Shaw Family’s Perfect Harmony: Faith, Family, and Sports

GCU men’s basketball team sees value in the intersection of Christianity and sports

The Shaw family is a shining example of how faith, family, and sports can come together in perfect harmony. Casey and Dana Shaw, along with their four children, are deeply committed to their Christian beliefs. Their family dynamic is built on the strong bond between Isaiah and Caleb as they play for the basketball team coached by their uncle Bryce Drew at Grand Canyon University (GCU).

Both the Shaw and Drew families have a strong connection to Christianity, with many family members leading men’s programs at Christian institutions like GCU and Baylor. In 2024, both GCU and Baylor made it to the Men’s NCAA Tournament, securing victories in the first round. This achievement was especially significant for GCU as it marked their first tournament win since moving up to Division I in 2013.

The Drew brothers, Bryce and Scott, share a coaching philosophy that incorporates biblical principles. They emphasize teamwork, selflessness, and unity in all aspects of their coaching style. Casey Shaw believes that this approach helps build a strong and healthy program that values spiritual growth alongside athletic success.

At Baylor University, Scott Drew has cultivated a culture of joy within the basketball team. This culture centers around putting Jesus first before prioritizing others and then oneself. As a Christian school, Baylor provides an environment where players can pursue both their spiritual life and athletic pursuits while remaining grounded in faith-based principles.

Paul Putz from Baylor’s Faith and Sports Institute acknowledges the impact of Drew’s coaching style on building successful teams that are cohesive and spiritually connected. Both schools have shown that when faith is integrated into sports programs, it leads to stronger teams that are not only successful but also make a positive impact on society.

In conclusion, the Shaw family embodies the perfect combination of faith, family, and sports. Their commitment to Christian beliefs has influenced them throughout their lives both personally and professionally. Their dedication has helped them build successful programs at both GCU and Baylor while maintaining a focus on spiritual growth alongside athletic success.

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