Michigan’s national championship victory was about more than a final score for Trey McKenney and Yaxel Lendeborg. After the Wolverines defeated UConn 69-63 earlier this week to capture the title, both players used the moment to reflect not only on teamwork and perseverance, but also on the faith that sustained them along the way.

Speaking after the win, McKenney praised the unselfish culture that helped power Michigan’s title run.

“Everybody on this team is extremely talented,” he said during the post-game press conference. “For us to be able to sacrifice something for ourselves, a lot of us could be somewhere else doing more than what we’ve done this season, but I think it just shows that this team is super selfless.”

He added, “I’ve never been around such a talented group of guys that are willing to take a lesser role for somebody next to them. I’m just really grateful to be around this team, and I’m going to cherish this moment for the rest of my life.”

For McKenney, the timing of the championship also carried special meaning. He played the biggest game of his life on Resurrection Sunday, a fact that was not lost on the young athlete, who said his faith has been central to his upbringing.

“My grandfather is a pastor, and I grew up in the church all throughout my life,” McKenney told CBN Sports before the game. “It’s kind of crazy this weekend because it’s one of my first weekends that I haven’t went to church on Easter Sunday.”

Even so, he viewed the national spotlight as a gift from God.

“It’s amazing to be able to be on this platform on such a great weekend. I just give all the glory to God while I’m here,” he said. “He gave me this journey and this path to follow on, so I’m just really grateful, and I’m really blessed for it.”

Lendeborg’s contribution came through pain and determination. After suffering a sprained MCL and ankle injury in the Final Four against Arizona, he refused to sit out the championship game. Though clearly limited, he battled through the pain to help Michigan secure the win.

“I knew there was no way I was going to miss this game, no matter what was going on,” Lendeborg said after the game. “These guys stuck with me no matter what. They all believed in me. I was trying to push through my mental and physical battle out there.”

Earlier in the season, Lendeborg also pointed to the Lord’s hand on his life.

“It’s all a blessing to be honest with you,” he said. “All glory to God and thank you to my mom as well for helping me out and digging me out of the hole that I was in.”

Michigan’s championship run showcased talent and resilience, but for McKenney and Lendeborg, the greatest testimony was clear: in victory, they wanted God to receive the glory.