Why Did I Write The Game Changer Devotional for Athletes?

The Game Changer is available to order on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online platforms.

Recently, I had the honor of participating in a campus book event centered around my devotional, The Game Changer: A Devotional Playbook of Prayer, Scripture, and Affirmations for Athletes. The event was hosted by the Black Student Union and the Chapel Spiritual Life at Trinity University, both of which are doing meaningful work to support and engage Black male student-athletes. It was a blessing to collaborate and help bridge faith and sport through intentional conversation.

The book itself speaks directly to student-athletes navigating the daily balancing act of school, competition, and spiritual growth. Each week in the devotional offers not just encouragement but a challenge—to take biblical wisdom and apply it to real-life situations. The reflection questions are designed to move readers from inspiration to transformation.

Here’s a deeper look into the heart behind the book through a few questions I was asked during the event.

When did you first realize you were a game changer?

Growing up, my mother always reminded me, “You are a leader, not a follower.” At the time, I didn’t fully grasp it, but I now see that she was inviting me to step into a role she already saw in me. Her words built my confidence and taught me that I never had to compromise my values to gain approval.

There were always moments that tested the core values my parents instilled in me. But it was through my own journey of faith that I became stronger. When I started recognizing God’s work in my life and truly understanding His purpose for me, I felt called to make an impact wherever I go.

Being a game changer is about being the thermostat, not the thermometer. One reacts to the temperature in the room. The other sets it.

What inspired the four chapters of Identity, Accountability, Lifestyle, and Training?

These four areas are foundational. Too often, the missing link between knowledge and growth is application. These themes are meant to challenge athletes to live out what they believe.

• Identity is about self-awareness. It separates who you are from what you achieve. Your sense of self drives your behavior.

• Accountability is about community. It helps reveal blind spots and reminds us we grow best when we walk with others.

  
  

• Lifestyle is about integration. Faith isn’t just a Sunday activity—it should touch every area of your life, from how you compete to how you rest.

  
  

• Training is about discipline. It’s the process of strengthening your mind and spirit so you can endure adversity and grow through it.

What did your research reveal about faith and the identity of Black student-athletes?

One of the most powerful insights I found is that faith can be a grounding force. When Black athletes reflect on how their spiritual and cultural identities intersect, it can be a source of resilience. These conversations, whether internal or shared, can prepare them to face the emotional and mental pressures that often come with being both Black and an athlete in competitive spaces.

I wrote The Game Changer to be a practical tool that sparks that reflection. I wanted it to offer encouragement and wisdom rooted in Scripture and personal experience.

Did you have a mentor who changed the game for you?

Yes, I was blessed with several mentors during my doctoral journey. They created space for me to find my own voice in academia while modeling integrity and leadership. They provided opportunities and platforms while always encouraging me to grow in character.

Can you share a success story from someone you mentored?

One young man I mentored was struggling in school, had low self-esteem, and was being bullied. He eventually opened up to his parents, which led to a huge shift in his environment. Over time, he transferred schools by the decision of his parents, lost weight, found confidence, graduated with honors, and began pursuing music—something he was always passionate about. Seeing that transformation was powerful.

What do you want readers to take away from this devotional?

I want readers, especially young Black male athletes, to see that their faith in God isn’t something separate from the rest of their life. It should be the thread that weaves through everything: school, sport, relationships, and personal development. My hope is that they won’t settle for living on autopilot but will actively pursue a purpose-filled life with conviction, passion, and God at the center.

-Brandon Crooms, Ph.D.