From Backyard Battles to Faith on the Court: Stephen Curry’s Journey of Family, Faith, and Basketball
Written by G Njuguna on June 8, 2024
Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, my childhood memories are filled with the exhilaration of intense basketball games in our backyard. Despite my dad’s NBA career, the most cherished matches were the ones I played with my little brother, Seth. We would spend hours on our homemade court, illuminated by a bright stage light, competing until our mom’s voice would echo through the window, calling us inside. Those games were fierce, but that’s what brothers do when they share a bond as strong as ours.
Family was at the core of everything in our lives, even our education. My mom, a remarkable woman, founded a Christian Montessori school where we all attended. With Mom as the headmistress, our aunt as our teacher, and our grandmother as the cook, we were surrounded by love and guidance. They instilled in us a strong belief in God, and we regularly attended church services and Bible studies.
One defining moment stands out vividly in my memory – the day I gave my life to Christ. I was in fourth grade when I fully understood the gospel of Jesus Christ and walked down the aisle to make a commitment to Him. My parents continued to nurture my faith, ensuring that I comprehended the significance of my decision. As I moved on to middle school at Charlotte Christian School, the gospel continued to shape my daily life. Looking back, I am grateful for the constant presence of the Lord during my formative years.
During high school, I aspired to follow in my father’s footsteps and play basketball at Virginia Tech. However, the ACC schools showed no interest in me. I trusted that God had a plan for me, and it became clear when I met Bob McKillop, the head coach at Davidson College. Coach McKillop shared his vision for my future at Davidson and how he could help me achieve my goals. Moreover, his deep faith made it even more appealing to play under his leadership. This experience taught me patience and the importance of seeking God’s will, as He had a plan for me all along, even when I couldn’t see it.
Our remarkable run to the 2008 Elite Eight with Davidson felt like a divine preparation for a bigger stage. My mom always reminded me that God places His people in different areas of life to reach more people for Him. I embraced that opportunity to use basketball as a platform to glorify Him.
In 2009, my dream came true when I sat in the green room with my family, hearing my name called as the seventh overall pick in the NBA Draft. It was a surreal moment, but my faith remained the driving force behind my journey. I am blessed to have an incredible support system in Oakland, where around ten of my teammates join me in pregame chapels and prayer.
The Holy Spirit is moving through our locker room like never before, enabling us to impact many lives. Personally, I strive to utilize this platform to share how God has blessed me and how He can bless others as well.
Basketball is a gift from God, but I understand that it can be taken away at any moment. In the grand scheme of things, it’s just a game. However, I appreciate that it gives me the opportunity to do good and direct people towards the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross. I find solace in knowing that I have a place in heaven awaiting me because of Him, a reward that no earthly prize or trophy could ever surpass.
My identity extends far beyond the jersey I wear; it lies in Christ living within me.
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