Wayne Simien

In this powerful episode of God Is Speaking: Are We Listening and Obeying?, host Joe Calhoon sits down with former Kansas Jayhawks All-American and NBA champion Wayne Simien for an inspiring conversation about faith, transformation, and purpose beyond the game.

Wayne shares how he grew up in Leavenworth, Kansas, where the discipline of military life, the Hallmark factories, and playing basketball against soldiers on the Army base shaped his toughness and work ethic. From winning a high school state championship to becoming a consensus All-American at the University of Kansas, reaching the Final Four, and being drafted by the Miami Heat to play alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade — Wayne had it all.

But at age 20, sitting on the steps of KU's campus, a chance encounter with a fellow student named Josh Harrelson changed everything. Wayne opens up about feeling "bored and broken" despite his success, surrendering his life to Jesus Christ on July 12, 2003, and the radical transformation that followed.

Discover how Wayne transitioned from professional basketball to full-time campus ministry with Called to Greatness, and now serves as Associate Athletic Director of Strategic Engagement at the University of Kansas. He and Joe explore the power of Scripture, the role of the Holy Spirit, the meaning of true influence and leadership, and why love never fails.

Whether you're an athlete, a business leader, or someone searching for deeper purpose, Wayne's story will challenge and encourage you.

In This Episode:

⏱️ 0:00 – Introduction & Wayne's "Life in Quarters" framework

⏱️ 4:40 – Growing up in Leavenworth & lessons from playing against soldiers

⏱️ 11:18 – The transformation: From bored and broken to born again

⏱️ 19:30 – Walking out faith in college basketball and the NBA

⏱️ 34:37 – Transitioning from the NBA to campus ministry

⏱️ 39:44 – How God speaks through His Word and the Holy Spirit

⏱️ 49:29 – Family, marriage, and the "home team"

⏱️ 52:27 – Wayne's current role at KU and what's next

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