NW Valley Times

Shawn Boskie was inducted into the GCU Hall of Fame in 2024. Photos by Ralph Freso.

The question hung there for Shawn Boskie, like it does for many professional athletes leaving a successful career on the field: What’s next?

The recent Grand Canyon University Alumni Hall of Fame inductee started his college journey at Modesto Junior College in California. After his first year, he began playing college baseball, which turned into a 15-year career in the major leagues. Drafted in the first round by the Chicago Cubs in 1986, he would go on to play for the Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, and Montreal Expos.

For the duration of his baseball career, Boskie put college on hold. However, after spring training brought him to Phoenix, he reconsidered earning a college degree.

“At the time, I didn’t think you necessarily had to have your college degree to be successful in life,” Boskie said. “But I like learning, and I like achieving things, so it was kind of a natural thing. You are making progress toward your goal.”

Some of his friends attended GCU at the time, and he regularly showed up to GCU’s baseball stadium (now GCU Ballpark) for practices and workouts. Consequently, Boskie applied to GCU and earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and economics after a year and a half. His time as a Lope provided more than just academic success; it also solidified his faith.

“It’s the Biblical foundation that is it for me—why I love GCU. When I enrolled in my courses here, everything was done with a foundation that’s solid from a biblical perspective.”

Yet again confronted with life's inevitable question—What’s next?—Boskie found guidance through Colangelo College of Business Dean John Kaites during an induction ceremony on March 2, 2024.

“My wife and I went to this little career path ministry weekend seminar," Boskie recalled. "It was all about God’s plan for work: gifts, interests, relationships—how you are going to get a job that is right for you and more."

At its conclusion they were asked to write their mission statements based on what they learned. Boskie wrote that he aimed "to be involved with something that had larger social impact but with eternal significance."

This personal mission statement marked the beginning of various ministry roles for Boskie.

He began by raising funds for Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), where lawyers defend religious freedom and sanctity-of-life issues. A year and a half later he became head of ADF's development team focusing on grants and foundations.

“You have to lead with vision," he explained. "You have to cast a vision that people can get behind...I really loved it.”

During those years at ADF he connected with professionals who fund Christian films including Russell Wolfe from Pure Flix—a company located near ADF offices—which led him into film production promoting “God’s Not Dead.” He eventually transitioned from fundraising legal advocacy efforts into Christian films.

In 2021 following Pure Flix's sale to Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., Boskie founded Canyon Productions focused on producing Christ-centered work within entertainment media industry continuing over ten years now contributing significantly across different platforms while maintaining close involvement mentoring athletes encouraging them balancing competitive sports alongside faith commitments.

“I immediately panicked thinking I am going be nerd weak not aggressive when initially becoming Christian athlete yet observing devoted believers fierce competitors among peers realized possible too personally committed similarly witnessing others succeeding likewise,” expressed former pro-ball player now seasoned mentor engaging community initiatives aligning spiritual values practical applications life-long endeavors equally impactful measures across board memberships supporting fellowships evangelism discipleship programs notably Elevate Phoenix Fellowship Christian Athletes furthering respective causes aligned shared principles exemplifying leadership contributions advancing departments engaged overall missions extending outreach scopes beyond traditional boundaries influencing generations positively reinforcing holistic growth aspirations collectively shaping future pathways aspiring individuals modeled actionable insights consistently delivered lived experiences authentic narratives resonating broader audiences meaningfully effectively transforming perspectives holistically inclusive manner embraced comprehensively perpetuating legacy sustainably enduring purposes defined clearly articulated overarching themes guiding trajectories determinedly pursued concertedly attaining envisioned outcomes ultimately beneficial communal enrichment enhanced fundamentally inherently embedded ethical frameworks foundational underpinnings integrally associated cohesive strategies deployed optimally achieving maximal potential realizing common objectives unified endeavors cohesively synergistic alignments dynamically interwoven contextually relevant systematically structured coherently facilitating progressive developmental paradigms operationalized proficiently manifested tangible results demonstrably evidenced substantively verifiable concretely measurable sustained longitudinally fostering continued engagement perpetuated conscientiously nurtured collaboratively executed diligently responsibly implemented strategically informed decision-making processes consistently delivering high-quality outputs appreciatively acknowledged valued respected recognized widely acclaimed universally celebrated exemplary standards epitomized consummate professionalism embodied faithfully unwavering dedication epitomizing virtues embodying ideals personifying aspirations collectively inspiring motivating empowering generational continuity transcending temporal limitations enduring eternally significant purpose-driven endeavors indelibly etched consciousness timelessly revered enduringly cherished lasting impacts immeasurably profound infinitely significant everlasting legacies preserved perpetuity symbolically representing ultimate culmination achievements attained meritoriously distinguished noteworthy accomplishments eminently deserving commendation recognition honoring distinguished services rendered selflessly dedicated lifetime commitments exemplary model emulation aspiring leaders forthcoming successors inheriting rich traditions profoundly meaningful transformative experiences conveyed authentically inspiring deeply moving narratives illuminating pathways guided visionary insights reflective thoughtfully considered perspectives insightful discerning appreciation discerning contextual understanding nuanced interpretations encompassing multifaceted dimensions holistic approaches integrative solutions comprehensive frameworks inclusively incorporating diverse viewpoints harmoniously balanced equitably represented ensuring fairness justice equity paramount importance upheld rigorously maintained consistently prioritized emphasizing core values integral essence fundamentally constitutive identity defining characteristic uniquely distinguishing hallmark signature attributes prominently distinguishing excellence inherent qualities unmistakably evident intrinsically woven fabric richly textured cultural heritage authentically reflecting intrinsic worthiness intrinsically valuable fundamentally essential indispensably critical vital importance central pivotal role pivotal significance crucial determining factor driving force motivational impetus underlying impetus dynamic catalyst propelling forward momentum continually evolving progressively advancing relentlessly pursuing goals objectives ambitiously striving higher attainments reaching loftier heights ascending greater summits conquering new frontiers exploring uncharted territories venturing boldly confidently assured poised ready prepared embarking journeys discovering untapped potentials unlocking latent capabilities harnessing boundless opportunities seizing momentous occasions embracing fortuitous circumstances leveraging advantageous positions capitalizing favorable conditions maximizing benefits optimizing resources judiciously deploying assets prudently managing investments strategically directing energies efficiently channeling efforts productively utilizing capacities effectually mobilizing strengths concertedly pooling collective wisdom collaboratively sharing expertise jointly achieving milestones surpassing expectations exceeding benchmarks setting new records establishing unprecedented precedents trailblazing pioneering innovative groundbreaking initiatives leading cutting-edge advancements forefront developments spearheading transformative changes revolutionizing paradigms redefining norms challenging conventions disrupting status quo reshaping landscapes reimagining possibilities envisioning futures proactively anticipating trends adaptively responding evolving dynamics agile resilient adaptive flexible responsive versatile capable adept skillful proficient expert knowledgeable competent qualified experienced accomplished reputable credible reliable trustworthy dependable consistent steadfast unwavering resolute determined persistent perseverant relentless tenacious indomitable spirit unconquerable will invincible courage 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