Identity Sports Podcast

Where did the concept of christians being soft come from? In this episode Scottsdale Christian Academy Director of Faculty and Staff Development and Men's Basketball Coach Paul Clark and Identity Sports host Zach Vogel dive into this very topic along with coaching tips on how to train your athletes to compete Biblically. In this episode of the Identity Sports Podcast, Paul shares:- Are christian a...

What do you do when everything around you crumbles? What happens when everything you’ve worked for falls apart? Baylor Giannini was a rising star in college baseball until a coach changed his mechanics, leaving him unable to control his mechanics which led to a slippery slope. Eventually released from the team and forced to start from scratch, Baylor battled the weight of expectations and the stru...

In this episode, women's golfers Carli and Haily dive into:- Overcoming Doubts- The Battle of Competition (especially as triplets)- Discovering Who You Are- Struggles of Comparison- Being Intentional With Your FaithWhether you're a golfer looking for tips to improve your game, someone seeking inspiration, or a fan of powerful stories of faith and perseverance, this episode has something for you.📌...

In this episode, women's professional golfer Maddie McCrary shares her inspiring journey of gaining her LPGA tour card in 2019. After dealing with injuries, Maddie is currently on the Epson Tour as she fights to earn her way back to the LPGA. Maddie opens up about: Finding peace on the golf course amidst the challenges of professional play. Starting a Bible study on the Epson Tour and the impact o...

In this episode, we sit down with Frankie Capan III. Frankie is fresh off earning his PGA Tour Card as he finished 3rd on the points list on the Korn Ferry Tour and won the 2024 Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship. Join us as we sit down with Frankie and hear his mindset and how his faith is keeping him grounded as he steps into his dream of playing on the PGA Tour. In this episode we cove...

Join us as we sit down with former collegiate athlete and host of the Pruned Podcast, Ryan Shieh. Ryan had big aspirations of becoming a major league baseball player when getting hit by a pitch in a fall league game led to something bigger than himself. In this episode we cover:- Ryan's recruitment journey to Liberty University- Understanding that there is a greater story than what we have planned...

Join us as we sit down with former #1 overall draft pick, Stanley Cup winner and 4-time NHL All-Star, Bobby Smith. Bobby's achievements on the ice are nothing short of incredible. The list goes on of accolade after accolade, however, we wanted to dive in past the accolades and get to know Bobby and how his Christian faith has driven him both as a player and as a human. In this episode we cover:- B...

Join us as we sit down with San Diego Padres Reliever, Jason Adam in the middle of an epic NLDS showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In this episode we cover:Jason's resilience in overcoming injuries early in his career- An inside look into triple play against the Dodgers that clinched playoff berth for the San Diego Padres- Jason's experience in the World Baseball Classic- An inside look int...

Join us as we sit down with former MLB All-Star, Author, and motivational speaker, Dave Dravecky. In this video we cover:- Dave's Journey to the Major Leagues- An inside look into the "comeback game" and the diagnosis that the cancer came back- Becoming God's masterpiece and trusting in His planHit LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more powerful stories from athletes who inspire! Don’t forget to tu...

Life isn’t about striving for victory, it’s about living FROM VICTORY! 🙌 Through Jesus, we have the ultimate gift—freedom. There's nothing we can do to make God love us more, and nothing the enemy can do to take away His grace. Look at the Last Supper in John 13:27, after Satan had entered Judas, Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly." Even Satan has to obey Jesus. So why do we...

Join us as we sit down with UFC Welterweight, Trey "The Truth" Waters as we dive into his upbringing, overcoming the hardships of his environment, and stepping into the calling God has provided him and giving back to his community. In this video we cover:- Trey's rise to the UFC- Defeating the "orphan spirit" and understanding that you are a Child of God- Identity in Christ as an athlete- His time...

Join us as we sit down with former NFL offensive guard, Koda Martin. After a career at Texas A&M, Koda went signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers. Koda also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints before being waived and signing with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL.In this video we cover:- Koda's journey through college and the NFL- Quest...

