Paden Lipe: Leading intramurals with passion and purpose
Photo courtesy of Paden Lipe
Jesus Arce, Staff Writer
NGU recently welcomed Paden Lipe as its new intramural sports coordinator. Lipe, a 2020 graduate of NGU, has returned to the campus he once called home, bringing with him a commitment to fostering a sense of community through the intramural program.
With his previous experience as a full-time missionary in Guatemala, Lipe’s approach is shaped by a unique blend of athletic passion and a strong sense of purpose.
Reflecting on his decision to return, Lipe shared, “I always said that if North Greenville ever gave me the opportunity to work here, it would be a dream come true. When the opportunity came up, we prayed about it, went through the interview process, and here I am.”
Before taking on his new role, Lipe and his wife spent time serving families and children in rural villages in Guatemala. This background continues to influence his leadership at NGU, where he hopes to build an inclusive community where students feel connected spiritually and athletically.
“Our main goals are to create an environment that allows others to grow physically, spiritually and in every other aspect of their lives,” Lipe said.
Lipe’s focus on creating a welcoming environment is shared by his team. Kobe Krull, a senior majoring in criminal justice and a member of the intramural staff, highlighted how intramural sports offer a sense of belonging.
“At first, I joined the intramural team for the scholarship, but over time I grew to love it. Intramural sports give students who may not fit in elsewhere a place to belong. It’s about building community, not just playing sports,” Krull said.
Krull also noted the professionalism that Lipe has brought to the program.
“From day one, we had a 42-page document detailing rules, expectations and a code of conduct. That level of organization was something we hadn’t seen before, and it has made everything run more smoothly,” Krull said.
As Lipe works to strengthen the foundation of the intramural program, soccer stands out as a key focus for him, having developed a love for the sport during his time in Latin America.
“Living in Guatemala gave me a great love for soccer, and my goal this fall is to generate excitement around the sport,” Lipe said.
Although soccer has not historically been as popular at NGU compared to other sports, Lipe is determined to increase student participation.
Andrew Lane, another senior and intramural staff member who shares Lipe’s passion for soccer, said, “Soccer is definitely my favorite sport, but I don’t think it gets the attention it deserves here.”
However, he has noticed that interest is slowly growing.
“I think it’s on the rise. More people are making friends on soccer teams, and they want to support their friends, which helps generate enthusiasm,” Lane said.
Lane also noted that NGU’s diverse student community, many of whom are the children of missionaries, contributes to the growing interest in soccer.
“People from different cultural backgrounds tend to bring their love of sports from home, such as soccer, which is not traditionally an American sport,” Lane said.
As Paden Lipe leads NGU’s intramural program into a new chapter, his emphasis on building a Christ-centered community is already having an impact. Under his leadership, the program is destined to become a space where students can grow athletically and spiritually.
