Alabama Player’s Mother Shares Journey of Faith Amid Season’s Highs and Lows

BRYANT, Alabama – As the Alabama Crimson Tide embarks on its postseason journey, one mother reflects on her family’s rollercoaster experience during the 2024-25 basketball season, highlighting the role of faith in their lives.

Meka, the mother of player Mark, has been a steadfast presence at games, radiating positivity and energy to her son. “There’s nothing better than watching your child compete at the highest level of their sport,” she said. “Sometimes, there’s nothing worse.” Her family’s experience of joy and struggle during this season is intertwined with her deep faith.

Meka recounted how she and her husband prayed before every game Mark played. “We tell Mark that God will get the glory, no matter what. Sometimes, it may not look like a twenty- or thirty-point game, but God will still get the glory,” she said.

Mark’s performance at Auburn was a key highlight of the season, a game where Meka found herself at the top of Neville Arena, staring down at the court. “It was just the culmination of a day that began with us climbing to our seats at the very top,” she recalled. Wearing four-inch heels, Meka was determined to embrace the moment despite her physical discomfort, assured by her faith.

“Thank God we’re here. Thank God I’m able to be here, healthy enough to climb all these steps and high-five Jesus,” she said. Meka remembered telling those around her, “We’re in the building,” signifying her gratitude for the opportunity to witness her son’s growth.

As the game progressed, she felt a strong need for her son to take the shot in critical moments. “I kept saying: Mark has to have the ball in his hands. He’s built for this. This is just what he’s known to do,” she said.

However, the season also had its low points. Meka reflected on when Mark was benched for the second half of a match against LSU, noting it was one of their hardest moments. “It was the lowest for both of us, without a shadow of a doubt,” she stated. She saw the anguish on his face as he sat out. “I could see it on his face. After three minutes of not playing, I knew this was going to be a big deal,” she recalled.

Despite the challenges, Meka reinforced the importance of faith. “I said to him: Use your faith. God is gonna carry us through this,” she asserted.

Meka underscored her respect for Coach Nate Oats while expressing her disagreement with decisions made about her son’s playing time. “I wanted to wear something fun to the next game, but my husband advised against it due to the scrutiny we were under, and I agreed,” she noted. Instead, she wore a shirt emblazoned with Mark 12:36, prompting questions she welcomed as opportunities to discuss her faith.

As Alabama now prepares for the SEC and NCAA tournaments, Meka feels a sense of joy and gratitude. “We’ve received more love than we knew could manifest from the game. I believe God has redeemed us,” she said. With Mark’s final games at Alabama looming, she expressed her hope to inspire others through her experience.

“Coming from a small town, what can you believe? What can you achieve?” Meka said, sharing her desire to uplift others facing difficulties. “I want to live a life on purpose and not just happenstance,” she said, echoing her commitment to maintaining positivity in the midst of challenges.