Ohio Trip Recap
Samantha and Tracy spent the past two weeks touring universities in Ohio, and it was a blessed and grace-filled trip and countless opportunities to serve student-athletes, coaches, and faculty.
Their first stop was Walsh University, a beautiful Catholic school with a thriving culture of faith and competitive athletics. Remarkably, student-athletes make up three-fourths of the student population at Walsh. Under the leadership of President Tim Collins and Athletic Director Christina Paone, Walsh is building an inspiring mission rooted in faith, excellence, integrity, and service. Sam and Tracy spent nearly a week on campus, engaging deeply with the Walsh community. They addressed female faculty members as well as the entire coaching staff, encouraging them in their mission of forming young people through sport. Sam was also able to share the message of FIERCE with several women’s teams, including softball, lacrosse, volleyball, basketball, and soccer. She shared about their inherent worth and identity as beloved daughters of God, while challenging them to excellence both in competition and in the spiritual life. She also had the privilege of addressing the men’s football team, encouraging them to embrace authentic masculinity and leadership on campus. In addition, Sam met with the Blouin Scholars, whose program emphasizes Catholic social teaching and service, both on campus and throughout surrounding communities. Together, they reflected on the call to Godly leadership. Throughout the week, Sam and Tracy enjoyed fellowship with administration, coaches, athletes, and ministry leaders, all of whom continue to affirm and support the mission of FIERCE. The immense generosity, hospitality, and encouragement from Walsh, and especially from President Collins, is truly a gift. We are deeply grateful and look forward to our next visit. Swords Up!
From Walsh, they traveled to Ohio State University, where Sam addressed student-athletes connected with the Saint Thomas More Newman Center. Partnering with the FOCUS missionaries on campus was a joy; Sam and Tracy were grateful to support them in their ministry to student-athletes. A highlight of their visit was a breakfast gathering with members of the OSU women’s ice hockey team, which provided meaningful conversation and encouragement.
Finally, their trip concluded at Franciscan University of Steubenville where Sam spoke to female student-athletes across campus. They were also able to host a round-table luncheon with coaches, sparking fruitful dialogue. However, most of their time was devoted to the women’s basketball team. Sam spoke to the players about authentic femininity, the goodness of the body, and mental toughness – playing from a place of freedom and not fear. They then had the opportunity to lead the basketball team through a pre-season practice while teaching four practical principles: gratitude, identity, offering up suffering, and playing for the joy and love of the sport. A special thank you to Iliana Spoelman, Women’s Basketball Coach, and Alexis Basil, Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator. Their support and hospitality were instrumental in making the visit to campus so smooth and impactful. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and dedication to the student-athletes and the FIERCE mission.