SportsWorld Pro Speakers
Every Sports World Pro will share his or her own personal life story. At the beginning of the program they will share about their life and how they became a professional athlete. They share the ups and downs of their life and career with funny stories and real life experiences. The good, the bad and the ugly. Towards the end of their message they share how they overcame obstacles and challenges in their life through their faith in God and his ability to help them overcome the problems of everyday life. (This portion of the talk will be approximately 2-3 minutes long.)
Our speakers share their story in the third person, they know what they can say and how they can say it in a public setting. They are professional, experienced speakers who desire to encourage students.
Jermaine Taylor
Professional Basketball
UCF
Jermaine Taylor
Professional Basketball
UCF
Position
Shooting Guard
Pro Career
Houston Rockets, 2009-2010
Sacramento Kings, 2010-2011
Chicago Bulls, 2012
Minnesota Timberwolves, 2012
Cleveland Cavaliers, 2013.
Big 3, 2018 – Present
Personal Story
Even as a young child, I struggled with depression. God brought basketball into my life to heal me, and it has been a great blessing to me. It has given me a free education, the chance to travel to several foreign countries, and the chance to compete at the highest professional levels. EA Sports even modeled the movements of the players in the video game NBA Live after mine. Most importantly, basketball has given me the best opportunity of my life, sharing hope and faith with kids as a Sports World Pro Speaker.
Wesley Fluellen
Basketball Player
Robert Morris University
Wesley Fluellen
Basketball Player
Robert Morris University
Position
Guard/Forward
Pro Career
Orlando Magic, 2004
Europe & South America, MVP, 1st team awards,
Three Championship titles, 2002-2003, 2005-2013
Personal Story
Growing up in foster care, I had to endure all kinds of abuse. Having to experience these unfair circumstances resulted in my believing that my life was not important and that nobody cared about me. I then began to make decisions that were not helpful for me and the life I was created to fulfill.
However, as a teenager, I discovered there was someone who did love me no matter what I've been through or what I've done. That person was—and still is— Jesus Christ. Once I found Jesus, my life completely changed for the better. And yours will too if YOU make the right decision like I did. Trust me; you won't regret it, and you will be SO glad you did!
Tom Gilles
Pro Snowboarder
Personal Story
Tom Gilles is a former professional snowboarder. He was a world record holder and has appeared in extreme sports movies and TV commercials. As a high school student, Tom dreamed of being a professional snowboarder. He moved to Lake Tahoe, and the first day on the slopes, his dream took off. He met a professional cinematographer and ended up in the biggest snowboarding movie of the year. Tom now travels the country, helping people navigate the ups and downs of making their dreams a reality. “Mountains are a lot like dreams. Some will just sit back and stare, but for those who are willing to charge up, I guarantee you the view is worth it.”
Andre Fluellen
Football Player
Florida State
Position
Defensive Tackle
Pro Career
Detroit Lions (2008–2011)
Miami Dolphins (2012)
Detroit Lions (2012)
Chicago Bears (2013)*
Detroit Lions (2013–2014)
Buffalo Bills (2015)
Detroit Lions (2015)
Personal Story
Playing in the NFL was NOT a dream come true for me!
As strange as that sounds, growing up I never had any desire of playing professional sports. Even though I didn’t like playing football in high school, I always knew that I had to work hard in whatever I did. Sometimes God will put us in positions that we may not like, but the purpose of it is the lesson in it, not so much the outcome. I just want to say that Jesus may not make your life easy, but He will make your life awesome! He will take you places that you never thought would be possible.
Ray McElroy
Football Player
Eartern Illinois
Position
Cornerback
Pro Career
Indianapolis Colts, 1995-1998
Chicago Bears, 2000
Detroit Lions, 2001
Personal Story
I was raised by my two parents who cared for me and tried to guide me in the right direction. I was a good speaker, singer, and athlete as a young man and my gifts brought me a lot of attention and popularity. So I thought I was entitled to things I didn’t deserve. While in college, a lady I didn’t even know told me that 99.5% won’t do, that God wanted my very best – even my talents. I made the decision then to accept Christ into my life. Now I can use my gifts and talents for a greater purpose.
Leah Amico
Olympian
University of Arizona
Position
1st Base / Outfield
Pro Career
Team USA Olympic Gold Medalist
1996, 2000, & 2004
Personal Story
I won three Olympic Gold Medals with the USA Team. With the ultimate goal achieved, I stood on the podium for the last time and knew that there was more to life than winning championships. I lost three friends to unexpected deaths in the past eight years and that made me reflect on what really mattered most. My faith helped through those losses and now gives me a foundation of hope and joy.
Jimmie Bell
Football Player
The Ohio State University
Position
Defensive Line
Pro Career
New York Giants, 1999
Frankfort Galaxy, 2000
Berlin Thunder, 2000
San Diego Chargers, 2000
Personal Story
Every day, I think about what kind of a legacy I will leave when I die. Life circumstances were rough for me growing up and my life has become one obstacle after another. However, through a personal relationship with God, I have found hope. My choices may have not always been the best or right, but God has helped me through. My prayer is that I will be remembered not for what I have done, but how through my relationship with God, I was able to overcome life’s challenges and thrive.
Steve Grant
Football Player
West Virginia University
Position
Linebacker
Pro Career
Indianapolis Colts, 1992-97
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1997
Personal Story
I stumbled through life wondering who I was. I tried to find answers in power, position, wealth, possessions, and women, only to realize the more I sought these things the emptier I felt. When I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, my life was no longer meaningless. I understood that God had a purpose for my life and I was significant!
