Discover the meaning behind Derek curiel walk up song, its faith-driven message, NCAA controversy, and lasting impact.
I have always believed that music says a lot about a person. You can tell someone’s mood, mindset, or even their confidence level just by the type of songs they like to listen to , or in this case, go to them. And this is what made me curious to know the story behind the Derek Curiel walk up song , not just the name, but the meaning, the controversy, and the belief that drove it.
If you’ve followed college baseball, you’ve probably heard the name Derek Curiel. LSU fans definitely are. He is one of the rising stars , young, motivated, and incredibly talented , a player who has both skill and soul. But earlier this year, Curiel didn’t just make headlines for what he did with the bat; he also made an impact on sports and music culture when he decided to step up to the plate with a song that speaks louder than words.
Heartbeat behind the music
Let’s start with the basics , the song itself. Derek Curiel’s walk-up song is “God Is” by Kanye West. And if you’ve ever heard that track, you’ll know it’s not your average pre-game hype anthem. This is not the usual bass-heavy, adrenaline-pumping ‘I’m the man’ type that most players are fond of. It’s tender, emotional and deeply spiritual , a personal statement of faith.
Now that choice alone sets Curiel apart. Imagine walking into a loud stadium, the lights flashing, the cameras flashing , and instead of something that makes you look tough, you play a song that speaks to your faith. This requires self-confidence. This requires courage. And above all, it requires authenticity.
I still remember the first time I heard “God Is”. I was driving home late one night, one of those drives where your mind starts to wander, and that song came on. It is emotional, almost prayer-like. And it impressed me… not just because of the song, but because it’s rare to hear something so overtly faith-driven in mainstream sports or media.So when I found out it was Derek Curiel’s choice, it made perfect sense. It is a window into his soul.
A rising star with a purpose
Before we delve deeper into the history of the song, let’s talk a little about Derek Curiel himself. He’s not just a college athlete trying to make it big; He is one of the most promising young outfielders in college baseball today. Playing for the LSU Tigers, Curiel quickly made a name for himself during his freshman season , posting impressive stats of 89 hits, 20 doubles, 7 home runs and a.348 batting average. Not bad for a first year player, right?
But what impressed people more than their numbers was their patience. You could tell there was something down to earth about him. Reporters, teammates and fans often noted how calm and focused he looked , as if he wasn’t just playing for glory, but for something greater. And honestly when you understand the story Derek curiel walk up song, you begin to see why.
When faith meets earth
So this is where the story takes a turn. In the regular season, everything went smoothly. Every time Curiel came out to bat, the familiar strains of Kanye West’s “God Is” filled the stadium. It became part of his rhythm , that moment where the crowd goes quiet, the music fades and he takes a stand.
But when LSU reached the Men’s College World Series (CWS) in Omaha, something unexpected happened: The walk-up chant was blocked. The NCAA did not allow the lyrical version of “God Is” to be played on loudspeakers. Instead, only the instrumental version was allowed.
At first it seemed like a small thing , just a song, right? But to Curiel and many others watching, it meant something bigger. It wasn’t just about the music; It was about what the music represented.
Curiel later mentioned that he was not sure why the song was rejected. He wondered aloud if it was because it was a Christian song or because of Kanye West’s reputation. “I’m a little upset that the NCAA didn’t allow the song to be played,” he said in an interview. “I don’t know if it was religious or Kanye West or what.”
That simple statement resonated far beyond college baseball. Because suddenly it wasn’t just about Derek Curiel or his walk-up song – it was about freedom, faith and how institutions decide what’s acceptable.
The reason for the NCAA – and the ripple effect
Later reports revealed that the case may have been more about the artist rather than the song. Of course, Kanye West has been surrounded by controversy in recent years, and it seems the NCAA (or the event organizers) have preferred to play it safe. Still, it didn’t sit well with many people… fans, athletes, and even religious leaders… who considered it inconsistent and inappropriate.
Here’s the irony: the same song was played without issue during the regional and super regional tours. Only when LSU reached the College World Series did it suddenly become a problem. It’s hard not to raise an eyebrow at that.
As I read this, I couldn’t help but think about how often personal expression collides with public regulation. Be it a musician, artist or athlete, there is always a fine line between personality and institutional control. And in Curiel’s case, it highlighted how even a simple song choice can become a cultural flashpoint.
Faith in the Spotlight
Derek Curiel didn’t lash out or make a big scene. That’s not his style. Instead, he did what most people admired him for , he stayed calm, respectful, and rooted in his faith. His social media presence quietly reinforces that. If you visit his Instagram, his bio reads: “Jesus Christ is King.” No bold slogans, no drama , just a simple statement of belief.
And honestly, that says more than any argument could. In a time when athletes often face scrutiny for speaking their minds or showing their values, Curiel’s choice to keep walking in his truth , even when muted , was powerful. It’s the kind of quiet strength that doesn’t demand attention, but earns respect.
