The Shaw family is a shining example of how faith, family, and sports can come together in perfect harmony. Casey and Dana Shaw, along with their four children, are deeply rooted in their Christian beliefs. Their family dynamic includes brothers Isaiah and Caleb playing on the basketball team coached by their uncle Bryce Drew at Grand Canyon University (GCU). Both the Shaw and Drew families are closely tied to Christianity, with family members leading men’s programs at Christian institutions like GCU and Baylor.
In 2024, both GCU and Baylor made it to the Men’s NCAA Tournament, with each team securing a victory in the first round. This accomplishment was particularly noteworthy for GCU, as it was their first tournament win since moving up to Division I in 2013. The Drew brothers, Bryce and Scott, share a coaching philosophy that incorporates biblical principles, emphasizing teamwork, selflessness, and unity. Casey Shaw believes that this approach helps build a strong and healthy program.
At Baylor University, Scott Drew has cultivated a culture of joy within the basketball team. This culture revolves around putting Jesus first, followed by prioritizing others and then oneself. As a Christian school, Baylor provides the freedom for Drew to integrate his faith into coaching, creating an environment where players can prioritize their spiritual life alongside their athletic pursuits. Paul Putz from Baylor’s Faith and Sports Institute acknowledges the impact of Drew’s coaching style on building successful and cohesive teams.
The Shaw family embodies what it means to be truly rooted in one’s faith while also having a love for sports and family. Their journey shows us that these three elements can work together perfectly to create something truly special.
