April 26, 2023

Nick Fort Shares about His Life-Changing Journey as a Student-Athlete at Asbury 

WILMORE, Ky.--- Nick Fort, Asbury men's basketball NCCAA All-American and 2x Mideast Region Player of the Year was recently featured in the Asbury 2023 Spring Ambassador.

The MBA student from Shelbyville, Ky., is an incredible example of the mission of Asbury Athletics to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level, achieve a rigorous educational degree, and ultimately grow in faith in Jesus Christ. Fort led the Asbury men's basketball team to their highest winning percentage in school history (21-7) including the NCCAA Mideast Region Championship and a fifth place finish in the National Tournament. 

The Ambassador editorial team spoke with Fort who has spent his time in the Asbury experience developing his faith and relationships, training in the classroom on and off the court while competing for TeamAU. 

• What are some of your best memories of playing basketball at Asbury?

There are so many memories I have made over the past three years that it is hard to choose just a few. This past season was particularly special though. We won the Mideast Regional Championship this past season which was amazing and I also eclipsed 1000 career points last season. I have many memories but last season will forever be my favorite. 

• Who are some of the coaches, faculty and staff that have impacted you at AU?

There have been many people on campus that have impacted me in positive ways. Obviously, the whole Men's Basketball coaching staff has impacted me as they've poured into me everyday the past three years. Michelle Smith has also impacted me as a Professor and my Advisor but she has gone beyond this and has helped me pursue my goals in life. I have also gotten close with Colton Back and Mark Whitworth as they have helped me on my spiritual journey throughout this year. 

• How have you grown spiritually during your time at Asbury?

When I originally came to Asbury I was a believer in Christ but I hadn't started my walk with Him. My faith was on the back burner if you will. This past school year I gave my life to Christ and I have my friends and staff at Asbury to thank for this. Asbury will always be a special place to me as I truly found Christ here!

• What life lessons have you learned from managing the demands of being a student-athlete?

There are many lessons that you can learn through athletics in college. In a way being a student-athlete is a job in itself as you need to put a lot of time into the sport you play while maintaining a good grade point average. Time management, organization, and working hard to overcome obstacles are a few of the things I've learned through being a student-athlete. 

• What impact did the Outpouring have on your relationship with God?

To be a new Christian and witness a Revival was nothing short of amazing. I've never been in a place with so much love and faith for Him. I saw miracles in Hughes and witnessed God's work firsthand which was breathtaking. The Outpouring helped grow my relationship with God and strengthen it as well.

• What advice would you give to new student-athletes coming to Asbury?

The advice I would give to an incoming student-athlete would be to embrace everyone and everything that comes your way on campus. Get out in the community and enjoy every step of your journey. As athletes it is so easy to focus just on your sport and miss out on everything else around you. Athletes are always looking at how to get better and they fail to just be grateful for where you are in that moment. This past season I made a goal to Enjoy My Ride and soak in everything that was going on athletically and spiritually on campus. Instead of looking to the next step always, enjoy where God has placed you in that moment and soak it in as you will never get that exact moment back!
 

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