A journey of faith, basketball and finding purpose
Assistant women's basketball coach Sydney Shelton shares experiences on and off the court in new devotional book.
Kim Chaudoin |
Greenfield, Indiana, native Sydney Shelton has always been passionate about basketball.
But for Shelton, basketball is more than just a sport—it has been a life pursuit that led her to Lipscomb University, a place where she would not only refine her athletic skills but also deepen her faith and discover her purpose.
Growing up just ten minutes from Indianapolis, in a state known for its obsession with basketball, Shelton pursued her love for the game to Butler University, where she spent her freshman year and part of her sophomore year as a standout guard.
While at Butler, she was named to the 2017 Big East All-Freshman Team and finished the season as the top three-point shooter on the team and in the conference, connecting at a 49 percent clip. Shelton played in 11 contests her sophomore year with the Bulldogs before coming to Nashville to play at Lipscomb.
Shelton’s journey to Lipscomb wasn’t just a transfer — it was a transformation.
“I transferred from Butler to Lipscomb because I desired a holistic college experience in terms of faith, community and basketball,” she explains. “I had never attended a Christian school before, so I wanted to be a part of a community of people who were also kingdom-minded.” Upon arriving at Lipscomb, Shelton quickly found herself immersed in an environment that was both nurturing and challenging.
Shelton’s time on the court at Lipscomb was brief but impactful. After sitting out the 2019 season due to NCAA transfer rules, she was sidelined due to injury after just three games of the 2020 season after scoring double-digits in two of those outings. Though the injury was thought to be career-ending, Shelton persevered and fought to get back on the court.
Coming back from her injury about halfway through the 2020-21 season, Shelton was a key contributor to the team. She appeared and started in 16 games, scoring 110 points with 20 three-pointers. Shelton earned a spot on the 2021 ASUN All-Academic Team after posting a 4.0 GPA. At the start of conference play, however, she had a similar injury that sidelined her for the remainder of the season.
Yet again, Shelton defied the odds and came back to play her final season of eligibility. After playing nearly every game of the 2021-22 season and averaging 6.9 points per game and 2.6 rebounds per game, Shelton was named to the 2022 ASUN All-Academic team.
She graduated with an undergraduate degree in psychology in May 2020 and graduated with a Master of Business Administration in December 2021.
Shelton played for the Bisons from 2019-2022.
“During my time at Lipscomb, I had phenomenal professors who cared for their students, prayed for us, and supported us outside the classroom,” she recalls. “I had amazing coaches who walked alongside their players, challenged us and encouraged us with biblical truth. They inspired and equipped me to coach. Our athletic department also went out of its way to show their love and support for student-athletes.”
Today, Shelton is part of the Lipscomb women’s basketball coaching staff. As she enters her third year as an assistant coach and her second year as recruiting coordinator her role has shifted from player to mentor, where she continues to impart the life lessons she’s learned.
During her time as a student-athlete, Shelton felt a calling to share her experiences and the lessons she learned through her journey. This led her to write her first book, Journal Entries of a Recovering Perfectionist, which was released in June.
The book, a devotional-style collection of her own journal entries from 2018, is aimed at high-achieving college students who, like Shelton, may struggle with finding their worth in performance rather than in faith.
“In my book, I talk about idolizing basketball and finding my worth in my performance—which always left me frustrated,” she shares. “My hope is that readers will find joy, peace and confidence in God.”
The process of writing the book was as introspective as it was therapeutic. Shelton poured her heart into the pages, hoping to offer guidance and encouragement to those who may be facing similar struggles. “The book is geared specifically toward high-achieving college students who desire to find joy, peace, and confidence in God,” she says.
Shelton says that Lipscomb University has been more than just a place to play basketball—it has been a place of growth, faith and community.
“Overall, Lipscomb is truly anchored in its Christ-centered mission, and I deeply respect and appreciate that,” she says. The relationships she built with faculty, staff and fellow students have had a lasting impact on her life, and she says she is grateful for the support and encouragement she received during her time as a student.
Now, as a mentor and leader, Shelton is focused on helping the next generation of student athletes navigate their own journeys with the same grace and faith that have guided her. But, her message resonates far beyond the basketball court. Through her coaching and her writing, she continues to inspire others to pursue their passions while keeping their faith at the center of their lives.
Journal Entries of a Recovering Perfectionist may be purchased here.