On Campus, Athletes and Greeks are Leading Lights for Christ

If you were asked to find the most influential student leaders on a college campus, you would likely begin your search in one of two places: college athletics or the Greek system. Perhaps no population is more invested in campus life than members of Greek houses and student athletes. By virtue of their unique leadership roles and dedication, these students shape the culture of a school more than any other student groups.

Tragically, too often the words “Greek life” and “college sports” make us think less of virtue and more of a darker college experience. Stories in the news about college sports or Greek life repeatedly involve drugs, binge drinking, hazing, sexual assault, and other destructive behaviors. Juggling intense extracurricular schedules, demanding academic requirements, and a very public campus profile, student athletes and Greeks face pressures that the typical college student rarely experiences.

The call to transform the Greek and athletic communities on campus may seem like a challenge of Goliathan magnitude — but with the Lord’s help, FOCUS is making a difference. Several years ago, FOCUS launched Varsity Catholic and FOCUS Greek, two outreach initiatives tailored to introducing student athletes and Greeks to Christ, helping them discover their true identity and purpose beyond their campus affiliations. As a result of Varsity Catholic and FOCUS Greek, we are hearing a different kind of story from Greeks and student athletes alike: a story of hope, faith, and fulfillment.

Bringing Christ to Fraternities and Sororities: FOCUS Greek

FOCUS Greek provides fraternity and sorority students with a life-changing encounter with Christ. Through Bible studies and discipleship relationships, Greeks are encouraged to be a positive influence on the rest of their fraternity and sorority members. This year, 137 missionaries will lead FOCUS Greek outreach on 60 campuses, equipping Greek students with the tools to lead others toward lives of faith and excellence.

Annie Rondone, missionary team director at Troy University, has witnessed firsthand the positive effects of FOCUS Greek outreach on her campus after just one year.

“Our Bible studies are blossoming!” said Annie. “Last year, which was FOCUS’ first year at Troy, we started a Bible study with the women of Alpha Gamma Delta. Through Bible studies and discipleship, the sisters are able to find deeper friendships with one another. They want to find out more about their Catholic faith so they're able to share it with the rest of the students at Troy.”

While FOCUS Greek is still in its infancy on many campuses, there’s no question that it is already inspiring a positive change in fraternities and sororities across the U.S. One young woman from Alpha Gamma Delta told Annie, “Our Bible-study time is my favorite part of my week. I wake up and am excited for the whole day because I know that I have Bible study to end my night!”

Going the Extra Yard: Varsity Catholic

Varsity Catholic was launched in 2007 as a strategic initiative to reach college athletes for Christ, extending His message of hope to a wide circle of influence. Many of our Varsity Catholic missionaries were once college athletes themselves; they understand the challenges and needs unique to student athletes. Today, Varsity Catholic has 107 full- and part-time missionaries serving on 75 campuses.

During her senior year, Gabby, a member of the women’s soccer team at the University of Connecticut, had a powerful encounter with Mary Kate (M.K.), a Varsity Catholic missionary.

“Throughout this year, M.K. has been one of my rocks and greatest support systems,” said Gabby. “She has given me strength and hope during some very challenging times. Meeting M.K. has helped me live out my faith more completely by sharing it with my teammates and becoming a better Catholic woman.”

It can be difficult for student athletes to find the right kind of mentor to help them navigate college. For Will, a member of the football team at the University of South Dakota, a FOCUS missionary served as an anchor of support, helping him balance a life of faith with the pursuit of sports. “My life has been transformed through my participation with FOCUS,” said Will. “I have come to understand more fully how God desires for me to live my life. Jeremy, my VC missionary, has gone out of his way to teach me how to build my relationship with Christ, and for that I am forever grateful. I also look forward to sharing my faith with others because I want other people to know Christ like I do now.”

Leaders Shining the Light of Christ

Gabby’s and Will’s encounters with FOCUS missionaries are stories FOCUS hopes to repeat with Greeks and student athletes across the country. Since these students have such a powerful influence on their peers, they are lighting the way for those on their teams and in their fraternity and sorority houses to discover Christ.

Through Varsity Catholic and FOCUS Greek, FOCUS will continue to transform the culture of the athletic and Greek communities, one student at a time.

Help us transform the Greek and athletic cultures on college campuses. Donate now.


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