The Last Game
As the buzzer sounded in the Lions' final game of the season, a 71-68 loss to Young Harris College in the Conference Carolinas semifinals, so ended the historic season for senior guard, Devin Story. For Story, that final game of the season rounded up his college career and a lifetime of accomplishments.

But the legacy of his career reached beyond the final score. It was reflected in the hard work he brought to Emmanuel University and the example he hopes to leave behind for future Lions. 

A Season of Highs
During Devin's time as a Lion, he competed in over 50 games and logged 1,670 minutes on the court, proving to be a dependable presence for the team. During this season, he averaged 24.2 points per game, becoming one of the conference's top scorers. His performance this year earned him honors, including:
•    · First Team All-Conference Carolinas
•    · Conference Carolinas Player of the Week in February
•    · 2nd Team D2CAA All Region

He also reached a major milestone by joining Emmanuel's 1,000-point club, an achievement that highlights his scoring ability and the consistency he brought to the program. 
Statistics and awards, however, only tell a part of his story. 

Growing Up
Story came from Augusta, Georgia where he built his younger self as a basketball player. Growing up, Devin had watched his older brother play and was inspired by the drive he carried. This later motivated Story to further his athletic journey, which he credited to his family's support throughout his basketball career. 

"My drive came from my mom," Story said. "She did not have much growing up but watching her make it happen for my siblings and me meant a lot to me." 

The example his parents and siblings set shaped his mindset. Another supporter who has become a familiar presence at the Shaw Athletic Center is Story's nephew. Often in the stands, cheering him on, his nephew has watched closely as his uncle competed throughout the season. 

"My nephew always tells me after the game that he saw me play," Story said enthusiastically.

For Story, those conversations were meaningful reminders to him that being an influence like his mom was to him was the most important part of playing the game. It meant he could be an influence on younger athletes who watched him succeed on the court. 

Journey to Emmanuel

Story's college career began at Life University before he eventually transferred to Emmanuel for the 2024-2025 season. Along the way, he felt like both programs were family. Moving from one family to another, Emmanuel had become his new home. When he entered Emmanuel as a junior, he felt the nerves of joining a new team and establishing a role for himself within an established one. Most transfers can fall under pressure, but for Story, he rose to the challenge and was welcomed by the upperclassmen with open arms, as Devin describes. 

Those seniors led with confidence, which influenced him this year to be as great a leader as they were. His role as a captain was not based on the numbers he put up on game day, but instead, the encourager he was to his teammates, to stick together on and off the court.

"Being a captain is like being the head of the ship," Devin says.

Story being a captain meant uplifting his teammates through rough practices and bad games. He gave credit to Coach Rosene for teaching him what it means to lead with respect and the importance of having a good culture can bring to a team.  
As Emmanuel's motto says, "God with Us", Devin shares how his faith has grown because of Emmanuel. His coaches always preach to the team and himself the importance of purity and spiritual growth through his journey with Emmanuel.

The Future of Emmanuel 
Although Emmanuel's season ended just short of a championship appearance, Story leaves behind more than just statistics and awards. Through his work ethic, leadership, and the support he received from family and coaches, he built a legacy centered on perseverance and staying the course.

For those younger athletes watching from the stands, and for his nephew who eagerly shares what he observed after every game, Devin Story's dedication and example will remain. His influence on the Emmanuel community lives on, encouraging future Lions to lead with heart, persevere through challenges, and leave their own mark long after the final buzzer sounds.