After her team, the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, managed an incredible Elite Eight win over the University of Southern California in a tight 80-73 game, UConn point-guard Paige Bueckers spoke to the media about the game and how it went, crediting God for the incredible victory and for helping her recover after a serious injury,
Speaking to ESPN after the game, Bueckers said that God helped her do all she could in the game and that she is a “living testimony” to his grace and glory. She said, “So much gratitude. I’m a living testimony. I give all glory to God. He works in mysterious ways.”
Continuing, she said that she thinks the big challenges she faced trying to get back in the game and recover were tests from God to see if she is a believer willing to put her faith in His hands. She said, “Last year, I was praying to be back at this stage. And he sent me trials and tribulations. But it was it was it was to build my character. It was to test my faith to see if I was [one of His] believers.”
Continuing, she added that she did believe and that she did everything she could to let God’s plans come to fruition, saying, “But I just kept on believing. I did all I could so God can do all I can’t. And just so much joy and pride for this team. I’m so proud. We’re not even supposed to be here. And here we are a godly miracle. I’m just so proud. I can’t even put into words.”
Responding, the ESPN interviewer noted that the coach had said as much earlier, telling Bueckers, “That’s what coach told us earlier. He said it’s gonna take a miracle for us to win especially with a depleted roster.” She then asked how things will go with the slimmed down team, asking, “But what is the message to everyone? That is that is not an excuse with this group.”
Bueckers said that anything is possible through God, telling her, “You’re getting that you can overcome anything with God on your side. Well, hard work on your side. And with the belief and faith and just the perseverance of resilience. It’s all about how you overcome adversity in life and battle tested and just sticking together as one and not letting anything break us out.”
Watch that powerful interview here:
“I’m a living testimony. I give all glory to God.”@UConnWBB’s @paigebueckers1 giving thanks Monday night after clinching another trip to the Final Four.
(🎥 ESPN) pic.twitter.com/kYU67g6Sax
— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) April 2, 2024
Commenting on a post about the interview, one person said, “Paige is blessed by God. Of course you acknowledge the one who gave you those abilities.” Another wrote, “Congratulations to Giving our Lord and Savior all the glory,” and still another added, “What a great perspective – praise God!”
A different commenter, however, argued that the media should do more to air the stories of those who lose but still praise God, writing, “It’s easier to praise God when you’re winning. I’d like to see more coverage of the athletes who still praise Him after falling short of their goals…especially from sports that don’t get as much media attention.”
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video