Inside the Saint Louis Cardinals clubhouse with Adam Wainwright (by Athletes In Action)

By Sports Spectrum Sep 3, 2014

‘Life-changing experience’: Ultimate Training Camp brings together college athletes chasing the Lord

By Annabelle Hasselbeck Jun 5, 2025

UTC athletes complete Golgotha, a mile-long trek through the Colorado mountains. (Photo courtesy of UTC/Athletes In Action)

For college athletes, their summer is typically consumed by committing to their summer training packets. Their level of diligence and devotion to these workouts will determine how prepared they are when they return to school for their run test, weight test, and in-game sport skills. Coaches give athletes these workout packets to ensure their players are strong and conditioned, ready to execute even when they are fatigued.

While the physical preparation of an athlete’s offseason is essential to their sport, the mental and spiritual side of an athlete’s game is what will determine how they play when uncontrollable adversity strikes. Knowing this, Athletes in Action has found a way to help athletes connect their faith to their sport and understand they cannot stand on their own strength.

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If you or someone you know is a college athlete, add AIA’s Ultimate Training Camp to next year’s summer bucket list.

Last week, nearly 300 college athletes from 73 different schools gathered together at Colorado State University to learn how to integrate faith and sports into their lives. Throughout the week, the athletes heard from wise speakers, took diligent notes in seminars, met in small groups with each other, competed in volleyball labs, and jumped up and down during worship nights.

UTC athletes on the Colorado State football field. (Photo courtesy of UTC/Athletes In Action)

There are five principles taught at UTC:
1) Audience of One: Who or what do I worship?
2) Inside the Game: What motivates me?
3) Holy Sweat: How do I grow?
4) Better > Bitter: How do I deal with suffering?
5) Victory Beyond Competition: How do I live from God’s Kingdom instead of my kingdom?

The goal of these principles is to help the athletes find freedom and purpose in their sport and life beyond. These principles prepare athletes for a 20-hour physical competition called the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. (Scriptural Principles + Exhaustion = Confidence In Almighty Lord).

This S.P.E.C.I.A.L. — “oooooohhhhhh” (as all the athletes HAVE TO say anytime the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. was mentioned) — is a series of workouts, team challenges, and obstacle courses that pushes them to truly rely on Christ. During these intense 20 hours, athletes cry, laugh, fall, carry each other, pray, cheer and surrender. They have sharpied reminders all over their bodies of who they are in Christ: “I am accepted,” “I am worthy,” “I am forgiven.” Genuine friendships are created through this raw and vulnerable experience because athletes learn to walk by faith through the struggles they share. The hope is for athletes to encounter Jesus in the brokenness of sport and competition, allowing God to strengthen them and redeem it for His Kingdom.

The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. concludes with a mile-long trek through the Colorado mountains called Golgotha. Athletes carry a wooden plank across their back to represent the journey of Jesus with the cross. This is not a scored event, but rather a final moment of the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. to have time alone with the Lord and reflect on their last 20 hours. Some run, some walk, some cry, some cheer, but all smile. All throughout the S.P.E.C.I.A.L., 2 Corinthians 12:9 is seen as athletes chant phrases like “God is good, all the time, God is good” and “the Lord is my strength.”

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

While photos show a physically intense Ultimate Training Camp, the real transformation is within. Athletes have not only gone through battle during the S.P.E.C.I.A.L., but have prepared themselves for the battles to come on and off the field when back on their campuses. A summer bucket list item like this carries into the rest of their lives.

Michigan State football player Quindarius Dunnigan posted after his time in Colorado, “The people that You placed in my life have been nothing short of EXACTLY what I needed and meeting everyone I did on this trip was the breath of air that I didn’t even know I was grasping for.”

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Iowa soccer player Kellen Fife shared, “I am forever grateful for another LIFE CHANGING experience at UTC and to be humbled before the Lord. He walks beside us abounding with grace and mercy, guiding us to godliness through faith.”

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The Colorado camp that just concluded isn’t the only one this summer. A second one held in St. Paul, Minnesota, is set for June 15-21. More information can be found on the UTC website.

Check out the recap reel from 2025 UTC Colorado.

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And keep an eye out this summer for “What’s Up” podcast interviews where I dive into the UTC experience with multiple athletes who attended this year’s camp in Colorado!