Lee Rouson
Football Player
University of Colorado
Position
Running Back
Pro Career
New York Giants, 1985 – 91
Cleveland Browns, 1991-92
Personal Story
Throughout my life, I have made good choices, and I have made bad choices. The times that I made good, positive choices, my heart was in the right place, but I always did it for the wrong reasons. I also made bad choices based on fear and selfishness, and I suffered difficult consequences as a result. Then, I decided to put my full trust in God, and it has made all the difference. Now, I not only make positive choices for the right reasons, but I know I have a purpose when I place all of my trust in God.
Ken Johnson
Indiana University
Ken Johnson
Indiana University
Position
Defensive End
Pro Career
Cincinnati Bengals, 1970, 77
Personal Story
I was raised in a home with good values, but in my college years I made some bad choices, using alcohol and drugs. The intense pressure of competition was the excuse that many of my teammates and I gave for our drug use. The drugs not only lowered my potential as an athlete, but also as a student. When I turned my life over to Christ, I found He gave me the strength to deal with the pressure and brought true happiness and peace in my life that drugs just could not give.
Jeff Neal
Football Player
Howard Payne University
Position
Guard
Pro Career
Arena Football League (New York), 1990, 92
Houston Oilers, 1993, 94
Birmingham Barracudas, 1995
Personal Story
I grew up basically a good kid who was raised in a good home. Growing up, I dreamed of playing professional football, but I was always told that I was too small and skinny and that I would never achieve my goal. When I was 13 years old, I asked Christ into my heart. Through Him I worked hard and was able to overcome many obstacles I encountered in pursuit of my dream. God even blessed me with a little height and weight. It was through His strength that I achieved my goal to play professional football – and so much more!
Rushia Brown
Basketball Player
Furman University
Position
Small/Power Forward
Pro Career
Cleveland Rockers, 1997–2002
Charlotte Sting, 2003
European League, 1994–2003
Personal Story
Rushia has always used her sphere of influence to help those around her. As a child, she learned from her grandmother and mother the importance of taking care of the people around you and building a healthy community. As she grew older and became a star athlete, she recognized that her platform could be used for more than just influence in the athletic realm. Rushia has become an example of how daily efforts are necessary to reach goals.
Ruthie Bolton
Basketball Player
Auburn University
Position
Guard
Pro Career
Played on 10 Team USA basketball teams
Olympic gold medalist 1996, 2000
European pro teams 1992-95; Sacramento Monarchs 1997-2004
Personal Story
I grew up in a small town in Mississippi—one of 20 siblings and many cousins who played outside until our parents made us come in. Growing up in this environment helped me learn that life is not all about me, how to share, and how to work together as a team. I had to keep up with many siblings and cousins, and God gave me a very competitive spirit. My journey includes many stories of overcoming obstacles, finding purpose in the pain, the importance of forgiveness, and wearing the crown God gave you.
Why SportsWorld Cares
What Other School Administrators Are Saying
“We appreciated the one-on-one interaction with our students, some students responded that Mr. Rouson was real”
“Speaker showed honesty and care towards the students”
“Loved the personal stories he told and the choices he made allowed him to prosper”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a charge for the program?
This is a free program to the schools. Sports World is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization which relies on donations from individuals and businesses nationwide to fund our assembly programs. Therefore, Sports World speaking engagements are community sponsored. Sports World actively seeks community partners to cover the charge for school assemblies, but organizations and companies must supply their funds through internal or external cultivation.
If your school has a budget for assemblies, anti-bullying, or drug-free programs, a donation is greatly appreciated. Checks can be made out to Sports World and sent to 1919 South Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46239. Invoices and other documentation (such as our IRS determination letter) are available upon request. You can also donate online by clicking here.
How long is the program?
Each Pro’s presentation typically lasts about 35-45 minutes. However, programs can be customized to fit your schedule. If schedules allow, the Pro will gladly stay after the assembly for a few minutes to talk, answer questions, and sign autographs.
What grade levels are appropriate for a school assembly?
The Sports World program is suitable for grades 3 through 12. Programs for college-age students are also available. We customize each assembly so it is age-appropriate for its audience.
What size audience is acceptable for an assembly?
Sports World Pros are experienced speakers who can handle any size audience. You should allow as many students, teachers, administrators, and coaches to attend as your facilities allow. Small group presentations can be scheduled, as well.
Can we schedule more than one speaking time?
Yes. It is very common for Pros to speak at two, sometimes even three, separate sessions at a single location.
What does the Pro talk about in an assembly?
Sports World Pros share their personal life experiences with the students, helping them to recognize the consequences of their choices while challenging them with a message of hope. The program’s main theme is: “You’re Not Born a Winner, You’re Not Born a Loser – You’re Born a Chooser!”™
The importance of morals, values, education, and proper decision-making will be stressed throughout the assembly. The Pro will also engage students on the dangers and consequences of drug and alcohol use. The Pro will also share about overcoming and/or avoiding these issues in life. If your school has a particular issue that is more of a concern than others, the Pro can stress that topic during the assembly. Please advise the Pro prior to the assembly and the talk will be tailored accordingly.
What will the Pro need as part of the assembly?
If available, a microphone is recommended. In addition, the Pro will need a computer, projector, and video screen for a PowerPoint presentation. The Pro will provide everything else that is needed, including enough Pro player cards for each person, as well as comment cards to capture feedback.
Can we audio or visually record the Pro’s presentation?
It is Sports World’s policy that the speaker NOT be audio or visually recorded, unless pre-approved in writing through the Sports World national office. Please call 1(800) 832-6546 or complete the speaking request form for more information.
Does the Pro need transportation or directions to our location?
No. A local volunteer who is familiar with your area will accompany our Pro to your location. Our volunteers will also take care of all logistics while the Pro is visiting including housing and meals.