I remember thinking, if I were in his shoes , a young player on a national stage, with thousands watching , would I have stuck to my song, knowing it might stir controversy? Or would I have just picked something else to avoid the hassle? Truthfully, I don’t know. That’s why I admire his conviction.
The song that said it all
Let’s talk about why “God is” is so important in the first place. The song, part of Kanye West’s 2019 Jesus Is King album, is a dynamic gospel track filled with gratitude, humility and spiritual awakening. It’s not just about religion – it’s about hope, liberation and inner peace.
When you think about it, this message fits the game perfectly. Because athletes are constantly being tested , physically, mentally, emotionally. There are some days when everything goes right and there are some days when nothing goes right. A song like “God Is” reminds you that there is something constant, something bigger than the scoreboard, that keeps you grounded.
For Curiel, it wasn’t just a soundtrack; It was a statement. Every time that song was played, it was like he was saying, “This is who I am. This is where my strength comes from.” And even when the lyrics were toned down, that message didn’t fade. In fact, it got faster.
Later reactions and conversations
After the story broke, fans and the media couldn’t stop talking about it. Some saw this as an overreaction by the NCAA, while others debated whether organizations have the right to censor artists based on disputes. Sports talk shows, faith-based news outlets and social media all played a role.
One of my favorite reactions came from fans on the LSU forums, who jokingly started saying they would sing the lyrics to the song themselves every time Curiel came to bat. It was part humour, part solidarity – a reminder that sports communities often stand together behind their own.
Even the Louisiana Attorney commented, calling the decision “a terrible decision” and questioning why a song about God could not be played in a country built on free speech. It was one of those moments where something small – a walk-up song – turned into a conversation about much bigger values.
Why did this story resonate with so many people?
When I think about the story of Derek Curiel walk up song, it reminds me that sport isn’t just about competition , it’s about identity. Each player has a story, and sometimes it is told not through words, but through music, gestures or faith.
It’s easy to forget how young college athletes are. Derek Curiel is still in his early twenties, but he handles a situation that made national headlines with a grace and maturity that few professionals can learn from. It is impressive.
And maybe that’s why people relate so deeply to this story. It wasn’t just one player who lost the song; It was a moment that showed what he stood for. In a world where image often trumps substance, Curiel reminds us that authenticity still matters.
Comprehensive lesson in all this
You know, stories like this make me think about how often we censor things out of fear rather than understanding them. Perhaps the NCAA thought they were avoiding controversy by banning a controversial artist’s song. But in doing so, he created an even greater one… one that touched freedom, trust, and justice.
There’s some irony there, isn’t there? The songs he wrote were about love, grace and gratitude , hardly offensive by any standard. Yet they were considered inappropriate because of who sang them. It’s a reminder that sometimes our rules say more about us than the people we enforce them on.
And personally, it forced me to consider how often we filter parts of ourselves to “fit in” or avoid judgment. Whether it’s our beliefs, our opinions, or our creative choices , it’s easy to silence ourselves to keep the peace. But Curiel’s story shows that being true to who you are, even if you’re not allowed to play your song at full volume, still has an impact.
When silence speaks louder than the voice
The irony is that as soon as his song was silenced, he became perhaps more powerful than ever. Because everyone noticed. Everyone asked why. And everyone remembered the message behind it.
This is the beautiful part of this story. Sometimes, when the world tries to dampen your message, it amplifies it. Derek Curiel didn’t need to protest or make headlines; He just needed to continue with his faith and focus. The rest spoke for themselves.
A personal achievement
Writing about it made me think about my own experiences , those moments when standing up for what I believed in wasn’t the easiest option. It may not be as public as Curiel’s position, but the sentiment is universal. Do you know that mix of despair and peace when you choose conviction over convenience? That’s what I see in this story.
And that’s why I think it’s much more than just a “game title”. It’s a reminder that your soundtrack is important in life. The things you stand for, the words you live by, the energy you bring – all create the rhythm of your journey.
Whether it’s a walk-up song at a baseball stadium or a quiet moment of confidence before a big decision, your music… literally or metaphorically… shapes how you face the world.
Key Takings:
The saga of Derek Curiel walk up song might seem like a small footnote in sports history, but it carries a powerful message. It’s about conviction, consistency, and courage. It’s about a young athlete who chose a song that reflected his soul, even when the system tried to turn down the volume.
And maybe that’s what makes this story timeless. Because whether you’re an athlete, an artist, or just someone trying to live with integrity, we all face our own “NCAA moments” , times when we’re told to quiet down, blend in, or play it safe. But like Derek Curiel, we can still walk up, head held high, knowing that even if our song can’t be heard, our spirit still can.
Additional Resources:
- Why Was LSU Baseball’s Derek Curiel Unable to Use Normal Walk-Up Song in CWS: Sports Illustrated piece explaining that Curiel’s usual walk-up song was God Is by Kanye West, and how it was not allowed at the College World Series.
- Two LSU baseball players had their walk-up songs banned during the College World Series. Here’s why: Student-paper article (The Reveille) giving local context, reporting on Curiel and teammate walk-up song bans and the reasoning tied to the artist.