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

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Sport

Two ministries come together for one mission at Christians Working in Sports Conference

By Noah Weiss May 13, 2025

Attendees at the 2024 CWS Conference. (Photo courtesy of Uncommon Sports Group)

On July 11-12 in Atlanta, Georgia, at Passion City Church’s Cumberland campus, Uncommon Sports Group and ADs4Christ will host the third annual Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference. Launched in the summer of 2023, the CWS Conference was created to give Christians in the college and professional sports industry a space to connect, be encouraged, and leave equipped to live out their faith with confidence.

Since its launch, the Lord has moved in incredible ways, growing the event’s reach and deepening its sense of community. The plans for this year’s conference clearly show that continued momentum.

One of the biggest challenges for Christians working in sports is the sense of isolation. Many believers struggle to find coworkers and peers who share their faith. This isolation leads not only to loneliness but to a lack of accountability. This is what makes the CWS Conference so significant.

This event is intentionally designed to gather believers working in all areas of sports by fostering meaningful relationships, sharing stories, and encouraging one another. While many conferences support professional networking, few offer the kind of spiritual community found at the CWS Conference. Attendees walk away with new friendships and Gospel-centered relationships that continue to provide encouragement and support long after the event ends.

In addition to building community, the CWS Conference seeks to equip attendees through impactful teaching and discussion. This year’s lineup includes faithful, seasoned speakers and panelists who bring industry insight and Gospel-centered wisdom. Featured speakers include Louie Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church; Jamie Boggs, Vice President of Athletics at Grand Canyon University; and Moses Ehambe, Player Development Coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves. With this powerful lineup — and more to be announced — attendees can expect to be challenged and equipped to live boldly for Christ in their careers.

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This year’s conference also marks an exciting new partnership. While the CWS Conference was launched by Uncommon Sports Group in 2023, it has partnered with ADs4Christ, a ministry dedicated to developing Christ-like leaders in college athletics. In previous years, ADs4Christ has hosted its own annual convention. For the first time, the ADs4Christ community will gather alongside the broader CWS network, uniting Christian leaders across all of professional and collegiate athletics. Both ministries are excited about their shared vision and trust God to use this collaboration for His eternal impact.

Why does a conference like this matter? Christians working in sports often lack fellowship, feel isolated in their faith, and aren’t equipped to navigate the unique challenges of this profession. The CWS Conference meets those needs head-on, fostering Gospel-centered relationships and building up the Kingdom of God in one of the most influential spaces in our culture.

NFL agent Kelli Masters, left, speaks at the 2024 CWS Conference. (Photo courtesy of Uncommon Sports Group)

The impact of this conference can be felt not only in its programming but in the lives of those who attend. Here are just a couple of reflections from past participants:

“I have a renewed spirit, and I’m filled with a lot of hope after interacting with so many impressive people across the sports industry who chose to spend a weekend pouring into each other and getting closer to God. Our industry is competitive and tiring, but when we do it with and for God, incredible works get done. I’m inspired by how much humility was in the room and that in the midst of summer, so many chose to be here.” — Molly McManimie, NFL Agent

“My biggest takeaway from this conference was to make an advanced decision on how you will handle trials and adversity. It has shaped my view on my time in the sport industry, broadened my support system, and reinforced my purpose and calling to this career.” — Nick Peterson, Sporting Kansas City

If you’re a Christian working in college or professional sports, the CWS Conference is a can’t-miss event. Join us in Atlanta on July 11-12 at Passion City Church’s Cumberland campus. Registration is just $79 until May 15 — after that, the price increases to $99. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly meaningful. Register today!

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Sport What's Up Podcast

WHAT’S UP PODCAST: Mallory Hasselbeck – Boston College Lacrosse Player

By Sports Spectrum May 12, 2025

(Photo courtesy of Mallory Hasselbeck)

THIS IS SPORTS SPECTRUM’S WHAT’S UP PODCAST
WITH ANNABELLE HASSELBECK

On today’s episode of Sports Spectrum’s “What’s Up” podcast, we have Boston College lacrosse player Mallory Hasselbeck.

Mallory shares about her journey to Boston College, overcoming injuries, winning the national championship, and how she’s held onto the Lord through it all.

