Episode 34

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Published on:

18th Feb 2021

Marke Freeman - PGC Basketball Director

Marke Freeman is a full time course director for PGC, a public speaker, former D1 athlete, tv analyst, and author. During her senior year with the Northern Illinois Huskies, Freeman led the team in scoring at 18.8 points, five rebounds, four assists, and 2.5 steals per game.

After graduating from NIU, Freeman went on to play professionally with Tecza of Leszno, Poland, where she had an opportunity to compete against some of the best professional women’s basketball players in the world. At just 5’5”, she averaged 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, earning her Rookie of the Year honors and a spot on the PLKK All-Star team.

Following her successful professional career, Marke joined the University of Missouri – Kansas City division I women’s basketball program, honing her coaching skills under the tutelage of her college coach. Marke was able to pass on her knowledge to the entire UMKC roster in charge of operations and player development.

Marke now serves as a core director for PGC and continues to pass on her knowledge of the game and the release of her book Champions Creed marks another notch in her drive to transform lives. We are very humbled that Marke would take the time to join us- one of the most insightful conversations we have had!

Thanks Coach!

Coaching Motto: “Success is not measured by where you are. It is measured by how far you have come and those you help along the way.”

Facebook: Marke Freeman

Twitter: @markefree

Instagram: @markefree

LinkedIn: Marke Freeman

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About the Podcast

Beyond the Ball

“Fueling your Faith and Family through Sport”

Welcome to the “Beyond the Ball” podcast with Coach Eric Klumpp and Coach Justin Gerstung, two basketball coaches here to celebrate the game of basketball, and all sport, with real discussions, with real coaches from all levels, that use their platform to serve others while finding balance off the court in their faith, with their families, and in their communities. Join us in celebrating the way YOU serve, love, and care.

About your hosts

Eric Klumpp

Eric Klumpp is a high school basketball coach in the Western New York area at Newfane HS. He has coached at the JV level for 9 years and at the varsity level for 9 years. He grew up on a dairy farm in northern Niagara County and has been teaching health and physical education at Newfane HS for the past 17 years. He is co-owner of Tents Unlimited; a party tent rental company that supplies large tents to customers for all occasions. He is an active member of Ridgewood Bible Church community and also has participated in men’s physique bodybuilding competitions.
Some thoughts from Coach Klumpp, “The journey of life is a difficult one, life will give you tests; and through those tests you learn valuable lessons. Through basketball and all sport, we get to learn valuable lessons to be used to serve ourselves and allow us to grow. I am very excited to share my experiences and knowledge in hopes to serve others on the same coaching journey that I have been on”. Through this pod I pray to bring light on important issues that surround the importance of mental, social and physical wellness and how it creates a better environment for us to thrive as a coach and build lasting relationships with those that we serve. One of my favorite verses in scripture is Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Justin Gerstung

Justin Gerstung is a high school basketball coach in the Western New York area at Akron HS. He has coached at the JV level for four years and at the varsity level for fifteen years. He has been married to his beautiful wife Rochelle since 2003 and has four children, Emma, Benjamin, Abby, and Noelle. Coach G teaches MS Social Studies at Akron MS, helps run the youth basketball program in the community, coaches AAU with the Buffalo Titans, and most importantly to him, is a member of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church vestry. In addition, he runs the Wall of Fame Committee at Akron, coaches youth soccer, and loves the Buffalo Bills. Some thoughts from Coach Gerstung “I believe that basketball is a microcosm for the game of life, those with the best spirit, approach, and perseverance are the ones that find true happiness. The game of basketball, and all sport, have created so many positive experiences in my life that the desire to share is overwhelming. This pod is a way to show gratitude for what I have, while trying to serve others. Taking initiative and being fearless is something I try to model for my kids and students and it is ultimately my goal to serve that helps define my priorities and in turn helps me create balance. I could not do any of this without the support of my wife and kids, family, and friends. Our family words… hungry, humble, fearless embody the approach I try to take everyday and pass on to my kids. I am learning as I grow as a Christ follower and husband, the value of the process and the importance of celebrating others and celebrating their successes! My hope is that this podcast can spread some of the love that I have for this game!” Coach Gerstung hopes that those that listen enjoy all the extra stuff that sport has to offer and encourages feedback and the creation of dialogue.