Sports can often be a vicious roller-coaster full of exhilarating highs and crushing lows. For Spring Arbor Men's Basketball guard Eli White, this has been the microcosm of his career. After bursting on the scene as a Freshman, leading the team with 14.5 points per game, and following it up with a strong sophomore campaign, where he averaged 9.2 points per game and shot 35% from behind the arc, White suffered his first knee injury before his Junior season, resulting in him missing the entire 2023-2024 season. After a dedicated recovery, White was able to return for the 2024-2025 season, only to see that taken away with another knee injury early in the season. Injuries can be incredibly tough situations for athletes due to the amount of time and effort that they dedicate to their sport, however, they can also be great learning opportunities, which is exactly what they have been for White. Realizing that his strength comes from the Lord, White has been able to push through the grind of recovery, and kept his identity rooted in his creator, allowing him to endure through adversity. He tells us how he has done just that:
 
 
How do you connect your spiritual and athletic life here at SAU?
 
I connect my spiritual and athletic life by using basketball as a platform to impact those around me. Going through highs and lows teach you about life, and who God's character is. I believe that connecting the two is one of the most important things when it comes to growing into the person I want to become.
 
How do you see God currently working in your sport?
 
As I am battling to come back from injuries I am in the middle of realizing that I cannot overcome everything alone. But I think that is the whole point. God wants to flex his muscles and he wants us to rely on Him. So putting down my pride and leaning on His strength has been an area I have seen His hand at work.
 
Do you have a favorite Bible verse or spiritual practice that encourages you as an athlete?
 
 "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
 Romans 5:3-4

What advice would you give to younger athletes who want to keep faith at the center of their sport?
 
Do not idolize it. The sport you play is a privilege, and it is fun. Recognize that the game has an end, and you can't take it with you into eternity. With that said, make the most of your God given abilities and work at it with all your heart as if you are working for the Lord. 

In what ways has being a part of SAU Men's Basketball helped you grow in your faith?
 
The impact my teammates and coaches have had on me is incredible. Seeing those role models live out the faith and walk in confidence and boldness is inspiring and makes me want to be a role model for others. The challenges I have faced and the support I have had through those times have changed my life. I am a transformed person because of it.
 
How do you wrestle with the struggle of putting your identity in Christ vs. the temptation of putting it in your sport/success?
 
This is still a struggle I face from time to time. But I now understand that if I have a bad game or a good game or whatever it is, my value does not come from the outcome. I know this because that is not why God loves me. He loves me because of who He is, NOT because of what I do. Seeing yourself have a bad/good game can get you emotional, but setting your mind on process oriented things has really helped me. I try to remind myself of this when things get tough because it is easy to lose perspective on life.