Student Athlete Identity: Celebrating Wins with Humility
- Sandy Robinson
- Aug 31
- 3 min read
GRIT Sunday Series: Week 5 Devotion | August 31, 2025
The season is off and running, and for many athletes, that means the thrill of early wins. After weeks of training, conditioning, and preparation, victories feel especially sweet.
But here’s the real test: How do you celebrate?
Winning is a gift. It’s fun, it’s exciting, and it’s the result of hard work. But if we’re not careful, success can shift our focus to pride. And pride doesn’t just affect how others see us- it can weaken our student athlete identity, our team culture, and our witness to others.
The Bible reminds us that celebrating with humility shows God’s character more than celebrating for ourselves.
Student Athlete Identity: Humble Celebration
Celebrating with humility doesn’t mean ignoring the win. It means:
Thanking your teammates for their effort.
Recognizing the fight of your opponent.
Pointing to God as the source of your strength.
Remembering that character lasts longer than stats.
When you celebrate this way, you show maturity, respect, and integrity- the very things recruiters, coaches, and future employers look for.
“When I win, how do I want people to remember the way I celebrated?”
Did I make the moment all about me?
Did I shine the spotlight on my team?
Did my celebration show humility or pride?
Your student athlete identity is on display just as much after the match as it is during the match.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3
On the court, this means celebrating the team instead of just your own stats. On the bench, it means encouraging and valuing teammates even when you’re not in the spotlight.
Against opponents, it means showing respect after the match. True humility strengthens your student athlete identity and shows others the character that lasts beyond volleyball.
God values humility. He cares not only about what we achieve, but also how we respond when we succeed.
Wins are opportunities to reflect His character through gratitude, joy, and respect for others.
Integrity: Integrity means doing the right thing whether you win or lose.
When you win with integrity, you:
Celebrate joyfully, but respectfully.
Honor your teammates and your opponent.
Show gratitude to God, coaches, and parents.
This is the type of integrity that strengthens both your student athlete identity and your team culture.
The Gratitude Shout-Out
After every win this week, take a moment to name:
One thing you’re grateful to God for.
One teammate you want to shout out.
One way you saw growth in yourself or the team.
This tool keeps pride from creeping in and shifts the spotlight from “me” to “we.”
Ask your athlete:
“How did you celebrate your wins this week? Did you show humility while enjoying the victory?”
This sparks reflection and helps families celebrate character, not just scoreboards.
Wins are worth celebrating-but how you celebrate reveals your student athlete identity.
Celebrate with humility. Celebrate with gratitude. Celebrate in a way that honors God, your teammates, your coaches, your opponents, and your family.
Remember: Trophies and titles will fade, but the way you carry yourself in victory leaves a legacy that lasts forever.
About the Author
Sandy Robinson is a High Performance Coach, CEO of GRIT Volleyball Club, and a passionate mentor for young athletes.
As one of the 5 founding leaders of GRIT Volleyball Club, she’s dedicated to helping students grow in confidence, character, and competitive grit, both on and off the court. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her encouraging other women to pursue excellence in life, faith, business, and leadership.
Comments