"Do All for the Glory of God"
Catholic Illini have a long history of excellence in every field–in academics, the arts, service to others, and athletics. This excellence shines brightly in the field of athletic competition, with hundreds of Catholic Illini competing at the top levels of sport at the University and beyond throughout the history of St. John's Catholic Newman Center.
We asked a few alumni to share their experiences as Catholic athletes and how they would encourage future Illini athletes to "do all for the glory of God" through their sport.
Tyler Goecke (2024) was a graduate transfer who played on the Fighting Illini Men's golf team during his fifth year of elligibility. He scored 2nd in stroke play at the NCAA championship in 2024.
What does it mean to be a Catholic athlete?
For me, being a Catholic athlete was about my identity. A common theme in athletics is finding your identity in the wrong things, and this can lead to a lack of fulfillment. It wasn't until I accepted my true identity that I understood my purpose as an athlete. I am able to perform at my highest level with the help of the Lord and be secure in my identity.
What piece of advice would you give to Catholic Illini Athletes today?
My biggest piece of advice to athletes today is to accept the Lord into all aspects of their life. God is the creator of everything, including our sports. Jesus told us to be like children and rely on him for everything, and inviting Jesus into your sport is a great way to grow in your relationship with him.
Jenna Fesemyer, former Newman Hall Resident Director and two-time Paralympic athlete, is completing her Ph. D. in the Department of Recreation, Sport, and Tourism. More specifically, her area of study includes "discovering how sport specific interventions can promote wellness for adolescents with physical disabilities." (via https://ahs.illinois.edu/fesemyer)
What is a favorite memory from your time at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center or Newman Hall?
As the Resident Director at Newman Hall from 2019 to 2022, I had the privilege of nurturing community and spiritual development among college students. It was incredibly rewarding to mentor young adults as they strengthened their faith, participated in service, and navigated the challenges of college life. One of my most cherished memories from this role was witnessing the transformation of students—from arriving on campus uncertain about the college experience, hesitant to make new friends, and overwhelmed by their academic load, to leaving in May as well-rounded leaders in our community and grounded in their faith.
What piece of advice would you give to other Catholic Athletes?
My advice for Catholic athletes is to embrace integrating your faith into every aspect of your athletic journey. See your sport as a way to glorify God through your discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Prioritize prayer (even and especially during competition!), stay grounded in humility, and recognize that every talent and opportunity is a gift. By keeping your faith at the center, you’ll find strength, purpose, and perspective both in victory and in defeat. The Lord so badly wants us to include Him in our field of play. Ask the Lord to join you in your journey. He is the best teammate.
Julia Waight (2023) competed on the Fighting Illini Women's Gymnastics team during her time at the University of Illinois. She was a three-time, Academic All-Big Ten athlete among other recognitions of her scholastic achievements.
What piece of advice would you give to other Catholic Athletes?
At times during my athletic career, it felt like my happiness and worth depended on my success and performance in my sport. If this is something you or someone you know might relate to, remember that there are so many more important things in life than whether we lose a game, miss a shot, or fall in a gymnastics meet. In times when things don't go as well as we want, give thanks for your physical health and for the opportunity to be an Illini athlete. Trust that God has a plan, and pray for the strength to be resilient on challenging days of long practices, difficult conditioning, or poor performances.
