On December 2, 2023, the University of Central Oklahoma Men’s Basketball team defeated Lincoln University 79-55. A resounding win for the Bronchos was more than just a defense of their home court and a conference win. This victory was the 600th win for Head Coach Bob Hoffman.
 
When asked about the milestone after the game, Coach Hoffman said “I’ve been blessed with good players and good assistant coaches. It’s great to reach this mark but it’s a reflection of all the people that have helped me along the way.”
 
A meaningful reflection of Jesus happens as we acknowledge the roles others played in our accomplishments. 
 
I love Coach Hoffman’s response because it’s the right response. It’s what he should say in the afterglow of his 600th win. I appreciate his response because he meant it. His deflection of praise to others in win 600 is consistent with how he has responded the previous 599 times.
 
For eight seasons, I served on Coach Hoffman’s staff at Mercer University as Team Chaplain and Director of Basketball Operations. I had a front row seat for 162 of his wins. For eight years, we consistently won games, and I watched him consistently give the recognition to others.
 
Coach Hoffman Understands
 
1. We are not self-made
Everything we do is built upon a foundation given to us by God. He blesses us with passion, talent, and drive. Accomplishments happen as we put in the work, but the genesis of everything we have and can do can be traced back to the one who created us. Win or lose, Coach Hoffman gives God the glory.
 
2. We are reflections of those who have invested in us
We are human bank accounts; Not only can we make deposits into our lives and what we seek to accomplish, but others can as well. The good results we experience are a byproduct of the deposits put into the account of our lives.
 
3. We need to help others because others have helped us
The realization that we have experienced good things as the result of other people investing in our lives should motivate us to invest in the lives of others. We have been blessed to be a blessing.
 
Within any success story, we find people who believed in, invested in, helped, and cheered for an individual to succeed.
 
Who are you investing in?
 
Keep Reflecting Jesus!