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Athletes of all ages prepare for significant events through the development of physical and mental habits. Whether it's a big game, a championship meet, or simply an opportunity to achieve a personal best, Champion teams and individuals follow a process that prepares them to perform at their very best. Yet many are missing a key ingredient in this process: the need to prepare spiritually.
Xavier Evoy is a high school student-athlete and the student chaplain for his school's swim team. In this week's video, Xavier shares the unique way his team prepares for championship meets by encountering the Holy Spirit and each other. The late Pope Francis called sport a place of encounter, where "we an experience the joy of competing to reach a goal together, participating in a team, where success or defeat is shared and overcome." As Xavier and his teammates show, making space for teammates to share their personal story is a tremendous way to build faith and foster relationships on a team. It's also a terrific way to prepare spiritually for the challenges of a season or championship.
Student-athletes, watch Xavier's comments in the video above and find a way that you can seek to encounter the Holy Spirit and your teammates throughout this season. Look for opportunities to share your own story with others and to ask about their faith journey. Coaches and team captains should consider how to implement team prayer and spiritual preparation into preparation for games. If you're already including this practice, find ways to go deeper. Encountering God in sport will unlock the ultimate key to becoming a Champion.
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