Canaan Coffey - Men’s Basketball

I was…

Lost and fearful. I grew up in a great Christian household as a pastor’s kid. Both of my parents have worked in the church for my whole life, and I have three older brothers who all competed in sports through the collegiate level. As a kid, I constantly compared myself to the success of my brothers and put my identity in who I was as an athlete. My parents were amazing and would constantly tell me, “You’re the only Canaan Coffey,” but I continued to believe the lies the enemy would tell me that I wasn’t good enough. I became afraid of how people would view me if I had a bad game, and I started to put so much pressure on myself because I tried to impress others through how I played a game.

But Christ

Transformed my mindset. Since coming to Indiana Wesleyan University as a member of the basketball team, I have learned the importance of putting my identity in Christ. As an athlete, it can be so easy to fall into a “performance-based” identity where our athletic success dictates how we approach life. But, I want to say that you can play in so much freedom when you put your identity in Christ. My coaches have guided me in realizing that I can worship through basketball. Too often, I limited my idea of worship to singing songs and playing instruments. Instead, Christ transformed my mindset and allowed me to understand that I can worship Him through the game of basketball.

And now…

I no longer put my identity in basketball. Christ has gifted each one of us in a unique way, and it is our job to use these gifts to glorify Him. For me, it just happens to be the game of basketball. Each day, my goal is to approach practice and games with a mindset of worship. I am so thankful for this mindset shift because of the freedom I have been able to experience. You do not have to live a life of comparison when you know where your identity lies.

Life Verse

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for all believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

Challenge to Other Athletes/Coaches

My challenge to other athletes and coaches: Don’t take your next practice or game for granted. Every day is an opportunity to show Christ through how we approach our sport. Remember that your identity lies not in the things of this world, but in Christ. Pursue him wholeheartedly and find a way to glorify Him through your gifts.