What Does It Mean To Be An Athlete At CDA Flower Mound
Below, Coach Jeff Cornell, Athletic Director and Head Volleyball Coach at CDA Flower Mound, shares his view of what it means to be an athlete at our Classical Christian school.
"As a Classical school our emphasis is on developing the whole person; the body, soul, mind, and spirit. A student athlete brings their entire being into the competition space, not just their talents. Therefore, as coaches we are to mentor and train up every area of that student-athlete to be the best version of themselves that Christ has for them. We want them to love the Lord with all their heart and love their neighbor well. We train them in overcoming adversity, building resilience, learning how to be a good teammate, and how to persevere in all aspects of their being. To train the body is an essential element of Classical learning and competition. We must strive to reach new heights, run faster, jump higher, lift more as we challenge our body to become all that God created it to be. Spiritually it is essential to connect God’s word and heart within the structure of athletics. This manifests itself through prayer, devotion, practical teaching, and offering good godly counsel when situations arise.
"As a Classical school our emphasis is on developing the whole person; the body, soul, mind, and spirit. A student athlete brings their entire being into the competition space, not just their talents. Therefore, as coaches we are to mentor and train up every area of that student-athlete to be the best version of themselves that Christ has for them. We want them to love the Lord with all their heart and love their neighbor well. We train them in overcoming adversity, building resilience, learning how to be a good teammate, and how to persevere in all aspects of their being. To train the body is an essential element of Classical learning and competition. We must strive to reach new heights, run faster, jump higher, lift more as we challenge our body to become all that God created it to be. Spiritually it is essential to connect God’s word and heart within the structure of athletics. This manifests itself through prayer, devotion, practical teaching, and offering good godly counsel when situations arise.
Participating in athletics helps you to understand what it is like to be part of a team, which will prepare you to be a great classmate, co-worker, and spouse down the road. Participating in athletics helps you develop essential character traits that are needed for success. This year we are focused in on selflessness, unity, being committed, passionate, and courageous. The theme for the year is Relentless and the idea behind it is that we continue as Christ calls us TO STAND even when the winds, rain, and storm comes. We will persevere for the glory of his renown
Our athletes grow spiritually by having weekly Bible studies, daily prayer and scripture focus’, as well as team retreats. Last year as an athletic department we studied with our athletes the book of Philippians. This year we are going to study character traits of our King as well as look at biblical principles that support our pillars of being: Courageous, Passionate, Committed, Selfless, and United
This year I am excited to see our athletes stretch to become the best version of themselves. I am excited to see Christ glorified in our teams. I am excited to see lives continually transformed for the Kingdom. What a joy it is to be able to train up young men and women who will shape culture for the glory of our King"
