Christianity’s Connection to Sports
Before setting foot on the court for each game, the Urbana High School Junior Varsity volleyball team comes together to center thoughts and prepare for the match. That is accomplished not by chanting or having a moment of silence, but by praying. As we join hands with each other and bow our heads I personally lead the initiating prayer, followed by Varsity volleyball player Haley Hammond.
Seeing as volleyball is a very high-strung, high emotion sport for many, by participating in this calming and intimate ritual before each competition not only instills a sort of closeness within the team but a sense of strength. Pre-game prayers tend to focus on health, wellness,and respect for the opponents as well as proper attitudes towards teammates.
“I believe that when I pray to God he will help me to perform the best I can. Sometimes I don’t play the best, but God makes everything happen for a reason. I pray to him before every match, and even though we don’t always win he helps me to succeed,” said JV volleyball player, Sophomore Sierra Poor.
Other Urbana High School athletes “play for God” as well. Junior baseball player Isaiah Fitzgerald says, “(My religion) gives me a mind set that no matter what might happen or however the game might end up, God will always be on my side. More people should play with God in mind so we can glorify Him.”
Focusing on a greater spiritual power before a game is not a high school sport specific activity, however. It is a common practice for athletes at many levels.
Tim Tebow, a professional football player, brought the idea of religion in athletics into the spotlight when he introduced his famous “Tebowing”, or kneeling in prayer, on the football field in 2010. Being the openly Christian athlete that he is, Tebow has been not only brought more attention to faith, but has positively influenced many young people.
“Regardless of what happens, I still honor my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because at the end of the day, that’s what’s important, win or lose… We need to get back to one nation under God, and be role models for kids,” said Tebow in a speech last April.
As the final score graces the scoreboard, whether win or lose, being defined as a Christian athlete means that the outcome is merely inferior when compared to the bigger picture. That bigger picture being how did you play: Did you carry yourself the way God would have wished? And, even more importantly, who did you play for: Yourself, or your “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”? In the end, that is what they believe truly matters.
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