Faith Forward - When Sports and Spiritual Life Collide
- Melody Perez

- Jul 11, 2025
- 2 min read

Being a teen, student athlete, Jesus follower, and basketball player isn’t always easy. There have been times when I didn’t feel like I was enough. I doubted myself, questioned my purpose, and wondered if I really had what it takes. But in those moments of confusion, my identity in Christ helped me keep going. I realized that God didn’t just give me talent—He gave me purpose.

That purpose led me to start Ball n’ Faith, a movement that brings together my love for basketball and my desire to live boldly for Jesus. For me, it’s not just about playing the game. It’s about playing with heart, passion, and purpose. Living loud for Christ helps me stay grounded and shine a light for others—my friends, family, coaches, and even kids at school I don’t know personally. Some have told me they follow my journey, and that honestly means a lot.
I’ve seen how social media can hurt people, but I’ve also seen how it can help. I use mine to share scripture, real talk, and encouragement that all points back to Jesus. As long as I keep God at the center, I believe I can reach my biggest goals: by earning a D1 scholarship, making it to the WNBA, and using my platform to inspire others through basketball and faith.

Every day, I’m putting in the work. I’m growing in my relationship with God, staying consistent in training, and taking every chance I get to improve my game. I’m learning to trust the process—both on and off the court. Ball n’ Faith is still growing, but it’s already making an impact, and I’m excited to see where God takes it.
I’m also working on my first published piece, “Rooted & Ready: A 30-Day Devotional for Young Athletes.” I wrote it for other young athletes like me who need encouragement, direction, and a reminder that their identity in Christ is stronger than any fear or failure.
My story’s still unfolding, but one thing I know: as long as I move Faith Forward, God is going to take me further than I could ever imagine.




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