Join us as we sit down with MMA Heavyweight fighter and former NFL Linebacker, Anthony Wint. Anthony's story is one of inspiration and a commitment to excellence. After being cut by the New York Jets, Anthony found himself signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football league before COVID-19 canceled the season leaving Anthony looking for new opportunities. It was then when he finally...

Join us as we sit down with former MLB pitcher and 2013 Big 10 Pitcher of the year, Aaron Slegers, for an inside look into his career and journey to the Big Leagues. Unlike, most professional athletes, Aaron did not receive a varsity letter in high school. Due to growing 7 inches over one summer, Aaron struggled with staying healthy. Check out the episode, how Aaron overcame those challenges, beca...

Often times we find ourselves waiting for the next big moment. But when that moment comes, are you ready? Can you say that you did everything within your power to be prepared to seize the moment? Join us as we sit down with Edmonton Elks Wide Receiver, Hergy Mayala as we discuss being putting in the work to be prepared for whatever chances or opportunities the Lord provides. We also dive into Hegy...

Join us as we sit down with former MLB All-Star Russ Ortiz for an in-depth conversation about his incredible career, the role of faith in his life, and the deep fear many high achievers face: the fear of being 'found out.' Russ opens up about the pressures of professional sports, the ups and downs of his journey, and how he found peace and purpose beyond the pitcher's mound. This is a powerful epi...

Join us as we dive deep into the journey of the 2023 ASUN Golfer of the Year, Mary Kate Smith from Lipscomb University. In this episode, we explore the journey and life lessons that God has taught Mary Kate along the way, including how to use Golf as her mission field and even how she is navigating the difficult journey of transitioning out of college golf into her new career. Whether you're an at...

During the 2007 NFL season, Lorenzo Alexander and his teammates quickly learned that they were not invincible like so many athletes can feel like at the peak of their game. It was the shocking death of beloved teammate Sean Taylor that shocked the team and the entire sports world. Taylor's death sent shockwaves throughout the locker room which played a key role in players like Lorenzo seeking answ...

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Identity Sports Podcast as we sit down with former Dallas Cowboys star and now coach, Greg Ellis. Hear Greg share his incredible life story, from his fun highlights on the field to his profound journey of faith. Discover how hard work and honoring God have shaped his career and life beyond football. Whether you're a die-hard Cowboys fan or looking for motiva...

🔥 Experience the Inspirational Journey of Colts Running Back Zavier Scott! 🔥Dive into the compelling story of Zavier Scott, the Indianapolis Colts running back, as he shares his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. From his early days playing football at U.S. military bases in Europe to making it in the NFL, Zavier’s journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and perseverance. 🏈🙏In This Video...

What if your dream wasn't what God had in store for your life? Today's episode dives into that very question and the journey of giving your dream over to God's will. Tune in as we dive into this incredible episode with Lance Thonvold, a former college baseball standout at the University of Minnesota and drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 24th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. Lance's promising care...

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Lipscomb University Women golfer, Lauren Thompson. Lauren was named 2022 ASUN Freshman of the Year, named ASUN Golfer of the Week 7 times, and has won 7 individual titles in her career at Lipscomb. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Lauren and hear what God is teaching her through golf and how she actively uses that to encourage those a...

Welcome to Identity Sports! In this inspiring episode, we chat with Brandon Barriera, the #4 ranked prospect in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. Brandon, the 23rd overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft, has faced immense pressure to perform and the challenge of reaching the big leagues. Despite suffering numerous injuries, including undergoing Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure, he...

Welcome to the Identity Sports podcast! In this episode, we dive into the life of PGA TOUR Winner Charlie Beljan. Despite undergoing an anxiety attack in the middle of a round on national television, Charlie defied doctor's orders and went on to win the 2012 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic. From there, Charlie would later take a leave of absence from the Tour as he dealt with his anxi...

Welcome to Identity Sports! In this inspiring video, we sit down with San Diego Padres Minor League Hitting Coach Jed Morris as he shares invaluable life lessons on staying present and grounded in any situation. Discover how Jed's Christian faith and perseverance have helped him overcome significant hardships and learn his strategies for playing free and focused on the field. In this video, yo...