Bio
Name: Tad Sivley
Hometown (High School): Hartselle, AL—Hartselle High School
Year: Senior
Sport(s): Men’s Basketball
Major: Secondary Education (English)
Why did you choose to be an NAIA student-athlete? I decided to be a student-athlete because I’ve always loved the game of basketball. I wanted to prolong my time on the court and get an education while doing it.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete? The greatest lesson I have learned about being a student-athlete is playing for more than yourself. When you play for your teammates and sacrifice for them, it makes the bond between you so much stronger.
If you have been involved in community service projects, which project has been the most rewarding and why? I’d say my most favorite project would be helping with the kid’s field day earlier this year at Richland’s elementary school. It was amazing to see how much fun they were having, and it brought back memories of my field day experiences in Hartselle. I was glad to just be able to help contribute to that joyful experience for them.
When you were growing up, what did you want to be? When I was growing up I, like 98% of other kids in this country, wanted to be a professional athlete. It was a dream I had always dreamed and probably held on to it for a little too long. I also for a little while wanted to be a doctor and a preacher. As a kid though there were so many things I wanted to be. I was never just fixated on one thing.
What is your fantasy job/ career? My fantasy job is to be a coach at the University of Kansas or any other blue blood school at that high of a level. I’ve always thought it would be awesome to get the chance to lead a program at that level.
What is your favorite:
Spot on campus? Bottom cafeteria (where the ping pong and pool table are at)
Class? Comic Book in America
Movie? Shawshank Redemption
Food? Hibachi chicken and rice
Holiday? Christmas
TV Show? How I Met Your Mother
Sports team? Alabama Crimson Tide
Professional Athlete? Nikola Jokic
Quote? “But thanks be to God for he gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”- 1 Corinthians 15:57... it is tattooed on my right shoulder
What is your greatest sports moment? My greatest sports moment so far would probably be finding out that we made the national tournament my sophomore year. It was a great feeling of accomplishment.
Your most prized possession is? My most prized possession is probably my bible. If I’m going to stay the night somewhere it is coming with me.
A non-athletic talent you have is? Singing
The best sporting event that you ever attended was? In the 8th grade for my Christmas present, my dad bought my brother and I tickets to go watch the Grizzlies play the Heat. This was a match-up between D. Wade and Mike Conley. Great game.
What does your bucket list include? The bucket list includes getting married, having kids, doing some overseas mission work for at least a little while.
How would your teammates describe you? My teammates would probably describe me as goofy. Depending on the day the correct adjective I might classified as annoying too. Of course, all out of love though!
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? Before the announcer calls out the starting lineup and I’m on the bench I like to pray. I like to pray to have the strength to glorify God through the game and that I would praise him no matter what happens.
Your worst habit is? My worst habit is always being in a rush. I sometimes do not take enough time to really enjoy what I’m doing or where I’m at.