What started out as some emails back and forth between administrative staff with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics has turned out some pretty compelling and interesting ventures. 

As a former NAIA player with York College in Nebraska, my heart will always be with the school that gave me the opportunity to become a starter during my four years. The NAIA provided me an opportunity to live my dream while becoming a better person in the process. 

Nearly a decade after my college career came to an end, my ties with the NAIA still continue. 

I was approached by the NAIA about speaking on my experiences during my time with York, why I chose to play in the NAIA and how it shaped me as a person. I was thrilled to be able contribute to their site with a retrospective called NAIA Student-Athlete Rewind: Devon Teeple, York College. 

It received some very good reviews, and I was extremely pleased with how it turned out. 

A couple of months went by, and yet another opportunity with the NAIA presented itself when I participated in the first ever NAIA Podcast. It was a chance to speak to past, present and future NAIA students about my college experiences, what I like most about college sports, what I liked most about my college teammates/college team and other opinions on the college game. 

This has led to multiple Podcasts featuring numerous athletes from a variety of sports. The PLAYNAIA Blog where this is featured is a platform that allows the student athletes to speak candidly with the sports organization that has allowed them to fulfill a lifelong dream.

It is of particular interest to me because it is a personal touch that you may not find at comparable outlets.

The blog's 'about' section contains its mission statement, which states, “The PlayNAIA Blog is dedicated to sharing the student-athlete experience with our readers. NAIA student-athletes past, present and future all have a story to tell, and we wanted to provide them a fun place to do just that! Join us as we explore the inside scoop on the NAIA!”

For those interested in the NAIA, which stresses not only sports as a career but one that will prepare you for life after the cheers have stopped, I highly recommend checking out the PLAYNAIA Blog and taking in a podcast during your visit.

 

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective

Devon is a former professional baseball player with the River City Rascals& Gateway Grizzlies, and is now an independent scout.