What happens when both teams pray to win?

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Paul Putz — Director of the Faith & Sports Institute at Baylor’s Truett Seminary and author of The Spirit of the Game: American Christianity and Big-Time Sports — joins us to explore some of the most complex questions in sports and faith.

We dig into the tension between competition and Christianity:

• How should athletes actually pray before a game?

• Is competition biblical — or have we confused it with pride and performance?

• Should Christians even care about winning?

Dr. Putz brings incredible perspective as a historian, former athlete, and theologian who’s spent years studying how faith has been woven into the fabric of American sports. His insights challenge us to rethink what it means to play and to worship in a way that truly honors God.

📘 Grab Paul’s new book, The Spirit of the Game: American Christianity and Big-Time Sports, available now.

🎧 Listen now to learn how athletes can compete with purpose, pray with perspective, and glorify God through the game.

When everyone else says no, God’s yes changes everything. 🎾 In this episode of the Identity Sports Podcast, Head Racquet Sports Professional Michael Munguia shares his journey of faith, tennis, and perseverance.

From growing up in a small California town to playing collegiate tennis at Arizona Christian University—and later coaching at Eastern Illinois and ACU—Michael has seen both doors closed and doors opened. Along the way, he discovered that his true identity isn’t in wins, losses, or coaching titles, but in the God who calls him His own.

Michael’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and trusting God’s bigger plan when life says “no.” Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or simply someone navigating life’s challenges, this conversation will encourage you to keep pursuing God’s “yes” over the world’s “no.”

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to the Identity Sports Podcast for more stories of athletes who are finding their identity in Christ beyond the game.

🎙️ In this episode of the Identity Sports Podcast, we sit down with Bobbi Stricker — professional golfer, daughter of 12x PGA Tour winner Steve Stricker, and a former standout at the University of Wisconsin.At just 27 years old, Bobbi’s golf journey has been anything but ordinary. From not playing competitive golf until after high school, to competing for the Wisconsin Badgers where she earned multiple Academic All-Big Ten honors, to joining the Epson Tour in 2022, her story is one of perseverance and a strong faith.We dive into:- Growing up in a golf family and finding her family on the course- Her rise through college golf and the transition to the professional stage- Being bold in sharing our faith- Her Good Lion Golf partnership, featuring a crown symbol with deep personal meaning- How her identity in Christ shapes her life on and off the course🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more athlete stories of faith, resilience, and identity in Christ.📌 Learn more about Identity Sports: identitysports.com#BobbiStricker #GolfPodcast #IdentitySports #EpsonTour #FaithAndSports

In this episode of the Identity Sports Podcast, longtime MLB shortstop and 2X Gold Glove winner Nick Ahmed opens up about his journey of faith, identity, and life beyond baseball. Nick reflects on his career in the big leagues, his transition into retirement, and the lessons he’s learned about finding purpose that goes deeper than stats or performance. He also shares the heart behind 7Pillar, the platform he co-founded with his brother Mike, which equips athletes with tools for complete development—on the field and in life. From identity and mindset to relationships, fitness, and recovery, Nick explains how the 7Pillar framework is helping athletes build unshakable foundations and unlock their God-given potential.🎙️ Subscribe for more stories of faith in sports

Today on the Identity Sports Podcast, we sit down with former college golfer Cooper Hayes—a young leader with a powerful story of faith, struggle, and boldness. From accepting Christ in first grade to battling religious OCD during COVID, Cooper’s journey shows how God meets us in the middle of our mess and turns it into growth.Hear how Cooper learned to place his identity in Christ instead of performance, stepped into leadership on his golf team, and helped lead teammates to faith. Plus, he shares his favorite Scripture and what legacy he hopes to leave behind.🎙️ Subscribe for more stories of faith in sports

Los Angeles Angels top prospect Caden Dana is climbing fast—but he’s not building his identity on a stat line. In this episode, Caden shares how his faith moved from routine to real, why Christ—not performance—grounds him, and the habits that keep him centered as he rises through pro baseball.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Caden’s rapid journey from New Jersey to the big leagues—and what that first call-up felt like

• How his faith became a priority in pro ball

• The role Godly teammates and community play in keeping him anchored

• Why he prays during the national anthem and the rhythms that shape his spiritual life

• Advice for young athletes

If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with an athlete who needs the reminder that identity in Christ is unshakable.

