Mark Campbell, who completed his 22nd year as the Union University women’s head basketball coach, joins Jewuan Long, Meg Griffin Nethery, Preston Overbey and Jabriel Washington, when the 35th annual Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame is held April 22.
The 2020-21 event will be held at 6:30 p.m., at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.
WNWS.COM – NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM & 93.1 FM – visited with Mark Campbell for a question and answer session about his career and his selection into the hall of fame.
Question: First, some background – where are you originally from, family and education?
Answer: I’m originally from Franklin. My dad was a veterinarian, and mom taught Bible at Franklin Road Academy once my sister, Amy, and I began high school. I graduated from Lipscomb in 1994, and earned my Masters from Union in 1996.
Question: When did you begin your coaching career at Union University, and how did Union enter the equation?
Answer: I came with Ralph Turner the year I graduated from Lipscomb. He was very gracious to allow me to volunteer and then he generously paid for my masters. Coach Turner was an instrumental person in my life and God uses him to develop me as a person and as a coach.
Question: You followed David Blackstock as head coach at Union. What was it like to work with David, and do you continue to use some of his coaching techniques?
Answer: Coach Blackstock was a great. The greatest thing about Coach B was his trust in his staff. He allowed me the freedom to work through being a young coach! As I look back, I can see how he allowed me to grow!
Question: You’ve won five national titles at Union and compiled a record of 658-105, for a winning percentage of .862. During your time at the school, what has been most rewarding in your career?
Answer: The Lord taught me some incredible lessons through the winning. The most important thing was that winning championships doesn’t satisfy. Achieving a goal isn’t the highest achievement.
Watching God change a heart is the most enjoyable thing I get to see. I get the privilege of watching a group truly love one another not based on their similarities but their unique gifts.
Question: Without us asking, you have probably had the opportunity to coach another school. What made – and continues to make – Union special?
Answer: Union is an amazing place. God has been really clear that Union provides the opportunity to be who I need to be at Home and who God has called me to be at work.
There aren’t many places i can coach in this country where I can prioritize the things that are most important, Faith and Family, and still have the opportunity to win championships!
I love Union University and the mission we are on all over this campus. It is a special place. Molly and I are very thankful that we have had the opportunity to be a part of this this community!
A table for eight for the event is $500. For reservations, call Beth Sedberry (731) 616-8558.
(PHOTO: Mark Campbell)
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