“Dr. McNeal and his WPD program are authentic and holistic in approach, changing the life trajectory of student-athletes. Highly recommend his presence.”
– Head Track & Field/Cross Country Coach Southwest Baptist University.
I can still remember the first time Dr. McNeal approached me about the concept of WPD (whole person development) and what it would entail. I thought it was a promising idea, but I was a bit skeptical, concerned college age guys would not want to “make time” for something like this. As a collegiate track and cross-country coach over the past fifteen years, I have searched high and low for concepts or ideas that could help motivate them and allow them to truly see their God-given potential. Often, I would present those ideas, only to see the ideas fade away or lose their purpose while going through the process. Digging. Searching. Behold, I had part of the answer right in front of me. He was doing just that and even at a deeper level with my guys.
After coaching fifteen years, it never gets old seeing the “growth” in my guys throughout their college tenure. It is so impressive when we can look back and see holistic development. I have always hoped to see my kids improve spiritually, athletically, socially, and academically. WPD does that and more. I have seen this program transform the way guys think, the way they approach life, and the way they see a connection with something bigger than themselves. Dr. McNeal is a special person who developed this program to reach out to a group with whom he feels connected. Dr. McNeal and his program have been monumental in these guys’ lives. They will be changed forever.
How have I seen this program work? I have been “in the trenches” as Dr. McNeal would like to say. I work with his WPDers daily through practice, and meetings. I have a bird’s eye view of how they relate with other people, in school, through Bible studies, through the highs and lows of life. I have seen how impactful this program is and how Dr. McNeal makes a lifelong connection with these guys with God being in the driver’s seat. He opens his house to these guys and gives them a safe place to share their lives. He knows how to speak to people and build them up. He also is transparent and knows how to knock them on their butts when they are out of line. His program is based out of love. He loves to help the guys; he loves to pour basic Bible principles into these guys; he loves sharing life with these guys, and he grows to love them like his own sons. I know that WPD will do that for the groups and individuals he works with but also with him. He connects with them for life, and he sees, as I see, his investment into them coming full circle as they invest in other people.
Overall, this program is amazing. With God’s help, lives change for the better. Student-athletes become better people, and the world needs better people. Dr. McNeal and his WPD program are authentic and holistic in approach, changing the life trajectory of student-athletes. Highly recommend his presence.
Mr. Corey McElhaney. Head Track & Field/Cross Country Coach. Southwest Baptist University.