At Grace Christian University, our commitment to Christ is at the core of everything we do—including our athletic programs. We believe that sports are not just about competition; they are a powerful platform for spiritual growth, character development, and community building. Our athletic department strengthens both the physical and spiritual lives of our student-athletes, preparing them to excel on the field and in life.
A Commitment to Christ-Centered Athletics
Our Athletic Director, Cory, emphasizes the importance of keeping Christ at the center of all we do. “This is a place where I grew in Christ and made my faith the reason why I live life,” Cory shares. “We take how we run the athletic department seriously. We want to offer premier athletic programs where students are prepared to win on the field, find eternal security in Christ, and reflect Christ’s love to those around them.”
At Grace, we are passionate about athletics. With 16 sports teams competing at a high level in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). We challenge our athletes to work hard, value others, and glorify God. Our dedicated coaches, mentors, and compassionate community of supportive students foster an environment where athletes thrive both academically and spiritually.
Our Mission: Developing Champions for Christ
The mission of Grace Christian University Athletics is simple yet profound: developing champions for Christ. We believe that by maximizing the gifts God has given us, we can glorify Him. Our athletes strive for excellence both on and off the field, embodying the values of integrity, hard work, and community.
Beyond the Sport
We see athletics as an integral part of the Grace experience. Participation in sports teaches and trains individuals in all areas of life—physical, social, mental, spiritual, and emotional. Through athletics, students can develop Christ-like qualities and characteristics that will serve them well beyond their college years.
The athletic program at Grace aims to:
- Develop and display Christian attitudes
- Instill self-discipline
- Promote proper sportsmanship
- Foster transformational relationships
- Improve playing skills
- Teach the value of cooperation and healthy competition
- Strengthen community
For our student-athletes, this means opportunities to improve their skills, demonstrate self-control, encourage teamwork, and build lasting friendships.
The ROOTED Program: Growing Together in Christ
At Grace, every athletic program is rooted in Christ. Our ROOTED program is designed to help athletes grow together in their faith through serving, devotion, and leadership development. Coaches, team connectors, and student-athletes lead this initiative, which includes weekly curated devotionals that the entire athletics department participates in. These devotionals feature testimonies from professional athletes, messages from local pastors, and insights from our own Grace Christian student-athletes.
Work Hard
We take our athletic programs seriously at Grace Christian University. We teach our athletes the value of hard work, both in their sport and in their studies.
“I’ve gained so many opportunities around campus, such as participating in student government, working on campus, and getting a chance to play on other teams. One last thing I gained was a community. There are so many people, teachers, staff, and students—that are here for you in every aspect. I made new friendships with people I now call lifetime friends.”
This dedication to hard work extends beyond the field. We encourage our athletes to give their best in every area of life, preparing them for success long after their college careers end.
Value Others
At Grace Christian, we believe in the power of community. Our athletes are part of a supportive, compassionate environment where they can grow not just as players, but as individuals. Quay Humphries, Men’s Basketball, puts it.
“Since being at Grace, I have built relationships not just within my sport, but also have connected with professors, and other faculty members here. The open arms I have been greeted with at Grace have been very beneficial.”
This sense of community and valuing others is a cornerstone of our athletic philosophy. We believe that by lifting each other up, we all rise higher.
Glorify God
Above all, our athletic programs focus on glorifying God. Through our ROOTED program, teams grow in Christ together through serving, devotion, and leadership development.
“Originally, I chose to come to Grace to play baseball and to get a college education. I am now a junior and have come to realize that it is much more than just baseball and school. It is to pursue God, to learn and worship Him so that we are prepared after college to live long and healthy lives.”
– Jaden Schoeneman, ‘25 Baseball
We believe that by using the gifts God has given us to the fullest, we bring glory to Him. Our athletes strive for excellence on and off the field, always remembering that their talents are a blessing to be used for His purpose.
At Grace Christian University, we’re not just developing athletes; we’re developing champions for Christ. Through hard work, valuing others, and glorifying God, we prepare our students not just for success in their sport, but for a life of purpose and faith..
If you’re considering becoming part of the Grace Christian family, take it from Zac Yorke. “You are not going to find a school and athletic program that competes this high on the national stage and cares this much about their athletes. I have developed a large quantity of people that I know I can call 10 years from now no matter what I need. I guarantee no other school in the country can say that.”
Join us at Grace Christian University, where we’re developing champions for Christ, one athlete at a time.
