Spirituality and sports
Famous coaches relied on their faith that led them and their teams to success. We reflect on their quotes which could, in some way, redirect us to a much clearer purpose.
MIKE KRZYZEWSKI – Popularly known as Coach K, he was responsible for Duke University’s basketball program for 42 years and led the Blue Devils to 5 NCAA titles. He was assistant coach to the 1992 Dream Team, coached the gold medal winning US men’s basketball team at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and the gold medal 2010 and 2014 US teams to the FIBA World Cup.
“When you are passionate, you always have your destination in sight and you are not distracted by obstacles. Because you love what you are pursuing, things like rejection and setbacks will not hinder you in your pursuit. You believe that nothing can stop you.”
Coach K said he always has his mother’s rosary in his pocket during games.
YOGI BERRA – The New York Yankees legend was an 18-time All-Star and appeared in 14 World Series, winning 10. A devout Catholic, he believed that it is best for us to move ahead in life as indecision can get us stuck in our daily struggles.
“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” He also said, “Somebody’s gotta win, somebody’s gotta lose. Just don’t fight about it. Just try to get better.”
Berra was also known for his humorous and often nonsensical one-liners that reporters called ‘Yogisms’.
JOSE MOURINHO – A former footballer and coach of European first tier leagues, the Portugal born Mourinho is a 2-time EUFA Coach of the Year and a FIFA World Coach of the Year. He is a multi-titled coach having at least 25 championships with various European teams. To date, he is with Roma of the Italian Serie A.
Believing “totally, clearly”, Mourinho said that his relationship with God is the most important thing in his life.
“Before I got into high level football, I worked as a teacher. I spent a year working with children who had physical or learning disabilities. I wasn’t prepared for that.
However, I was able to do well by relying on something very simple – love, empathy and building relationships.”
DON SHULA – The winningest coach of the NFL. legendary coach Shula steered the Miami Dolphins for 25 years, appearing in five Super Bowls, winning two. The highlight of his career was when the 1972 Dolphins went 17-0 enroute to a victory in Super Bowl VII.
“It makes a real difference to me when I start off each day by giving thanks and asking for help from God. There’s something good about kneeling down, asking for help and listening for answers.”
Shula tried to attend Mass everyday if his schedule permits.
DOMINIQUE DAWES – A 3-time Olympian and 1996 gold medal winner with the US gymnastics team. Married to a Catholic school teacher, she converted to Catholicism in 2013. She runs the Dominiques Dawes Gymnastics Academy in Maryland.
“’I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. I have to remind myself of that constantly because I need to remind myself that I’m not alone. I didn’t do gymnastics alone. I didn’t get formed in my mother’s womb alone. I wasn’t given this gift alone.”*