Sixth-grader Wendy might be quiet at first, but Union University basketball player Macy Smith says her new “buddy” already makes game days a little more special.
Smith, a sophomore exercise science major from Virginia, is one of several Union athletes participating in Basketball Bulldog Buddies, a new mentoring program that pairs student-athletes with children of Union faculty and staff.
“I thought it was a really cool idea,” Smith said. “The best part is having these kids look up to someone. It also holds us accountable as players — with our body language and reactions — knowing that people are actually watching us specifically.”
The initiative was started by Ted Kluck, an associate professor of communication arts, who aims to create meaningful, non-classroom connections between Union athletes and faculty families. Kluck said he was inspired by a similar program he experienced during his time as a student-athlete at Taylor University in the 1990s.
“At Taylor, we had a program called Taylor Football Buddies,” Kluck said. “It gave student-athletes a young fan who was eager to meet up after games, bring snacks, take pictures and learn about the sport. It was nourishing for faculty, too, because it created genuine, life-giving interactions with athletes outside the classroom.”
Kluck said the idea fits perfectly within Union’s community-oriented environment.
“The advantage we have in our small ecosystem is the potential for rich relationships,” Kluck said. “To not pursue this would be to ignore a great advantage that the Lord has given us. We also want faculty to see what our athletes go through to compete at the Division II level.”
For Smith, the program is about more than basketball.
“I just love to help others — with basketball questions, but also life questions,” Smith said. “My buddy’s in sixth grade, so I want to help her navigate middle school and grow in her faith. I hope to plant seeds in her life and just be a light to her.”
Faculty members also benefit from the program.
“They have a reason to go to games, which makes the stands fuller and the environment better,” Kluck said. “Most importantly, it gives them a chance to see how hard our athletes work and how excellent they are at their craft.”
For the student-athlete, the Bulldog Buddies is a reminder that they are part of something larger than themselves.
“They get the chance to feel personally seen and known by faculty families,” Kluck said. “It helps break down barriers and shows that faculty aren’t aloof or distant — it opens the door for real discipleship and encouragement.”
Smith agreed, saying the program has already helped her grow as a person and player.
“It’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger,” she said. “God calls us to serve and guide others, and this program lets us do that in such a fun, meaningful way.”