Bryce Allen, playing with poise and leading with service
John Peardon, Staff writer
Photo courtesy of Bryce Allen
After winning the NABC award at the NCAA Men’s Final Four Basketball tournament, for outstanding community service at the Wade Center in West Virginia, Bryce Allen took some time to talk to the Vision Online about his life and what he is passionate about.
Allen, a sophomore, was born in California and raised in Idaho, and has played basketball since age 7. He describes the sport as a way of life for him, and currently plays small forward for the North Greenville Men’s team.
“Who really got me started on the game of basketball was my father; he’s taught me everything I know,” said Allen. “He would probably be the biggest hero I have in basketball.”
Basketball is not just a sport he plays, but something he greatly enjoys. “Basketball has always been, to me, a team sport,” he said. “On the basketball court, I’m not a very vocal person, but I like to speak through my actions.”
As Allen worked at the Wade Center this past summer, he found a joy greater than any award could give. “This award is not as much for me, it’s more about what I can do for the community, and what they’ve done through me,” he said. “The kids always make a bigger impact on me than I could ever make on them.”
The work required a lot of hours, but he learned many great lessons through the labor. “This past summer, I was able to intern there and run the sports camp,” he said, “and then in the afternoon, I would teach a Bible-study and just kind of help wherever needed.”
As he currently studies sport management with an emphasis in sports ministry, his goal is to continue the kind of work he did last summer. “My ultimate goal would be to start my own foundation like the Wade Center,” he said. “I just have a special passion for working with underprivileged kids.”
