Episode 66 features Mark Wood, the Liberty High School men’s basketball coach who recently led the Liberty Lions to the 6A Arizona State Championship—their second title in three seasons. A Phoenix native, he shares his journey from player to coach and reflects on growing up in a family of faith without fully embracing it early on.

He discusses the pressure athletes face today, especially around scholarships and performance, and challenges that mindset. His philosophy centers on playing for each other, embracing roles, and building character—because in his view, winning isn’t everything, and results don't define the impact of the process.

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a teammate or someone who needs it.

Follow Identity Sports for more content on faith, identity, and competition.

Stay connected:

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/identitysports_official/⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@IdentitySports⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@identitysports⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.identitysports.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information.

Follow Mark on social media: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lhscoachwood

Have questions, topic ideas, or want to connect? Reach out through social media or the website—we’d love to hear from you.

Help more athletes discover their true identity in Christ by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing the podcast.

This episode features LPGA caddie Bruce Quickel and his unexpected journey to the professional golf world. From serving in the Gulf War to losing a stable job, Bruce’s path was anything but predictable. What began as part-time work at a golf shop eventually opened the door to caddying on the LPGA Tour, where he now loops for Gina Kim. Throughout the conversation, Bruce shares how military discipline, perseverance, and a deep trust in Christ helped him navigate uncertainty, setbacks, and new opportunities. His story is one of resilience and faith, showing how staying grounded and authentic can lead to purpose in even the most unlikely circumstances. Listeners will walk away encouraged by his perspective on trusting the process, embracing change, and finding direction through faith.

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a teammate or someone who needs it.

Follow Identity Sports for more content on faith, identity, and competition.

Stay connected:

Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/identitysports_official/⁠⁠⁠

YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@IdentitySports⁠⁠⁠

TikTok:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@identitysports⁠⁠⁠

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.identitysports.com/⁠⁠⁠ for more information.

Follow Bruce on social media: https://www.instagram.com/bruce_quickel/

https://www.instagram.com/just_a_looper/

Have questions, topic ideas, or want to connect? Reach out through social media or the website—we’d love to hear from you.

Help more athletes discover their true identity in Christ by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing the podcast.

This episode features pro golfer Jake Reiff, who shares his journey from growing up as a pastor’s kid to chasing fulfillment in the world—and ultimately finding it in Christ. He talks about struggling with identity rooted in performance and the desire to impress others, and how he discovered true purpose in glorifying God. Jake also highlights his daily practical ways of following Jesus and how he now sees golf as a mission field to lead others to Jesus.

Want to support Jake's professional golf journey? Reach out through the links below!

⁠https://www.instagram.com/jakereiff⁠

https://www.jakereiff.com

Follow Identity Sports for more content on faith, identity, and competition.

Stay connected:

Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/identitysports_official/⁠⁠⁠

YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@IdentitySports⁠⁠⁠

TikTok:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@identitysports⁠⁠⁠

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.identitysports.com/⁠⁠⁠ for more information.

Have questions, topic ideas, or want to connect? Reach out through social media or the website—we’d love to hear from you.

Help more athletes discover their true identity in Christ by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing the podcast.

This episode features former Mississippi State and NFL linebacker Richie Brown sharing his walk with Jesus, from his upbringing in Mississippi to life now. He explains how a personal relationship with Jesus reshaped his identity and gave him purpose beyond football. Richie highlights what it means to live free from sin, embrace your identity in Christ, and use your life to impact others through the gospel. He also emphasizes the importance of spending intentional, personal time with Jesus, leading to a strengthening of our faith and transforming us from the inside out. If you are curious about what being a follower of Christ is, this episode will answer some questions you might have.

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a teammate or someone who needs it.

Follow Identity Sports for more content on faith, identity, and competition.

Stay connected:

Instagram:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/identitysports_official/⁠⁠

YouTube:⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@IdentitySports⁠⁠

TikTok:⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@identitysports⁠⁠

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.identitysports.com/⁠⁠ for more information.

Follow Richie on social media: https://www.instagram.com/richiebuildsright/

Have questions, topic ideas, or want to connect? Reach out through social media or the website—we’d love to hear from you.

Help more athletes discover their true identity in Christ by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing the podcast.

Most athletes spend their lives chasing performance, but Will Mabrey discovered a deeper purpose through faith. A former Tennessee Volunteers pitcher and current Arizona Diamondbacks prospect, Will shares how setbacks—including missing high school baseball, a devastating family loss, and a career-threatening injury—strengthened his relationship with Christ.

