Tennessee Volunteering Their Faith Stories

Barnes, Ament and Boswell

(Chicago, IL) – Elite Eight games today are being played on Palm Sunday and members of the Tennessee basketball team are volunteering their faith stories. Nate Ament, Bishop Boswell and head coach Rick Barnes were glad and straight forward about where their lives are anchored.

When asked about coach Barnes’ faith, the uber-talented Ament said Barnes’ faith walk was one of the reasons he chose to play at Tennessee. The second team all-SEC guard says Barnes’ Christian values make their mark on the culture of the program.

Ament says his personal commitment to Christ helps him play for something more than just himself.

Boswell added that playing at Tennessee made it a ‘safe place’ to be free to express his beliefs. Even the Jewish Ethan Burg, says Barne’s approach is one that he enjoys.

 

Ament doubled down. The SEC all-freshman team member shares that his worth comes from being a child of God rather than a winning or losing basketball player.

 

Coach Barnes says the most important thing in his life is trying to follow Jesus. The owner of over 860 college coaching victories says when he came to Tennessee he determined to have ‘power talks’ with his players before games. Those power talks are about having a relationship with Jesus.

Quoting Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Barnes says keeping his mind and heart on the ‘main thing’ is truly essential.

While volunteering their faith stories, these players and their coach are often speak of gratitude instead of being entitled. After Friday’s victory, Ament’s mood was more subdued than many of his teammates. He told me there is still more work to do.

The Job Isn’t Finished

“The jobs not finished,” said Ament. “We’ve got something we came here to accomplish. Tennessee’s never been to a Final Four. We know we got our work cut out with Michigan. They’re a really good team.”

It’s Palm Sunday and these Tennessee players and their coach will be trusting one another and the Lord during their battle with an outstanding Michigan team.

Do Good

 

Editor: Cover photo courtesy of utsports.com.