Boston Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla: ‘My Identity Comes From My Faith and My Purpose’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Joe Mazzulla was named the Boston Celtics new interim head coach after the organization suspended Ime Udoka. With no previous head coaching experience, many doubted Mazzulla.
The Celtics finished second in the Eastern conference posting a 57-25 regular season record. That was enough for Mazzulla to get the interim title removed from his head coaching position. On February 16th, the Celtics extended Mazzulla’s contract, which made him the 19th head coach in franchise history.
In an interview with Andscape.com, Mazzulla stated, “I know that for my wife and I and my family, we’re supposed to be here. For us, our faith is really important, and we felt like we followed God’s plan to a T as to where He wanted us to be.”
His talk about his faith was soon backed up in a post-game interview. Prince William and Kate Middleton attended a Celtics game and Mazzulla was asked if he had met the Royal Family.
“Jesus, Mary and Joseph?” Mazzulla asked. “… I’m only familiar with one royal family.”
Mazzulla had a rough time in college after being arrested twice in 2008 and 2009. However, despite his past, he didn’t dwell on that, instead he learned from it.
“I’m not the same person that I was,” Mazzulla stated to CBS News. “As you grow as a person, you’re constantly having to build an identity. I didn’t have one at a certain point in my life for whatever reason. You have to find a foundation, and for me that’s my faith.”
“How can I impact people positively around me? That is something that I have learned throughout my life,” he added.
Mazzulla concluded, ““If you don’t have a compass, it’s very hard to direct yourself. You have to learn that on your own sometimes. My identity comes from my faith and my purpose. I got into coaching because I’ve had people pour into me, sacrifice for me, and I want to do that for my players.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
