#38 - Kendal Shell

On today's episode, we had the pleasure of having Former Minnesota Gopher & Chief Operating Officer of Hoops & Christ, Kendal Shell with us! Kendal was a preferred walk-on towards the end of Tubby Smith's tenure, who earned a scholarship from Richard Pitino after he took over as Head Coach. We discussed where is exuberant enthusiasm throughout games came from and how that encouraging positive attitude is greatly missed on the Gopher's team. Throughout high school, Kendal came from a very strong program that rarely lost, under Hall of Fame Coach Jay Blossom. We discussed what it was like going from winning his whole prep career to then facing the adversity of losing when he reached the college ranks. And how Kendal always marched to the sound of his own drum even when it wasn't the cool thing to do. Kendal embraced being a so called "band geek" but he wouldn't trade it for the world. Kendal was also a star baseball player back in Missouri and has ties to none other than NBA stars Bradley Beal and Jayson Tatum. Bradley and Kendal had some battles, Kendal was always tasked with guarding him. And his relationship with Jayson Tatum is a little more unique, he was actually trained by Jayson's father Justin as well as Justin's good friend Corey Frazier. This is where Kendal would compete against Hoop's & Christ Founder Chaunsee Hollingsworth. These two would duke it out during workouts but always remained cool off the court. When college rolled around they both ended up in Minnesota and decided to team up. Their program is unique in the fact that they don't only help you on the court but also off it with a discipleship program focusing on spiritual leadership training and character development. Hoops & Christ has mentors ready to motivate and empower the next generation by instilling the importance of using basketball as a platform to reach and help more people. Please check out their website to learn more, and book a session! https://hoopsandchrist.com/