Hudson ’23 Rebounds from Disappointment of Canceled Season
By Tom Campisi, Managing Editor
Paul Hudson, a 6-foot-5 forward, averaged four minutes of playing time per game during his freshman year on the Dartmouth basketball team. A highly-touted recruit out of Charlotte (N.C.) Christian School, Hudson ’23 expected to play a bigger role for the Big Green this year. However, like all Ivy League sports teams, the Dartmouth basketball 2020-21 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paul Hudson '23 photo courtesy of Dartmouth Athletics. Photo credit: Doug AustinDespite the disappointment of not playing this year, Hudson is content to reflect on God’s providence and the opportunity to use his new-found extra time to be a member of another team, Christian Union Vox. The religion major attends a CU Vox Sophomore Bible course and the weekly leadership lecture series, in addition to participating in daily prayer calls.
“This year has been a rough one for all,” Hudson said. “I think God has allowed me to find my identity in Him and not be so absorbed in my sport. He has really shown me what matters and what I can control. Now I know, no matter what, that my God loves me and will never leave my side. Faith has helped me realize my true purpose is to love God and to love others and I can do that outside of the game of basketball.”
Noah Crane, Christian Union’s ministry director at Dartmouth, was impressed with the grace displayed by Hudson after the season was canceled.
“Paul has handled it remarkably well and continues to display joy despite a lousy situation,” he said. “It has given him time to pursue other opportunities on campus and spend more time building relationships.”
Likewise, Hudson said he appreciates being part of the community that is CU Vox.
Unlike many colleges across the country, students were present on the Dartmouth campus during this academic year, with restrictions on large groups. CU Vox was able to host in-person Bible courses and other events with nine or fewer attendees.
Hudson was introduced to CU Vox in the fall of freshman year when Jane Murry Bryan ’23, who is also from Charlotte, NC, invited him to an outreach event. Additionally, one of his basketball teammates, Trevon-Ary Turner ’20, was also part of CU Vox.
“Christian Union has been a great place to ask questions about God, while also being able to enjoy time with one another and love one another,” he said. “Christian Union has become my family and I could not be happier.”
Crane, a former baseball player at the University of Massachusetts and a coach at the collegiate and high school levels, is blessed to have a guy like Hudson as part of the CU Vox family. He noted Hudson’s engaging personality, humor, and passion for Christ as attributes that enhance the CU Vox community, much like his athleticism and shot-blocking ability impact the basketball team.
“Paul is remarkably humble, open, and faithful,” Crane said. “He places a priority on spending time with God and his faithful attendance is a challenge and encouragement to others.”
This term, in addition to attending Bible course, where the focus is the Book of Acts, Hudson serves on the CU Vox outreach and communication teams. He said Christian Union has made him a better leader.
“Watching the seniors lead and mature as leaders has allowed me to grow with them, and hopefully learn from ways they went about leading,” he said. “Seeing Christ work in our community has enlightened me on what it looks like to lead.”
As for future aspirations, Hudson hopes to serve as a sports chaplain or a pastor.
“Paul has many skills and gifts and I can see him in a variety of roles once he leaves Dartmouth,” said Crane. “I see him in a field where he can serve and give back to the community, like leading a non-profit or coaching. I'm excited to see what God will do with Paul over the next few years.”
In the meantime, Hudson is excited about playing hoops again next year for Dartmouth, albeit with a different perspective.
“I'm very hopeful that we will have a season next year, but, again, I think there are many ways I can glorify God outside of basketball,” he said. “Next year, if we have a season, God-willing, I plan to give it all I got and to put my heart on the court. I hope to win a lot of games and build lifelong relationships, hopefully, rooted in Christ.”
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