Faith, Basketball, & More w/ Coach Eric Walker

Join Adrian Rangel as he interviews ABA Rising Stars coach, Eric Walker, about succeeding in faith-based programs.

Faith, Basketball, & More

Coach Eric Walker, affectionately called 'Coach E', sat down on the N2AthleteX podcast to discuss how he balances faith with both his youth & professional basketball athletes. As the head coach of the Roanoke Rising Stars and organizer of the Skills & Drills Basketball Camps, Coach E aims to provide an outlet for athletes... and not just through sports. 

Keeping The Faith

By starting every practice and game with devotionals and prayers, Coach E keeps the faith in athletics. He leads by example, giving thanks after every game, and regularly growing in his faith practices. 

Growing up, Eric's family went to church but it wasn't yet a part of his lifestyle. He went onto the military, getting out of the habit of the Sunday preachings... only to find it again in North Korea. A few years later, Eric understood why he kept drawing closer to the Faith. He is a messenger.

And through this realization, Coach E began incorporating the publications that helped to influence his faith into his practices. Together, athletes and Walker dissect both the biblical principles & life principles presented in these passages. 

Coach E began to speak his truth while letting others still be themselves. This practice of devotions continues even if he is not there, and it's this consistency that has given such great results for the athletes and teams he's coached.

Practicing What You Preach

Aside from his professional basketball teams, Coach E also hosts early morning Skills & Drills Clinics. Every Tuesday and Thursday, athletes of all ages show up before dawn ready to learn. Coach E is right there with him, devotional in hand and ready to lead.

"If you want success, the day starts early." 

Coach Eric Walker

Just as Eric strives for excellence in his faith and coaching, he expects his athletes to do the same.

Student-Athletes who walk into his gym with a C- grade won't cut it. To find success in basketball, school, and life; these kids must put for A+ effort in all things they do. And when that mentality clicks for his athletes, Coach E can tell.

They set their alarm to be on the court at 5 am. They get their parents up to drive out there. They show up awake and ready to get better. This type of preparation does more for the athletes than any jump shot or sprint drill. Coach E's clinics prepare athletes for college and beyond -- they're ready to wake up early, handle the training, and school.

Now, sometimes, this can be difficult to accomplish. Parents may be hesitant to wake up that early to take their child to train, drop them off at school, then head to work. It's a lot to handle! On the other hand, as discussed in Dr. Turk's episode, there are parents who may push their children into waking up before they're ready... practicing more than they care to... and burning them out before their prime.

That's why Coach E makes a point to make his clinics and practice about the athlete, even by bringing ALL ages of athletes together.

The Bigger Picture

Walker's training rarely differs in the age of the athlete. Yes, there are progressions and regressions as with all drills and exercises. But, when a third-grader walks into the gym and sees a professional athlete ready to do the same drills, something special happens. 

The younger athletes get a sneak peek of what they could be if they stick with the drills and improve their abilities. And while they may not be ready to perform the exact drills, they are willing to try it... AND NOT AFRAID TO FAIL! As well, the older athletes have a chance to role model and lead the youths. This helps push them to not only be better athletes but better individuals.

And it is these types of individuals that help Coach E and his ABA team bring joy into the Roanoke community. As these athletes work as messengers and role models, kids are given hope and someone to turn to. Everyone is then able to come together and bring some peace to an otherwise tragic world at times.

Join the Movement

If you're a coach looking to bring some more faith to your teams and athletes, Coach E has this advice: make it your own. Bring your own flair to it and grow with your teachings as you wish your athletes to grow. Find what you identify with, and see how it can help the athletes. 

Many times, kids will hold onto whatever it is they're feeling/experiencing, unable to talk about it until they explode. But, by not pushing anything on them and simply speaking your truth, you are able to open the door to discussions.

Not ready to start daily devotionals and prayers with your athletes? That's okay! Even a simple share of the Rising Stars movement or Coach E's clinics can help spread this positive message. Check out the Rising Stars' Facebook Page or send a message to Coach E here. 

Skills & Drills Basketball is hosted every Tuesday & Thursday from 5 am - 7 am at Faith Christian School.