SPAN Athletics

12/16/2025

May we continue to raise young athletes who challenge the status quo of what winning looks like from
*A kingdom perspective. Lindsay Werkhoven Patrick

BREAKING NEWS: Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joey Aguilar just delivered a powerful message that left some of the world’s richest and most influential people stunned, and then he backed it up with action.
Full story 👉 https://energywave.live/posts/breaking-news-tennessee-volunteers-quarterback-joey-aguilar-just-delivered-powerful-message-left-richestbts-baouyen123-cwfi
At a star-studded black-tie charity gala in Knoxville, surrounded by Fortune 500 CEOs, SEC boosters, and celebrities dripping in designer gowns and tuxedos, Aguilar took the stage to accept the Walter Camp Foundation’s National Community Impact Award, but instead of the safe, rehearsed speech everyone expected from a breakout college quarterback, the 24-year-old spoke straight from the soul.

He didn’t thank boosters by name or brag about the SEC title. Instead, he looked out at a room packed with millionaires and billionaires and said:

“If you are blessed with success, use it to lift others. No man should celebrate victories while children have no chances. If you have more than you need, it is not truly yours; it belongs to those who need hope.”

The ballroom went dead silent.

According to guests, several high-profile donors froze; no polite applause, no smiles; just stunned stillness as the words of a kid from California who just beat Alabama hung in the air.

Of course they didn’t clap right away. Truth hits different when it’s delivered by someone who actually lives it.

Because Joey wasn’t talking envy. He was talking responsibility.

And he didn’t stop at words. That same night, Aguilar announced he is personally donating his entire $1.7 million in NIL earnings from this season to fund after-school programs, tutoring centers, and college scholarship funds for underserved kids in his hometown and across Tennessee, proving leadership isn’t just spoken; it’s lived.

Aguilar’s message was simple, timeless, and undeniably human:

“Success means nothing if it doesn’t serve others.”

While boosters chase rings and headlines, a quarterback who just won the SEC reminded the world that true greatness isn’t measured by what you keep; but by what you give.

In an era where college athletes are called mercenaries, Joey Aguilar didn’t just speak tonight.

He made the world listen.

12/12/2025

🎁 One of the perks of being a sports dietitian this time of year? Getting surprise holiday boxes from some of my favorite partners, like the Texas Beef Council and the Pear Bureau 🍐🥩

These fresh food gifts are more than delicious, they’re a reminder of what truly fuels athletes at every level.

Whether it’s high-quality protein to support muscle recovery, or naturally sweet fruit packed with hydration and antioxidants, real food always wins. 🏋️‍♂️⚾️🏃‍♀️

As we head into the holidays (and the off season for many young athletes!), it’s the perfect time to celebrate local producers, seasonal eating, and the power of fresh in building healthy, strong, and motivated bodies and minds.

Here’s to fueling with purpose, eating with gratitude, and supporting the farms and food producers that keep us moving! 💪🌟

12/04/2025

🥚💪 What if the problem isn’t that we’re “over” consuming protein, it’s that most of us aren’t consuming it “correctly” or in the “right packages”.

Timing, type, and quality matter 🔑
Grabbing a giant dose once a day doesn’t do as much good as spacing it out. Fueling your muscles, metabolism, and recovery all day long.

Think of protein as your body’s construction crew:
If they all show up for one hour a day, progress is slow. But if they’re on-site for every shift: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, your body can actually build and repair efficiently. 💥

Prioritize lean, high-quality sources (like eggs, fish, poultry, beef, pork, dairy, beans, nuts, seeds, or complete grains like quinoa) in the right amounts throughout the day… not just a protein shake after a workout.

Smart distribution, not restriction or indulgence all at once is the real secret.

11/13/2025

10/30/2025

Coaches are at the heart of creating a team culture where athletes aren’t afraid to own their mistakes—they see errors as stepping stones to success, not setbacks to hide. When coaches encourage open conversations after practice or games, it helps athletes reflect honestly, identify what can be improved, and take real ownership of their growth.
A great coach celebrates effort and learning, not just results. By focusing on practice, feedback, and hard work, coaches give athletes confidence that improvement is always possible, no matter the setback. Athletes empowered to take responsibility become more resilient and self-driven, seeing every challenge as a chance to get better.
Mistakes handled the right way can strengthen team bonds and character. When athletes learn it’s safe to admit errors, they’re more likely to support each other and bounce back together. By consistently modeling patience, honest feedback, and belief in each player’s potential, coaches lay the foundation for a team that thrives on growth and accountability.

10/26/2025

Keep showing up! Do all things for the glory of God. Colossians 3:23-25

10/23/2025

When we look back one day, it won’t matter who had the fastest sprint time, the highest batting average, or the biggest stack of trophies on the shelf.

It won’t matter whose name echoed through the stadium speakers… or if they were ever called “the MVP.”

It won’t matter which team finished first in the rankings, or which coach said, “That kid is going places.”

Because when the cleats are eventually put away for good, the game-winning moments will fade—

but what will remain is WHO THEY BECAME IN THE PROCESS.

⸻

We love watching our kids compete. We cheer loud. We celebrate every hustle play. And yes — we beam with pride when the scoreboard reflects their hard work.

But even more than their performance, I treasure what sport is building in them.

✨ Humility and stronger faith
✨ Integrity when no one is watching
✨ Resilience under pressure
✨ Grit and a relentless work ethic
✨ True teamwork and selflessness
✨ Grace — in both victory and defeat

⸻

Because this season of life… it’s about so much more than the sport itself.

It’s about growth.
It’s about character.
It’s about shaping the kind of human they will be long after the scoreboard fades to black.

⸻

Here’s to raising strong hearts — not just strong athletes.
Grounded leaders — not just star players.
Great humans… not just great competitors.

🖤⚾🏅
Lindsay Werkhoven Patrick Stacy Bates

10/15/2025

😂 How many sports parents can relate!

Check out SPAN_Athletics’s video.

10/08/2025

09/28/2025

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

God continues to shape, challenge, and prune us—not to break us, but to make us more like Him and to bring Him greater glory. The race we are called to run isn’t always easy. There will be highs that lift us and lows that test us, but every step is marked out with purpose.

Keep running your race. Keep leaning on His strength. Even in the pruning, He is preparing you to soar.

09/09/2025

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4t9FeGQzl2yTHM8TxPyCiU?si=yz_mY0RoSiynSNMokyP52A

09/09/2025

Great coaches do more than teach skills, they inspire confidence, build character, and help athletes unlock their full potential.

A coach’s influence reaches far beyond the game, shaping resilience, leadership, and lifelong lessons.

To every coach investing time, energy, and heart into their athletes: thank you for the difference you make every single day.

Our Coaches POV podcast and social series is kicking off this month. Stay tuned and comment below or tag your favorite coach(es) to tell them how great they are and thank them for their impact in your life!