June 12, 2025
Losing the Game, Finding God: Vaughn Duggins Testimony on Identity and Grace
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In this episode, Karina sits down with former pro basketball player Vaughn Duggins, whose story is a powerful testimony of redemption, identity, and the transformative love of Jesus. From leading Indiana high school basketball in scoring to playing professionally overseas, Vaughn’s life appeared golden—until hidden battles with alcohol, people-pleasing, and spiritual passivity nearly took it all down.
But when God stripped away the one thing Vaughn had built his identity on—basketball—everything changed. What followed was a full surrender to Christ, a new calling into ministry, and a renewed understanding of what it means to lead, love, and live with purpose.
If you’ve ever struggled with identity, expectations, or feeling “too far gone,” Vaughn’s story will meet you right where you are—and offer hope that no matter how far you’ve gone, God’s redemption reaches further.
Episode Highlights:
– Growing up in small-town Indiana and love for basketball and soccer
– Leading the state in scoring—and hiding an off-court struggle
– The DUI that became a wake-up call
– Wrestling with identity as a college athlete and young husband
– Meeting Jesus after his wife drew a hard line
– When a basketball-themed sermon became a holy ambush
– Discovering a call to ministry through mentorship
– Trading performance for purpose and learning to lead spiritually
– Speaking life into the next generation with vulnerability and faith
Time-Stamps:
[00:01:01] Vaughn’s childhood, family life, and Indiana roots
[00:04:21] High school hoops, a mentor named Joe Buck, and basketball glory
[00:07:32] Religion without relationship—growing up knowing of God
[00:10:18] Raising kids differently—with Christ at the center
[00:15:18] Vaughn’s basketball career takes off—but the cracks grow deeper
[00:22:07] The DUI that changed everything
[00:26:45] Still drinking, still hiding—until God closed the door on hoops
[00:31:03] A career-ending injury and the death of identity
[00:35:01] Maria’s ultimatum: lead or lose
[00:40:42] God speaks Vaughn’s language—through a sermon series called “Triple Threat”
[00:44:00] A new call, a new purpose, and speaking life outside the game
[00:47:26] Ministry training and discovering pastoral gifting
[00:48:15] Obedience, mentorship, and the power of calling out greatness
About the Guest:
Vaughn Duggins is a former Division I and professional basketball player, husband, and father of four. After a life of striving, hidden struggle, and fractured identity, Vaughn surrendered his life to Christ and now shares his story to inspire others toward freedom, faith, and spiritual leadership. He’s passionate about helping others walk through their own transformation and step into God’s purpose for their lives.
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