Finding Spirituality in Sports

“When it comes to religion in sports, God is the root of it all and the ultimate playmaker.” Joe Troilo, student-athlete 

Religion in sports. Those two things don’t seem like they have that much to do with each other. In reality, they have everything to do with each other. As Troilo says, “God is the root of it all and the ultimate playmaker.” 

Why do media outlets gloss over people acknowledging their beliefs in sports? In 2024, if seeing an athlete thanking God after a sports game feels different or odd, you know that there is a problem. It’s time for more people to talk about spirituality in sports. 

Here at Neumann University, we uphold our core values of reverence, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship. The values are rooted in the Franciscan tradition of Catholic education. We hold these tenets in the classroom and on the field. 

Why does spirituality belong in sports? Joe Glass, a professor and team chaplain, who teaches a course on sport and spirituality, explains. 

“I think sports give athletes and fans an opportunity to stop, think, and reflect on things they value and things they consider important. Sport naturally leans to conversations about themes such as: ‘bigger than the game,’ ‘what the box score doesn't show,’ ‘learning from loss’, ‘no I in team’, etc. Those conversations lead to pondering parallel themes in life: ‘life itself is more than meets the eye,’ ‘more than the bank balance,’ ‘cross and resurrection,’ ‘unity’, etc.”, says Glass.  

By acknowledging spirituality in sports, athletes are allowed to draw connections to their everyday lives. 

Yes, it is more than just a game. The game can teach a lot, but when you can make personal connections to the game, it teaches so much more. 

Neumann University tennis player Joe Troilo sees the link between spirituality, sports, and overall life. 

“As an athlete, even when we deliver a subpar performance, we understand that one game does not define us. We still are willing to train and get better each day. Being a Catholic is just like that, on certain days I may fall short of being a perfect human being. The truth is we will never be a perfect athlete nor a perfect Christian, it’s the process and the commitment we bring forth that reveals our true value. Playing a sport is a process. You aren’t always the best. It takes constant work and improvement. You can experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. One day you’re dominating, the next day you get shut out,” Troilo says. 

As Catholics, we believe we are imperfect. Only God is perfect. We are sinners. We all fall. 

When an athlete falls, does he stay down? Nope. He gets right back up and goes right back to practice so he can grow as a player. 

We Catholics fall just as athletes do. And we do the same thing. We repent so that we can grow in faith. 

If you’ve been in the Mirenda Center, you may see Sr. Marguerite O’Beirne. She is the women’s lacrosse team chaplain and often helps the athletes with academics at Neumann. She also believes that spirituality belongs in sports. 

“I’ll give you three reasons why spirituality belongs in sport. The first reason is one of the most important and is to recognize that God has given athletes a great gift. Whether you’re on the Eagles or someone playing at Division 3. God has given them a talent that they need to be conscious of and express it through their spirituality. The second reason is that because they have that talent, they must develop talent. If I have a talent, God expects me to use that talent. The third reason, I believe it is connected, is that athletes can keep their humility. Without faith, they can lose a sense of who they are, they can get involved in bad habits.” explains O’Beirne.  

These three things that O’Beirne gives tie into each other. When I think about how God has given us these talents, the phrase “God has a reason” comes to my mind. Not only is it beneficial for the athletes to learn and find purpose in themselves but spectators can then learn by their example. 

1 Peter 4:10 says “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” 

This can go beyond sports. This can apply to all different kinds of talents. 

It seems like such a great thing for athletes to express their beliefs. Why don’t people talk more about their spirituality? 

“We live in a culture where faith isn’t popular. We live in a world that is very very secular. When I look at the crucifix, that’s not going to sell papers. I hate to say this but it won’t bring the readership and the money,” said O’Beirne. 

I not only welcome religion in sports, but I want more of it. As a Christian, I’m so happy to see people doing as the gospel says. Mark 16:15 says “Go into the world and preach the Gospel to all of creation.” It’s great to see my religion represented and have Christian role models in the sports world. 

Seeing athletes proclaim their spiritual beliefs is so interesting to me. Publicizing those beliefs can help everyone understand intricate lifestyles that aren't their own. If athletes could wear their beliefs on their chests, maybe we can gain a new level of respect for each other and find unison in a divided world. 

“I do believe that religion and spirituality, whether you’re Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or even Atheist, can unite us. There is hatred for Muslims, Jews, Christians, and that’s why I think we have a center for sport and spirituality. I think our hope is that through sports, we can unite people in a peaceful environment,” said O’Beirne. 

Through sports and their characteristics of companionship, teamwork, respect, discipline, and dedication we can be a catalyst to spread love as Christians. Take your passions and talents and use them for good. 

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”- Matthew 5:16