“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

While his work may not generate headlines in local newsfeeds, University of Texas strength coach Donnie Maib knows the importance of his behind-the-scenes role in the Longhorn athletic department. Every day he works to prepare athletes for competition, and it’s a task he cherishes along with building relationships with each player who crosses his path. Maib has learned that, in the heart of training, he is able to instill in athletes a strong work ethic, good values, and the ability to handle any adversity they face.

Last season, Penn State women’s soccer coach Erica Walsh led the Nittany Lions to the national championship game. Despite coming up just short of winning the title, the longtime coach—who also served as a coach for U.S. Women’s Soccer—is helping her team build upon the experience with increased on-field expectations and a continued focus on developing young women of character beyond the soccer pitch.

Although Grace Johnson isn’t balancing on the beam anymore, the former All-American gymnast from the University of Georgia is as close to the sport as she’s ever been. Only now, instead of doing handsprings herself, she’s teaching others. The athletes she now coaches at the Oconee Gymnastics Center in Watkinsville, Georgia, are reaping the benefits of not only high-quality gymnastics training, but also many of the spiritual and life lessons that Johnson learned during her own time on the floor.

For Auburn Offensive Line Coach Jeff Grimes, coaching wasn’t part of the immediate plan when he graduated from the University of Texas-El Paso in 1990 and finished a successful football playing career. But when a nudge from the Holy Spirit led him into the profession, Grimes embarked on what has now turned in to a high-impact coaching career filled with bowl games, All-Americans and recently, a BCS National Title. For Grimes, though, no gridiron achievements can outweigh the spiritual impact he makes as a man of God.