In this episode, Will opens up about going from being around faith to fully surrendering his life to Jesus in 2025, and how that decision transformed everything. He talks about redefining his identity beyond the game, and learning to trust God through every high and low. He shares the daily habits that anchor him—prayer, scripture, and community—and shares the importance of reflecting Christ to others—especially in difficult seasons.

He also reminds anyone walking through pain that they are not alone. His story is a powerful reminder that true success isn’t found in results, but in living with purpose, faith, and peace in Christ through every season. If you're ready to redefine what success truly means and walk confidently through trials, this episode is your next step.

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a teammate or someone who needs it.

Follow Identity Sports for more content on faith, identity, and competition.

Stay connected:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/identitysports_official/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@IdentitySports⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@identitysports⁠

Check out ⁠https://www.identitysports.com/⁠ for more information.

Follow Will on social media: https://www.instagram.com/willmabrey41

Have questions, topic ideas, or want to connect? Reach out through social media or the website—we’d love to hear from you.

Help more athletes discover their true identity in Christ by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing the podcast.

Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Logan Van Treeck joins the show to share his journey from Lipscomb University to professional baseball with the Cincinnati Reds. He opens up about the mindset shift between his junior and senior seasons that changed everything, learning to stop forcing outcomes and instead trust in God’s plan. Logan talks about the importance of following the Lord’s calling on your life, wherever it may lead. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at draft day, his rehab process after Tommy John surgery, and how he has stayed rooted in Christ while navigating the constant movement and challenges of life in pro baseball.

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a teammate or someone who needs it.

Follow Identity Sports for more content on faith, identity, and competition.

Stay connected:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/identitysports_official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IdentitySports
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@identitysports
Website: https://www.identitysports.com/

Have questions, topic ideas, or want to connect? Reach out through social media or the website—we’d love to hear from you.

Help more athletes discover their identity in Christ by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing the podcast.

This week on the podcast, former TCU pitcher and Texas Rangers prospect Luke Savage joins the show to share his journey of finding freedom in Jesus. Luke talks about how he once placed much of his identity in his performance on the baseball field and the pressure that came with it, before discovering the freedom of finding his true identity in Christ. He also shares about Blessed Feet, the organization he founded that collects donated cleats and provides them to kids and organizations in need, using the game of baseball as a way to serve others and make a lasting impact beyond the field.

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a teammate or someone who needs it.

Follow Identity Sports for more content on faith, identity, and competition.

Stay connected:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/identitysports_official/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@IdentitySports⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@identitysports⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.identitysports.com/⁠

Have questions, topic ideas, or want to connect? Reach out through social media or the website—we’d love to hear from you.

Help more athletes discover their identity in Christ by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing the podcast.

On the show this week, Chicago Cubs infielder Matt Shaw joins to share how his faith has transformed the way he approaches both life and baseball. During his sophomore year of college, he was encouraged to start reading the Bible after years of searching for purpose and reading numerous books trying to find answers. It didn’t take long for Matt to realize that the Bible revealed the purpose he had been looking for all along. He talks about how that discovery changed his perspective and helped him understand that his identity is not rooted in baseball, but in his faith. Heading into his second year in the league, Matt shares that his biggest goal is to trust God no matter the circumstances, knowing that true peace comes from surrendering control and relying on Him. He also offers encouragement to young athletes pursuing their dreams.

Takeaways

- Faith became a significant part of Matt's life in college.

- Reading the Bible helped Matt find his purpose.

- He learned that his identity is not solely in baseball.

- Matt's goals for the season are trusting God to dispute the circumstances.

- Matt emphasizes glorifying God through his actions and playing ball.

Notable Quotes:

- “I had already been searching for this idea of purpose in my life for probably three or four years, maybe even longer. And I read a lot of different types of books to try to get there, but it wasn't until I read the Bible and I was like, this is what my purpose is.”

- “God has a unique plan for all of us.”

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a teammate or someone who needs it.

Follow Identity Sports for more content on faith, identity, and competition.

Stay connected:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/identitysports_official/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@IdentitySports⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@identitysports⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.identitysports.com/⁠

Have questions, topic ideas, or want to connect? Reach out through social media or the website—we’d love to hear from you.

Help more athletes discover their identity in Christ by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing the podcast.