Keeping Centered
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
-Matthew 6:33-34
One of the most admired college athletes at UCLA, Bryce Alford has always loved basketball. SInce he first picked up the ball, the star has always had the dream of making baseketball what he does. As Alford made big moves during his time at UCLA and has competed in professional basketball leagues across the world, he says that he wants to give God the glory in the midst of all the successes and setbacks. Although his career in basketball has had it’s highs and lows, Alford says he remains comforted by his faith which he holds close to his heart.
Born in Indianapolis and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Alford says that faith has always been an important aspect of his life. As he grew up, he stopped going through the motions of his faith, and he fully committed himself to it. “I grew up in church, but I made my own commitment to follow Jesus when I was in high school. Ever since then, all my life decisions have been made around Jesus and His plan for me.”
After high school, Alford committed to UCLA and began his basketball career there. During his time with the Bruins, he set school records for three pointers made in a game, season, and career. Throughout his success with UCLA, he also focused on keeping faith a priority and glorifying God through it all. On the court, Alford says faith is something that has always been there for him and has helped give him strength and confidence going into each game that he plays. “ Faith influences my basketball career every single day! Whether it’s waiting for your next contract or trying to get out of a shooting slump, having faith that God is in my corner always keeps me centered.” During his professional basketball career, Alford has experienced time in both the United States and overseas in Germany. Alford says his faith keeps him grounded and confident that God is with him throughout all the ups and downs. Away from the court, Alford is incredibly proud of another accomplishment for him. Alford became a husband to his wife, Ali, in late 2019 and is so thankful for the role of a husband that God has given to him. “Faith is the center of my wife and I’s relationship. Every problem that arises in our relationship we bring to Jesus. We put all our burdens on Jesus. As a husband, my faith has shown me the importance of honesty and faithfulness to my wife. I wouldn’t be the man/husband/basketball player I am today without my strong faith in Jesus.” Although basketball can often be full of uncertainties and hurdles, Alford is thankful to have his wife to help him stay focused and reliant on Jesus. As they grow in their relationship together and face life with each other, faith remains an integral part of their marriage.
Although the future for Alford is uncertain, he remains confident. Even as he is uncertain of where he will be next year or what team he will be playing for, he knows that even in the midst of those trials and confusions God has a greater plan in store. Although it may not yet be clear, Alford is grateful for the opportunity to play professional basketball in such a competitive league and anxiously awaits the opportunities in the future for him to show off his skills and glorify God through it all.
