As we approach the beautiful celebration of the birth of Our Lord Jesus and the beginning of a new year, here is a look at my 2024 Catholic sports all-star team. Hopefully, these athletes will bring some joy and smiles and inspire you for 2025. While the Olympic Games gave us a chance to observe several Catholic Christian superstars who made the all-star team, there were some wonderful examples from all sports and many parts of the world.

  • Swimming: Katie Ledecky is an American swimmer who holds the record for the most swimming gold medals in Olympic history. “Praying helps me let go of things that don’t matter. It gives me peace knowing that I am in good hands (with God),” she said. (National Catholic Register, 8/3/24)
  • Surfing: Three-time world champion Gabriel Medina had an iconic picture taken of him after his last surf in the Olympics. He later said, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (NCR, 8/3/24)
  • Gymnastics: Rebeca Andrade beat out Catholic Simone Biles for gold in artistic gymnastics. “God gave me the opportunity, and he was preparing me so that I could achieve my goals,” she said. “This medal is not because I asked for a medal … he gave me the opportunity and was always blessing me, knowing that his servant was always giving her best.” (Church Pop, 8/5/24)
  • Tennis: Serbian Orthodox superstar Novak Djokovic added to his legacy (most men’s Grand Slam singles titles – 24) by winning the Olympic gold medal. He is now one of the very few who has won the golden slam (all four Grand Slams plus Olympic gold). What was more impressive was his emotional celebration, kneeling and praising God. “I thank God for giving me his mercy, this blessing, and this opportunity,” he said.
  • Baseball: Washington Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams is a member of the Knights of Columbus and spoke out strongly against blasphemous actions taken by the Los Angeles Dodgers. “Like our baseball exercises, we need our spiritual exercises. For me, that may be the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet or just quiet adoration,” he said.
  • Football: Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker serves at a traditional Catholic Latin Mass. During two recent commencement speeches, he reinforced the importance of traditional family values and Catholic morality.
  • Track & Field: Julien Alfred, from St. Lucia, is the reigning Olympic gold medallist in the 100-metre race, making her “the fastest woman in the world.” She stated, “I am humbled and grateful for God’s grace and mercy.” (The Black Catholic Messenger, 8/9/24)
  • Hockey: Nick Foligno of the Chicago Blackhawks is one of the few outspoken Catholics in the NHL. “Our talents are God’s gift to us, and what we do with them is our gift back to God,” he said. (National Catholic Register)
  • Soccer: Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s national coach, and his team showed courageous faith. After winning the 2024 Euro championship, he said in an interview, “Since I am free and I believe, this induces me to believe in God … this gives me a lot of assurance and strength.” Team member Jesus Navas is involved with the Neocatechumenal Way, while another teammate, Nico Williams, lives his Catholic faith very intensely. Archbishop Jose Saiz of Seville said of coach de la Fuente, “He knows how to communicate faith, humility, the value of team over individuality, the spirit of sacrifice, and trust.” (AciaAfrica, 7/15/24)
  • Basketball: Recently retired NBA star and recent convert Gordon Hayward and Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla both deserve to be here. Coach Mazzulla is known for walking around the stadium before games praying the Rosary. When asked about the royal family (British) being at a Celtics game, he said, “I only know one royal family … Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.”

Many of these athletes spoke of humility, mercy, and the belief that God gives us opportunities in life, but it is our responsibility to use these gifts for his glory. May we all be courageous and apostolic with our lives in 2025. “Whoever confesses me before men, I will confess before the Father.” (Mt 10:32)

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