010 | From Hometown Hero to Redemption: Josh Washington’s Basketball Journey

About the Guest

Josh Washington is a former standout high school and college basketball player from Lubbock, Texas, known for his exceptional talent and athletic achievements. Washington began his basketball journey at Monterey High School, where he earned accolades such as three-time district MVP and first-team All-State honors. He later played for the Texas Tech Red Raiders before transferring to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, where he led the nation in three-point shooting percentage as a senior. After an international professional basketball career, Josh returned to Lubbock, where he serves as a basketball official and is the founder of Josh Washington Elite Basketball Academy. Washington is also a youth minister and has worked with youth organizations in the Lubbock area to inspire and mentor young athletes.

Episode Summary

In this captivating episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks sits down with Josh Washington, a former basketball prodigy who overcame personal challenges to transform his life and career. This episode explores Washington’s journey from a highly decorated high school athlete to his struggles with mental health and self-identity during his time at Texas Tech. It highlights his remarkable comeback and eventual professional success overseas, alongside his dedication to uplifting the next generation through coaching and mentoring at his basketball academy.

Throughout the conversation, Josh shares insights about the pressures of early athletic success and the challenges he faced moving to collegiate basketball under the legendary coach Bobby Knight. He reflects on transferring to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, where he found his stride and realized his potential as a leading collegiate player. Washington opens up about his rock-bottom moments and how his faith and relentless determination helped him carve out a fulfilling path post-basketball, from officiating games to leading youth ministries. This episode emphasizes the value of resilience, finding one’s true identity, and the power of giving back.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience and Transformation: Josh Washington shares his journey through early success, challenges at Texas Tech, and his transformation at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, highlighting the pivotal role of resilience in overcoming adversity.
• Finding Identity Beyond Sports: Washington discusses the importance of not letting a single aspect, like athletics, define one’s entire identity and the process of self-discovery beyond the basketball court.
• Impact of Support and Guidance: The influence of coaches, mentors, and spiritual growth on Washington’s journey emphasizes the significance of guidance in personal and professional development.
• Serving the Community: After retiring from professional basketball, Washington focused on community service and youth mentorship, creating profound connections and inspiring future athletes.
• Faith and Personal Growth: Embracing faith and reflection, Josh details how these elements played an essential role in his journey towards self-improvement and helping others.

Notable Quotes

1. “Basketball allowed me to mask some of those insecurities. I was able to mask maybe some of the bullying that I would have received by being a really, really good athlete.”
2. “Basketball was only a game, but my identity was wrapped up in it. I had to learn that it’s what I do, not who I am.”
3. “The first time I really found out I led the nation in three-point percentage was on the plane reading the paper on the way to Chicago.”
4. “I really think I’m just getting started with who I think God really intended for me to be the entire time.”
5. “If I want to continue my career, it may be somewhere else, but I need to continue to get better here.”

Resources:

• Josh Washington Elite Basketball Academy: Website
• Texas Tech University and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi: Details about Josh Washington’s college basketball career.
• Church on the Rock Dream Center and City Church Lubbock: Organizations where Josh Washington served in youth ministry roles.

Discover more about Josh Washington’s journey and insights by tuning into this episode. Stay connected for upcoming episodes from “The Coming Undone” podcast for more stories of resilience and success.

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