Last week, we began to see how the rewards of team chaplaincy are felt by chaplains themselves. Neumann’s 31 volunteer team chaplains told us that seeing the development of character and values in student-athletes, and accompanying them on their journey through the formative college years, are two of the most rewarding parts of team chaplaincy.

Here, we complete our exploration of things that team chaplains love by delving into two more common themes they find make their work extremely meaningful.

3. Relationships

Team chaplains develop unique and meaningful relationships with Neumann student-athletes. We have found those relationships are built through prayer and reflection, yes, but also from the sum of the many small moments that student-athletes, coaches, and team chaplains experience together.

“One of my favorite moments is just hanging out with the team and getting to know each member individually. This is something that is very difficult to do in the classroom. Being a chaplain allows me to get to know the students on a more personal level and for them to know me as well.”

– Amy Brown (Team Chaplain, Cross Country and Track & Field)

In some of those smaller, daily moments, team chaplains also find great satisfaction when students demonstrate trust through conversation.

 “I enjoy being down on the field with the team and watching games but I also like when a student comes to talk to me one-on-one. It’s nice to know they view me as a person who they can trust and talk to about whatever is going on in their lives.”

– Jack Ryan (Team Chaplain, Neumann Baseball)

“My favorite moments are innumerable, but I always come back to the girls reaching out to me – on their own – when they feel compelled to do so. For instance, they send me a picture of a cute pair of boots they found at the mall or a late night text because they are looking for advice on how to start their psych essay. I love the moments when they ask me to rescue them at a job interview because they forgot their blazer at their apartment (true story!).”

– Denise Chain (Team Chaplain, Neumann Volleyball)

Team chaplains also look for new ways to connect with student-athletes outside the typical daily grind of academics and athletics. These team and relationship-building opportunities often prove quite rewarding.

“My favorite moments are simply good times spent with the athletes. For example, the Cross Country team and the chaplains had a preseason dinner at our house in August. We had a great time laughing, eating, praying and fellowshipping with each other.” 

– Ryan Savitz (Team Chaplain, Neumann Cross Country and Track & Field)

No matter what form it takes, though, the formation of special relationships between student-athletes and chaplains is built on a ministry of presence. Indeed, it is often presence itself that shows student-athletes they are cared for as whole people. And, in reciprocation, team chaplains may find student-athletes understanding and appreciating this genuine care and concern.

“I try to simply be present with them; to listen, inspire, pray and simply be a background presence for whatever off-the-field needs they may have throughout the year. Getting to know these women and their families each year is truly an honor.”

– Mary Dorsey (Team Chaplain, Neumann Women’s Lacrosse)

“I enjoy getting to know the members of the team and simply providing encouragement for their efforts. Their talents, commitment, teamwork, and positive spirit, and the dedicated efforts of the coaches, are so impressive and it is a privilege to be a member of the team.”

– Daniel McKee (Team Chaplain, Neumann Softball)

And, as in any relationship, team chaplains simply enjoy forming new bonds. Neumann’s team chaplains are faculty and staff members, some of whom may not otherwise have this sort of special connection with students. As such, they often express gratitude for the joy these new relationships bring into their professional lives.

“As a team chaplain, it makes me happy when the players recognize me off the field! Also, when they express their gratitude for my prayer being good luck in a game!”

– Meghan Carpentier (Team Chaplain, Neumann Club Rugby)

4. Making a difference

Finally, team chaplains are driven to make a difference in the Neumann community. They want to know their ministry is helping student-athletes grow, mature, and perhaps discover more about themselves, others, and God.

“It makes me happy to know that my role as a team chaplain makes a positive difference in our student-athletes’ experience and to our team’s coaches.” 

– Mary Dorsey (Team Chaplain, Neumann Women’s Lacrosse)

Success in this regard is measured, in part, through the authenticity of new relationships and life-giving presence team chaplains can offer. Over time, they are also able to find key indicators of success.

“How do I know my role is making a difference? Having a former player – years after graduation – ask me for the reflections and prayers I wrote for her team. This former player now coaches her own team and asked if I would share the prayers, speeches and reflections I wrote for her team when she was here at NU. She wanted to tell her girls what inspired her while she was here, and help them understand that there is another side to being an athlete. A longer-lasting, more impactful side than just the number of points scored.”

– Denise Chain (Team Chaplain, Neumann Women’s Volleyball)

Indeed, this is the reason for Neumann’s team chaplaincy program. Chaplains help student-athletes keep a balanced perspective by reminding them that, ultimately, win-loss records and athletic accomplishments are secondary to the character and values they develop on and off the field. Sports are simply the lens through which they help students live true to Neumann’s core values. In so doing, chaplains and students are mutually privileged with this life-giving ministry and we are happy to hear of the rewards experienced by our team chaplains!