by Margaret Wilkins, PhD
Sports psychology and motivation in sports are ubiquitous areas of study. Research on this issue often looks at self-determination and the factors that contribute to the success or failure of the participants. Researchers argue that sports participation contributes to intrinsic motivation; without it, the constructs of self-determination or motivation cannot be found (Frederick & Ryan, 1995). This article will discuss the new phenom in sport: the Colorado Buffaloes football team, their coach, and conversation-worthy intrinsic motivation factors that is publicized as the aid to their success.
“Coach Prime and The University of Colorado” has been all the collegiate football world has been whispering about since last year, when Deion Sanders was announced as the head coach of the 1-11 Colorado Buffaloes football team. This overwhelming coverage has put an immense spotlight on a once-overlooked university and athletic department. But what makes this team so great? Why the spotlight? Why now? One can only think it has to do with Deion, his sons, his impeccable coaching staff, his elite transfer recruits, and even his publicity coverage… but after exploring all of these and then some, the answer is obvious…his faith. Faith, one may say, has nothing to do with the now, but on the contrary, it has everything to do with the then, the now, and the future.
Deion Sanders has always been very public about his faith in God, and he has expressed how it has helped shape him, his values, his character, and even the raising of his family. Research (Well Off Media, 2023) documents the days in the life of this well-respected Hall of Fame player turned phenomenal coach. Within these clips, his audience is privileged to witness how Deion’s faith affects himself and those around him.
Coach Prime speaks truth to power by providing these young men with confidence in something beyond themselves and, in turn, in themselves to achieve the impossible, do the unthinkable, and always strive for success…no matter the environment. The power of Deion’s faith has intrinsically influenced not only the players and his coaching staff but also the program’s stature; it took a 1-11 team to a now 1-1 record and respected by the opposition.
Sport is often a “top-down” structure. “Top-down” means the leadership provided by the head coach is the primary directive and ordinance of the sport. The Colorado Buffaloes allowed their mental psyche to be intrinsically challenged, redirected, and empowered by one man’s immeasurable faith: faith in God, himself, his coaching staff, his players, and his university. The current climb of the Buffaloes will continue to ascent and reach new heights. The psychological endurance to change one’s way of thinking is a lifelong journey for most; Deion accomplished it with this team within months, and for most, Deion accomplished it with this team within months; rather, God did it through Deion. The act of faith and the study of sports psychology, often mentioned separately, have a unique intertwining yet to be studied. Sports psychology is defined as the use of psychological knowledge and skills that address optimal performance; knowing this, the illumination of faith as a motivational factor or skill in optimal performance is at the forefront. This team will reveal the intersection of these constructs; I look forward to it…as Coach Prime would say, “Come on, with the come on.” Stay tuned.
