Faith in Athletics
Through Bible studies, one-on-one mentorship, and an annual mission trip, Pepperdine’s student-athletes are offered resources to nurture their faith and serve God alongside their fellow teammates.
With Pepperdine’s rich offering of extracurricular activities and organizations, many of our young scholars keep up full, deeply rewarding schedules, but the most uniquely busy of our students are undoubtedly our student-athletes. In addition to training during regular practices and developing study strategies that fit into a life full of travel, these gifted young men and women exhibit sportsmanship, teamwork, and kindness to teams at peer colleges, all while representing Pepperdine as a whole. Understanding their role in upholding Pepperdine’s mission and values, viewed through the eyes of courtside spectators and television sets across the nation, our athletes do more than just show up and play a game—they illustrate to thousands of people what makes Pepperdine special.
Small group was truly the highlight of my week. It was a space where we weren’t just growing in our faith, but growing in our relationships with one another. It was a great support system of women who understand the demands of being a student-athlete, while reinforcing how important it is to lean into the Lord in times of struggle.
Tatum Wynalda (’26)
Midfielder, San Diego Wave FC
Pepperdine Athletics Spiritual Life exists to share and cultivate the love of Jesus
in the hearts of our student-athletes and coaches. We desire to present unique opportunities
and experiences which equip and encourage our student-athletes to become fully alive
as children of God.
Invest in the Faith and Future of Our Athletes
Seeing all that these student-athletes take on, the Pepperdine Athletics Spiritual Life program was developed to offer focused community and spiritual care for our athletes, ensuring that their needs are not forgotten amid an active playing season. Faith-based programming within Athletics gives student-athletes access to tools they can regularly turn to for support, including private and communal study of the Bible, weekly small group meetings, and Athlete Chapel. Through all of these offerings, Waves athletes are nurtured in their faith and grow closer together with one another, supported by their teammates, members of other sports teams, coaches, and Athletics staff.
Under the leadership of Jordan Holm, assistant director of athletics for academics, student development, and chaplain, and Jenna McPherson, assistant director of business operations and special events, students receive one-on-one mentoring, share testimonies, and participate in events such as the Good Friday Cross to Cross hike, beginning at the Phillips Theme Tower and concluding in the mountains overlooking campus. For three summers so far, student-athletes have also been given an annual opportunity to join a mission trip to Central America. Joined by their mentors within the Athletics program, they have visited Panama where they helped build an expansion of a local church and shared with local schoolchildren about God’s love. During 2024’s mission, three athletes were baptized, making the experience one of even greater importance and strengthening their bond with their teammates. Whether 4,000 miles from California or gathered together on the Tari Frahm Rokus soccer field for a Bible study, Pepperdine’s student-athletes continually illustrate a strong sense of community—one that inspires and reminds the Spiritual Life team just how valuable its work is in maintaining such important relationships, on and off the field.
News & Updates
For more information on spiritual life within Pepperdine Athletics and to discuss a possible gift, please contact Tucker Fortson, community engagement and development officer, at tucker.fortson@pepperdine.edu.