“What’s Up” is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

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PLEASE CONSIDER FOLLOWING, SUBSCRIBING AND LEAVING A REVIEW

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Sport

New Report: Sports Fans Support Athletes Using Their Platforms to Discuss Faith

By D.J. Jordan Feb 5, 2025

Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs players and coaches pray following a game, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship made headlines for more than the play on the field. The game famously featured two teams, Notre Dame and Ohio State, whose players openly expressed spirituality throughout the season. New research released today by Sports Spectrum shows fans are supportive of athletes, like these football players, talking about their faith.

Sports Spectrum surveyed 1,540 U.S. adults about their views on a wide range of issues, including faith in sports, gambling, and plans for watching Super Bowl LIX on Sunday. The survey found that 56% of sports fans are supportive of athletes sharing their faith, with another 33% neutral and just 12% being unsupportive.

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The survey was conducted by communications firm Pinkston between Jan. 24-30, 2025, among religious and non-religious U.S. adults who watch sports at least a few times a month.

“These findings underscore a real opportunity for athletes to connect with fans on a deeper level by sharing their beliefs and values,” said Sports Spectrum President Steve Stenstrom. “Whether it’s their faith, charitable initiatives, or personal convictions, fans are eager for meaningful engagement beyond the game.”

Faith in sports is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, some of the most legendary athletes have openly discussed their beliefs. From Olympic runner Eric Liddell, who famously refused to race on a Sunday due to his Christian convictions, to modern icons like Tim Tebow, who popularized his prayerful celebration, faith has long held a presence in major athletics. What has changed, however, is the platform. Social media and increased media coverage have allowed faith to become a much more visible and widely discussed aspect of sports today.

In fact, 60% of survey respondents engage with sports teams or athletes on social media. As fans increasingly seek authenticity and personal connection, social media has become a key platform for athletes to build trust and extend their impact both on and off the field. Notably, 78% of survey respondents said an athlete’s personal character influences their perception of them.

In previous decades, athletes’ faith was primarily observed through interviews, postgame press conferences, or brief moments on the field. Today, platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow athletes to share Bible verses, personal testimonies, and reflections in real time. This has led to a stronger sense of community among fans who share their beliefs. The ability to reach millions directly has made faith more visible in sports than ever before.

The survey also asked Christians about their views on sports gambling. The report found that about 42% of Christians are supportive of sports gambling, 35% were neutral, and 22% opposed gambling.

Sports betting has surged its way to the forefront of our lives. While many people do it responsibly, the impacts of problem gambling is noticeable. Research from USC and UCLA shows a “substantial increase” in bankruptcy, collections, and delinquencies in states that have legalized online sports betting.

For Christians that don’t want to engage in sports betting, it’s a difficult topic to avoid. This year’s Super Bowl LIX, for example, is partly sponsored by FanDuel. Super Bowl ads for sports betting and special promos for first-time bettors are widespread and ingrained in the mediums that many fans enjoy sports through.

In reaction to these numbers about sports gambling, Stenstrom noted, “There’s a guy on every offensive line whose job is to guard his quarterback’s blind side — to protect him from what he can’t see coming. We as Christians need to be protecting our blind side when it comes to problem gambling. There’s an opportunity to look inwardly and think deeply about the effects of sports betting and what it means for our spiritual relationship with Jesus.”

What the research also suggests is that sports, specifically the platform of prominent athletes, can be a reflection of broader cultural conversations. Fans are paying attention to what athletes have to say and want to hear from them on the issues that matter most. They’re interested in getting to know the personal lives and convictions of the athletes they follow.

According to the survey, a whopping 74% of people are supportive of players who use their platforms to promote nonprofit causes that matter to them, while 22% are neutral, and only 5% are opposed. In addition, 43% of people are supportive of players talking about politics, while 33% are neutral, and 23% are opposed.

How great has it been to see so many in college football praising Jesus these last few weeks? pic.twitter.com/9xBt33E8Ir

— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) January 15, 2025

The opportunity for athletes that this research highlights is tremendous, but it also means that athletes must navigate their influence thoughtfully and lead with integrity.

Fans want to see people of good character, not just excellent play on the field or court. Again, when asked if the personal character of an athlete influences their perception of them, 78% of people said it does.

“Sports have a unique power to shape culture and society, bringing people together across backgrounds and beliefs,” said Benjamin Watson, former NFL tight end and Sports Spectrum contributor. “These findings create an incredible opportunity for athletes to lead with conviction and impact their communities in meaningful ways.”

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<