Every journey begins somewhere — and for many of us, the beginning was messy. Trauma, hardship, instability, or adversity shaped who we became. But Scripture tells us something profound:
“You did not choose me, but I chose you…” — John 15:16 (NIV)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” — Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)
Being "Chosen" means your story has purpose — even the painful chapters.
Research shows that young people who experience adversity but also receive mentorship, structure, and faith-based support are more likely to develop resilience than their peers.
The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that resilience is not fixed — it is built through relationships, skill-building, faith, and purpose (APA, “The Road to Resilience,” 2023).
Studies from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child show that “one stable, supportive relationship” can buffer the long-term effects of childhood trauma and stress.
Your struggles didn’t break you — they built capacity in you.
God uses broken places as building places.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” — Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Every setback seeded strength. Every loss built discipline. Every challenge prepared you for leadership, parenting, ministry, or entrepreneurship.
Being “Chosen” is not perfection — it’s perseverance with purpose.
Athletics are powerful — but only when paired with character. That’s why Chosen Sports Leagues is more than a league — it’s a development system.
Scripture reminds us:
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better…” — 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
“Iron sharpens iron…” — Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
Modern research proves what coaches have known for decades — sports shape the mind, not just the body.
1. Sports increase academic success:
A 2019 study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that students who play organized sports have:
Higher GPA
Better attendance
Greater on-time graduation rates
2. Sports improve mental health:
The NCAA reports that athletes experience:
Lower anxiety
Stronger self-confidence
Improved emotional regulation
3. Sports build character:
The Positive Coaching Alliance found that youth athletics develop:
Resilience
Teamwork
Leadership
Social-emotional control
A child who learns discipline on a court will use discipline in a classroom.
A child who learns teamwork in a huddle will learn collaboration in life.
A child who builds confidence in a game will carry that confidence into adulthood.
Chosen builds athletes, but more importantly — we build people.
When I look back on my life — surviving being shot, becoming the first in my family to earn a degree, and rising from adversity — I know this for certain:
Mentorship saved me.
Scripture confirms the importance of guidance:
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” — Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
Research consistently proves that mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for youth development.
1. Kids with mentors are more likely to succeed.
According to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America:
55% more likely to enroll in college
78% more likely to volunteer
130% more likely to hold leadership positions
2. Mentorship protects the brain from stress.
Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child found that one consistent, caring adult can reverse the effects of toxic stress on brain development.
3. Mentorship improves behavior.
The Search Institute reports that students with strong adult relationships show:
Better attendance
Higher motivation
Lower risk of substance use
Greater self-worth
Young people don’t just need a coach — they need a mentor.
They need a voice that builds instead of breaks.
A voice that believes instead of criticizes.
A voice that guides instead of abandons.
Just like I had.
Everything I do today — the leagues, the Pathway Player Program, the book, the mentoring, the teaching, the entrepreneurship — comes from two sources:
Faith and family.
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15 (NIV)
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
When I look at my wife, Makaylah, and our daughter, Jermanee, I’m reminded of why I grind so hard — and why purpose matters.
Studies show that families who have shared goals, routines, and purpose experience:
Lower stress
Higher happiness
Stronger emotional resilience
(American Journal of Family Therapy, 2021)
Faith-based households also show:
Lower depression
Higher self-esteem
Stronger identity formation in children
(Pew Research Center, Religion & Family Study, 2019)
My survival wasn’t luck — it was calling.
My success wasn’t random — it was preparation.
My ministry, coaching, leadership, and teaching are all extensions of gratitude.
I survived moments meant to stop me.
Now I live to build others.
This isn’t business.
This is legacy.
This is ministry.
This is purpose.
And I’m just getting started.