Trevor Nauert does not regret spending his college years as a student-athlete. Even more, a Christian college student-athlete. Nauert is a senior guard for the Boyce College Men’s Basketball Team, averaging close to 19 points a game for the Bulldogs. For Nauert, however, success on the court is only part of the college athlete experience.
“It’s not always easy,” Nauert said. “So much of a normal day includes lifting, shootarounds, and all of that before practice and homework. But you can’t find your identity in a sport.”
Nauert grew up in a solid Christian home in Louisville, Ky. Basketball was always a significant part of his life. For Nauert, it probably became too significant at times. Like so many talented high school athletes, Nauert wrestled with the unique challenges of balancing his social, athletic, and spiritual life. Nauert thrived at Whitefield Academy and earned a spot playing college ball. However, the secular school had its own challenges, so he decided to transfer to Boyce College.
“My older brother Tyler played basketball here at Boyce,” Nauert said. “That was a big part of coming to play for Coach McCarty. Tyler loved his experience and talked about how much he grew as an athlete and a person. My eyes were opened to the transformation he experienced at Boyce when we got to play together.”
Even though faith remained a central aspect of his upbringing, Boyce College has fostered Nauert’s personal growth in unexpected ways. Coach McCarty, his professors, and teammates never ignored his spiritual life. McCarty meets individually with all the basketball players and understands his role in guiding them to achieve their athletic and academic goals. As a coach at a convictional Christian college, McCarty acknowledges his unique role to also help mature the Christian character and devotion in his players.
“It was a significant change coming to a confessionally Christin college,” Nauert said. “My older teammates, coaches, and professors, like my business professor Jon Auten, all grew invested in my own life and development as a person. As a senior, now I get the opportunity to invest in the younger guys.”
Academic Rigor, Athletic Success, and Spiritual Growth
Every student at Boyce College is immersed in a curriculum that is both academically challenging and theologically enriching. Whether pursuing a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies, Business, or another field, student-athletes must cultivate strong study habits to excel. Early morning classes, late-night study sessions, and rigorous assignments demand discipline and perseverance.
Yet, at Boyce, education is not merely about intellectual growth; it is about spiritual formation. Professors challenge students to think deeply about their faith, apply biblical truth to every area of life, and engage the world with a gospel-centered worldview. For student-athletes, this means carrying their faith onto the court or field, recognizing their sport as an opportunity for worship, witness, and personal sanctification.
Nauert learned all these lessons firsthand and tries to instill these disciplines in the upcoming classes. For high school athletes considering playing at the next level, Nauert urges them to stay competitive and plugged in wherever they go.
“Even though we are at a Christian college, this is still high-level ball,” Nauert said. “At the end of the day, you have to stay patient. That matters for athletics and life. When you aren’t getting the playing time you want, keep working and stay patient. And know, you will not find your identity in sports like so many of us have learned.”
The Ultimate Goal
For Boyce College student-athletes, success is not measured merely in wins and losses but in faithfulness. Their ultimate goal is not personal glory but the glory of God. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in daily life, they strive to embody Colossians 3:23—“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
The life of a Boyce College student-athlete is demanding, but it is also deeply rewarding. Through academic excellence, athletic discipline, and spiritual growth, students like Nauert are being prepared for competition and a lifetime of faithful service in the name of Christ.
For more information about Boyce College, visit boycecollege.com.