offer. Ever since then I’ve been able to spend time with young kids and help develop their skills. It was great watching all of the kids build character along with their skills. Pat Riley once said, “It’s what you get from games you lose that’s extremely important.” Teaching those kids helped me become a leader, build character, and become a more humble player. One season, after a game a kid came up to me and asked, “Are you number 22?” I responded with,” Why yes I am. How’d you know?” He then said with the biggest smile on his face,” I think you’re really good. When I grow up, I want to be just like you.” This little boy couldn’t know that my family was falling apart or that I was struggling with my faith. But, immediately I knew what I was called to do. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” God put me in that situation to show me what I needed to do with my life, and that is to coach the sport I love,
I played at church in Upward and then in Hill Country Youth League, but in 7th grade I began playing for the school and was forced to stop playing in youth leagues. However, I was given the opportunity to be an assistant coach and gladly accepted the offer. Ever since then I’ve been able to spend time with young kids and help develop their skills. It was great watching all of the kids build character along with their skills. Pat Riley once said, “It’s what you get from games you lose that’s extremely important.” Teaching those kids helped me become a leader, build character, and become a more humble player. One season, after a game a kid came up to me and asked, “Are you number 22?” I responded with,” Why yes I am. How’d you know?” He then said with the biggest smile on his face,” I think you’re really good. When I grow up, I want to be just like you.” This little boy couldn’t know that my family was falling apart or that I was struggling with my faith. But, immediately I knew what I was called to do. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” God put me in that situation to show me what I needed to do with my life, and that is to coach the sport I love,