Earlier this month, Uncommon Sports Group hosted a group of two members at the WBCA (Women's Basketball Coaches Association) in Cleveland, OH, alongside the women's college basketball Final Four weekend.
Each USG member who attended presently works or desires to work as a college basketball coach. Because of the many faithful Clean Out For A Cause® donors, USG was able to provide funding for the travel and lodging expenses of each member who attended the convention.
The WBCA Convention was held in downtown Cleveland at the Huntington Convention Center from April 3rd to April 6th. The convention allows current and aspiring women's basketball coaches to connect with peers, learn from the best, recognize coaches who excelled during the season, and grow as coaches.
USG had eight members who attended the event, two of whom were fully funded and are all currently coaching women’s college basketball. The convention allowed people to connect with friends and coworkers they haven't seen in a while, learn from some of the best coaches, and grow and learn different ways to mentor and coach their players.
The convention offered breakout sessions to expand their knowledge on different ways to train and coach players, how not to get burnt out, and how to stay grounded while coaching. A lot of our members were able to network with coaches from all over the country who were willing to give them advice and help them navigate their future in the industry.
On Friday morning, USG partnered with a few other sports ministries to put on a morning prayer gathering for coaches to join. We met at a local YMCA for an hour on Friday and prayed for the sport industry, the coaches, and the players. The Director and Manager of the YMCA came in and talked to us for a while, and they felt God leading them to sing a worship song with us.
USG shared a booth with Athletes in Action (AIA) at the convention, allowing us to collaborate and make connections. We had the opportunity to touch base with current members at USG, whom we were able to get to know better and encourage as they continue their journey through the industry. We also spent time with some of the members outside of the convention for a meal during the women's Final Four games.
On Saturday Morning, we had another Prayer Gathering where a few more people could join us. We had a moment to relax and reset in small groups, and one of the AIA members led us through a verse, some conversation, and prayer time. It was a cool opportunity for present leaders and coaches in the industry to speak about the lives of future coaches, encourage them, and pray for each other's needs.
As each attendee heads back to their respective locations, they are equipped and encouraged to be lights for Christ in their roles as coaches, graduate assistants, and student managers. We are excited to see these young men and women continue to be Christ-centered leaders within the women's college basketball world!
If you want to have an experience like this one and join USG’s community of Christians working in college and pro sports, tap this link to learn how to get involved.
If you want to learn more about our organization, contact a staff member here!
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