Follow us on Instagram @IdentitySports_official for more stories like this.

Cade York was living the dream—national champion at LSU, drafted by the Cleveland Browns, and making kicks in front of millions. But behind the spotlight, Cade was missing something far greater than anything success could offer.

In this powerful episode of the Identity Sports Podcast, Cade shares his story of chasing success but finding emptiness… until everything changed in a quiet hotel room in New York. From the pressure of performing on the biggest stages to the peace he found through full surrender to Jesus, Cade opens up about:

✅ The weight of expectations as an NFL kicker
✅ His breaking point and moment of surrender

If you’re an athlete, coach, or fan wondering what happens when the lights fade—this one’s for you.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @identitysports_official
🌐 Learn more: www.identitysports.com

#CadeYork #IdentityInChrist #FaithInSports #LSUFootball #NFL #ChristianAthletes #IdentitySportsPodcast

Tracy Hanson is a former LPGA Tour pro, a collegiate All-American, and now an author—but her most powerful story isn’t about winning on the course. In this episode, Tracy opens up about the pressure to perform, the hidden trauma she carried throughout her career, and the transformative moment she began to find freedom in Christ. From the heights of professional golf to the depths of personal pain, Tracy shares how God met her in the middle of her brokenness and gave her a new identity rooted in truth, not performance.

If you’ve ever struggled with shame, expectations, or wondering if you’re truly enough—this conversation is for you.

📘 Tracy’s new book, Finding My Course: A Professional Athlete’s Journey Through Pain to Purpose, is available now on Amazon:Buy the book here

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🎧 Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.📲 Follow us on Instagram @identitysportspodcast

In this episode of the Identity Sports Podcast, we sit down with Toby Bishop—2023 NCAA Men’s Golf National Champion, former Florida Gator, and now a student-athlete at Lipscomb University.Born in England, raised in Dubai, and recruited to play college golf in America on a full scholarship, Toby had everything a young golfer dreams of: big wins, big programs, even flashy NIL offers. But beneath the surface, his identity was wrapped in performance—and it was crumbling.Toby shares:

- Why winning the SEC and NCAA titles didn’t satisfy

- The pressure of being one of only two freshmen ever offered a full ride

- His struggle with faith that was more of a label than a lifestyle- How God used rejection from Notre Dame to reroute his story

- How Lipscomb became his true home—and where he finally found peace.

🎙️ This story is about surrender, patience, and discovering that you're more than your stats.

💬 If you’ve ever felt the pressure to prove your worth through performance, this conversation is for you.

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to hear more powerful testimonies from athletes who found purpose beyond the game.

🔔 Subscribe for more stories from athletes who’ve found identity beyond the sport.📲 Follow us on Instagram: @identitysports_official📧 Want to share your story or connect?

Visit: www.identitysports.com

#FaithAndSports #ChristianAthlete #tobybishop #golf #christianpodcasts #identityinchrist #sportspodcasts #collegegolf

🎙️ New Podcast Episode: Jacksonville Jaguars Kicker Cam Little

What does it mean to be where your feet are?

In this episode, Jaguars kicker Cam Little talks about learning to be fully present—on the field, in the locker room, and in life.

He shares how staying grounded in the moment and intentionally seeking community has helped him grow in his faith, no matter where football has taken him.It’s a conversation about purpose, presence, and finding your people wherever God plants you.

Listen now—this one’s packed with wisdom for anyone navigating change or chasing a calling.

🔔 Subscribe for more stories from athletes who’ve found identity beyond the sport.

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @identitysports_official

📧 Want to share your story or connect?

Visit: www.identitysports.com

#FaithAndSports #ChristianAthlete #camlittle #football #christianpodcasts #identityinchrist #sportspodcasts #jacksonvillejaguars