Sports have been a big part of my life over the years, though admittedly I have no major accolades to boast of. In my youth I enjoyed being a participant on numerous teams, and as an adult I have relished opportunities to coach my kids and cheer them on from the sidelines. Beyond the thrill of competition itself, key lessons about life and eternity readily emerge on the fields and courts of play.
Not surprisingly Scripture is full of athletic references. From running your race (Heb. 12:1-2) to the discipline of boxing (1 Cor. 9:26-27), the Bible continually admonishes us through the imagery of physical contests. Utilizing the backdrop of competing, Christians can learn to live according to God’s rules (2 Tim. 2:5) if they want to win the prize that accompanies a faithful, self-controlled life (1 Cor. 9:25). By arguing from the lesser to the greater, personal fitness can teach us the eternal value of godliness (1 Tim. 4:8).
For these reasons, I genuinely appreciate coaches who not only understand but also seize the opportunity to leverage sports as a tutorial on life. As you might expect, the leader of any team has an incredible opportunity to develop his players while displaying strong Christian faith. Let me tell you about a local hero in our corner of the world who has excelled in this way.
For five years now, I’ve had a front-row seat to the extraordinary leadership of Coach Dexter Williams, who lives out his faith both on and off the court. With a total record of 102-46, multiple district titles, two state tournament runs, and numerous players moving on to compete at the next level, Coach Williams has led our small Christian school to new heights in the sport of basketball. These are not, however, his greatest accomplishments.
The best coaches are servant leaders. Rather than seeking to relive their previous glory through others, they prioritize the growth, maturity, and success of their players. In keeping with Jesus’ command, those who wish to become great must be willing to serve the people around them (Mark 10:43). Coach Williams has numerous decorated past achievements as a coach and a player, but you would never know it. For him, it’s always about his boys. He understands that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
The best leaders are willing to hold people accountable as well. Being a Christian athlete does not mean, as some assume, that you settle for mediocrity. The faithful wounds of a friend are what make us all better (Prov. 27:6, 17). Pushing players to be their best has been a hallmark of Coach Williams’ leadership. Through the discipline of hard work, consistency, and great patience, he pulls the very best out of each of his players, often exceeding everyone’s expectations (Eph. 4:2, 1 Thess. 5:11). Many will run from high expectations, but skilled mentors will refuse to lower the standard.
Wise coaches also understand and insist that the team must come before any single personality. Everyone has a role to play, and the good of the whole diminishes if one member exalts himself too highly (1 Cor. 12:14-26). Rather than hamper individual success, though, a team mindset empowers players like a rising tide. During Coach Williams’ tenure, numerous players have broken school records, including two new all-time scoring leaders. Each milestone, while acknowledged, was never prioritized above the success of the group.
Finally, memorable coaches love their players well (1 Cor. 16:14). Playing any sport is tough, both physically and mentally. The challenges of personal development, rival atmospheres, and enormous time commitments are not for the weak or timid. Knowing that you have a coach who cares about you as a person outside the lines of competition often makes all the difference. I am thankful for how Dexter Williams cares for each member of his teams. Because of our leader, we value star athletes and role players equally, functioning as a family that works and plays together.
Overall, my greatest admiration for Coach Williams stems from his unwavering commitment to lead his players to be more like Christ (Prov. 10:9, 1 Cor. 11:1). Early on he invited me to serve as his team chaplain, giving me a front row seat to his leadership. Not once have I ever doubted his faith or integrity. Even during the most intense moments, I have never heard a single profanity fall from his lips. He takes copious notes during our team devotions. He repeatedly points his players to Jesus, challenging them to live as Christian men.
Obviously, the biblical principles mentioned above apply to our lives in more areas than just sports. Winning and losing; putting in the practice and performing under pressure; working hard when everyone sees and when no one sees; striving to succeed and learning to stay humble; doing your best and prioritizing others—these are life skills that live far beyond your final game. Having the right people in place to pass them on to the next generation is essential. Thank you, Coach Williams, for being that kind of man.
Don’t ever underestimate the value of a godly coach.
Adam B. Dooley
May 13, 2026
