GREENVILLE, S.C. - We look to spotlight those on our member campuses who are helping young people with their faith. Conference Carolinas believes that only when sport is properly directed towards the development and formation of the whole person in body, mind, and soul, can each student-athlete realize her or his full potential and to leave lives of integrity, success professionally and become responsible citizens.
 
As institutions founded with a focus on faith, service, or both, we share common values and strive to attain excellence and virtue in all that we do
 
Today, we look at Adam Daniels from Young Harris College.
 
Where did you go to undergrad/grad school?
I earned my undergraduate degree from Tennessee Tech University in Journalism, my Master of Divinity at Lipscomb University, and my Doctor of Ministry from Abilene Christian University.
 
Did you play a sport in college?
I didn’t play a sport in college, but I starred on several mediocre to poor intramural squads!
 
How long have you been a chaplain?
I am starting my third year at Young Harris College.
 
What is your favorite part of your job?
I absolutely love having deep conversations with students about the deep things of life. Spirituality, faith, doubt, love, justice. These are things we should talk about more, not less.
 
In college what did you envision yourself doing for a career?
Originally, I had planned on being a writer. I still kind of hope that happens.
 
What made you choose the school you work at now?
Young Harris College is a small but vibrant community that really is like a family. Everyone here works so hard for the students, and the students are so appreciative and amazing!
 
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
I have travelled extensively all over the world teaching English and participating in several service efforts. Israel, Palestine, Thailand, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Hong Kong, Brazil, England, and a couple more I can’t remember!

What makes Conference Carolinas a great conference to work with?
I love the emphasis that Conference Carolinas puts on developing our students as whole persons, as people who have souls and who are developing as people and not just as athletes or students.
 
What advice would you give current student athletes?
You are more than your athletic ability. And what matters most in this one life you get to live is not what you accomplish, but who you become.
 
What advice would you give to graduating student athletes?
Take the lessons you learned in sport and apply them to life. Persevere, trust the process, work hard, be a good teammate, and the wins will come.
 
What is your most memorable moment while working at your school?
There are several, but I think one of my fondest memories is when we asked for volunteers for a senior’s ministry and the ENTIRE MEN’S SOCCER TEAM SHOWED UP. Over that year, they served multiple elderly people in our community and make some great friendships along the way as well. It was beautiful to see.
 
What are some of the unique religious values and traditions on your campus?
Our campus is one of the most accepting places I’ve ever worked at. There are so many kinds of people with so many varied and different ideas. But because we have that ethos of all being welcome here it works. We enact this every time we have Chapel services when we have the Eucharist because we believe in “an open table” where all are welcome to
come and be a part.
 
What is your favorite hobby?
I enjoy reading and playing golf. Sometimes at the same time!
 
What can Conference Carolinas do to collaborate with our institutions on their religious values and traditions?
Continue to support the development of your athletes as people. Emphasize service and emotional health. These two things are desperate needs in our students today I feel.
 
What is the public summary of each institutions religious values and traditions?
A Young Harris College education has been steeped in religious life since Methodist minister Rev. Artemas Lester founded the College in 1886. We believe a liberal arts education transforms how we think, what we believe, and what we do.
 
We believe that the ability to have deep and meaningful conversations is essential to the good life. We also believe that this is a neglected and dying skill in our culture today.

We believe that any vision of the good life requires practice. For that reason, we provide opportunities for students to experiment with different religious and spiritual practices like mindfulness, prayer, singing, art, poetry, and even educational trips that challenge the mind and the heart. 
 
We believe that any meaningful life will be poured out for others. We look to incorporate service in all that we do.