The Prize Podcast: Competing for Christ

Maddie interviews UNK Women's Basketball guard, Meg Burns. Meg shares about her journey of learning to bring her faith into everything she does, not just leaving it at Church on Sundays. She is honest about her struggle with perfectionism and talks about the verses and perspectives that have helped her along the way. As a Christian athlete, Meg finds strength when she focuses on competing with the mindset of Christ. Tune in for a joyful conversation that will remind you of the freedom Christ offers as you compete for an audience of one.

Maddie welcomes UNK Women's Basketball guard, Klaire Kirsch. Klaire opens up about her struggles with jealousy and strife that come from having a competitive spirit. She is able to live out her faith on the court by reminding herself of how temporary the sport actually is. As part of competing for Christ, Klaire recognizes that even her opponents are made in God's image. Tune in to be encouraged by her honesty and uplifted by her joy for the Lord.

UNK Head Women's Basketball Coach, Carrie Eighmey, never thought she would make a career out of coaching. However, after 17 years of coaching, 6 of those with the Lopers, she was named the 2021 Division II Coach of the Year. Despite her successful career as a player and coach, Coach Carrie knows that it's about more than just the game. She speaks about the emptiness of worldly success and how she finds fulfillment in Christ alone. Tune in to hear Maddie and Coach Carrie's conversation about how she became a coach for Christ. Being intentional, putting new strategies in place, and identifying a mission statement have allowed her to make the changes God has called her to make. 

Maddie welcomes UNK Football Punter, Hunter Kraus. Hunter shares about how he realized that football can be a platform to share the love of Christ with others. He also talks about dealing with pressure and moving on after making mistakes. Tune in to be inspired by his humility and gratitude, as he reminds us of what a blessing it is to be able to play sports each day.

Maddie welcomes UNK Track & Field runner, Kyla Carlson, to hear how she lives out her faith in sports. Kyla shares about how Doing Sports God's Way (an FCA teaching) has completely changed the way she competes. She shares her struggles with identity, comparison, and injuries, as well as what God has taught her through those hard times. Tune in to be inspired by her joy, faith, and desire to glorify God in all that she does.

UNK Point Guard, Haley Simental, joins Maddie to share the life lessons she has learned through the game of basketball. Tune in to hear about her battle with comparison and the freeing truth she found in the Parable of the Talents. Haley also gives insight on the difference between motivation and grit, and what it means to live into her values. She aligns her life decisions with her vision, dreams, and goals, which allows her to become the best version of herself. After a difficult first 4 years of college basketball, she hit the biggest shot of her career, and has since gone on to play 3 more years and see her dreams come true. Haley will leave you inspired by her story of grit, courage, and faith.

Maddie welcomes UNK Football Defensive Back, Gabriel Amegatcher. Gabriel shares about learning to be patient and trusting God's timing through life's setbacks. Being fearless is a key characteristic for Gabriel, but what does that really mean? He opens up about the reality of feeling fear, but choosing a fearless mindset. Tune in to be inspired by his honesty about the struggles of college, injuries, and identity, all while being encouraged by his bold faith.

Brady Bonsall is the head UNK Cross Country and Track & Field Coach. He ran collegiately at Nebraska-Lincoln and professionally for 5 years out of college. During his time at UNK, he has been awarded coach of the year in both the RMAC and MIAA Conferences.

Tune in to hear Coach Bonsall's story of starting as a walk-on and then becoming a national qualifier. He also shares about what it means to honor God, and how he strives to have an eternal impact on his athletes. Finally, through many life stories and experiences, he explains why it is necessary to focus on the process more than the outcome.

Maddie welcomes Brooke Carlson, a post player on the Nebraska-Kearney Women's Basketball team, as she shares about keeping an eternal perspective in the midst of competition. Tune in to hear Brooke's story of learning to compete for Christ, finding freedom, having hope through trials, and releasing control to God. She also shares about hard work, grace, and confidence.

"The Prize" podcast invites you into conversations with collegiate coaches and athletes as they share about competing for Christ. These coaches and athletes bring faith into sports and teach others how to do the same. Rather than only striving for trophies and medals, they have learned the importance of seeking the eternal prize Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Join "The Prize" podcast host Maddie Wiltse, a member of the women's basketball team at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, as she shares her journey of learning to play free in Christ. Tune into upcoming episodes for interviews with fellow coaches and athletes. Episode 1 premieres July 27th!