While it is impossible to mention all the Latter-day Saint athletes making a difference in the world today, here are a few examples of those who have stood for their faith and the empowering messages they've shared about our Savior Jesus Christ and His gospel.
Tony Finau
Image by Jed Wells.
Professional golfer Tony Finau has his sights set on becoming the best golfer in the world, and he's turning that dream into a reality, consistently getting ranked among the top 20 golfers in the world.
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About his faith, Finau told LDS Living:
"I take a lot of pride and honor in being a member of the Church but more so just being a disciple of Christ. We’re all disciples of Christ, and we take upon us His name when we enter the waters of baptism. It’s our responsibility and it’s our duty, and it doesn’t matter who you are. I’m a professional athlete, and I love playing the game of golf. Since I do have that type of platform to reach others, I want them to know who I am and who I represent. If they think I’m a good person, hopefully, they know where that comes from. That comes from not only the gospel but also from just learning of our Savior Jesus Christ and who He is and trying to have that light shine through to others in the best way I can."
Peter Vidmar
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A two-time inductee into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, Peter Vidmar's name is inseparably connected with gymnastics. Despite having received three Olympic medals, this Latter-day Saint father told the Deseret News that his "greatest joy in life comes from seeing my children find joy."
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Concerning his faith, Vidmar testified in the April 1985 general conference:
"Just imagine what it’s like to be an Olympic champion! Imagine the feeling of having that medal placed around your neck as you stand on the victory platform. It’s a feeling I can’t describe. But let’s realize one more thing. We can all have an experience infinitely greater than that. If we prove worthy, we will return to our Heavenly Father’s presence. "I have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that Christ lives. . . . My temple marriage to my beautiful wife is worth more than all the gold in the world. "I know I have a long way to go, but I pray that I may always improve and someday be found worthy of all the blessings that Heavenly Father has in store for those that truly serve him."
Steve Young
Image by Jed Wells.
Hall of Famer and Super Bowl MVP Steve Young led a brilliant 15-year career in the NFL. During that time, Young says he "quietly liv[ed] a personal code I had established for myself: never to do anything as a professional athlete—on the field or in private—that would set a poor example for kids."
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About his faith, he wrote in an editorial for the Deseret News in 2012:
"I have always strived to see how good I could be — whether in educational or professional endeavors. But my quest to return home also applies to the most precious and vital relationships that define me: husband, father, son, brother or friend. I cannot embark on a quest to be my best in these roles without a Savior, without his gospel, without scripture that teaches me how the Holy Ghost works His heavenly science to wash away sins and renew me. I've always wondered how I could ever come close to fulfilling Jesus' invitation to 'believe in me.' Only by constant refinement, by qualifying for the Atonement through faith and obedience, can I walk that path."
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More recently, Young shared with LDS Living, "At this stage of my life, I’m most grateful for two things: my family and my faith."
Noelle Pikus Pace
Image from July/August 2014 issue of LDS Living.
An Olympian medalist with another five FIBT World Championship medals under her belt, Noelle Pikus-Pace stood for her standards while the whole world watched.
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"No amount of medals, fame, or glory could cause me to give up my integrity," Pikus-Pace writes in her book Focused. "I know who I am and what I stand for regardless of what others say or think. Skeleton is a sport. It is just a sport. My integrity is everything."
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She continues:
"I wear a necklace around my neck that has two different pendants. One is a picture of the LDS temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. It reminds me to continually progress and be better each and every day. It reminds me of who I am, where I want to go, and who I want to become. The second pendant is an emblem of a torch. It reminds me to be a light. It reminds me to stand up for what I believe regardless of what others might think or do around me. I want to be an example of righteousness and help others to become their best selves."
Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper was the first MLB draft pick in 2010. In 2019 he signed a record-breaking, 13-year, $330 million contractwith the Philadelphia Phillies. No doubt about it, Bryce Harper has made a name for himself in MLB for a decade and plans to play much longer.
Image from @kayy.harper Instagram.
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In addition to making news headlines across the nation, Harper also shares his faith with his fans regularly on social media, testifying of temples, eternal families, living prophets, the Book of Mormon, and so much more. In one post, he shared:
"I have a testimony of my Heavenly Father and I know that my redeemer lives. I know that President Russell M. Nelson is a true disciple of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know that the Book Of Mormon is the true word and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church. I believe in the Atonement & that Jesus died for me so that I can live on earth today. I believe in the Eternal families and the amazing blessings that I get from going to the Temple as often as I can and I believe that anybody that is struggling or going through pain or any tough times that if you take two minutes to say a prayer, read a scripture verse (Luke 1:37), or just turn your life to the light of the Lord then he will lift you up and brighten your life in ways you could’ve never imagined. In my life I’ve had many accolades and have won many awards which have been amazing, but nothing has gave me more happiness than marrying my wife in the temple and giving my life to my Savior Jesus Christ. I hope you have an amazing Sunday. Love to all."
View this post on Instagram As I sit here in the Salt Lake City airport I’ve been pondering about the last couple days I was able to spend in Utah with all my family. Of course you all know my season came to an end this year quite early & that was very unfortunate, but with that being said I was sitting back & thinking this will be the first year me and my wife will be able to attend General Conference and hear from the amazing leaders of our Church. As we were flying in on Thursday, I was so excited & anxious to get to Utah to enjoy this great weekend with everybody. So many smiling and energetic faces ready to do the same as me. We had some free time on Friday so we were able to do a session in the beautiful Salt Lake Temple. This was my first session in this temple and what an experience we had. The spirit was on my mind so strongly & the craziness that this offseason will bring. But when I am feeling such things or in a frame of mind like that nothing feeds my soul more than learning & being more in tune with my Lord & Savior in His house upon the earth! Later in the day we had an incredible opportunity to meet with President Nelson & the “German Shepard” Elder Uchtdorf. I can’t begin to describe to any of you how much wisdom and knowledge these men have. President Nelson had me in shock. He had an overwhelming feeling around him of the spirit. He walked into the room and I immediately teared up and began to think if it was even appropriate for me to be in the same room as this man because of how incredible he is. He came over and shook my hand, my wife’s hand, and family’s hands and we talked for a couple minutes. By the end I couldn’t help but think when this man talks it is the truth. It is the word of God & everything that I want to be part of. My mind was racing & I didn’t really have much time to catch my breathe or really sit back and think about what I had just heard or what had just happened because up the elevator & down the hallway stood one of my biggest hero’s and the biggest spiritual gangster’s that I’ve seen, Elder Uchtdorf. When I walked into his office he greeted me with the biggest smile & just the most friendly vibe I’ve ever seen or felt. He was so personable ➡️ A post shared by Bryce Harper (@bryceharper3) on Oct 7, 2018 at 2:13pm PDT
In his April 2019 general conference talk, Elder Gary E. Stevenson shared this quote from Harper:
“I thought fame, fortune, and an MVP award would make me happy. Something was missing. So, I . . . prepared and [entered] the temple. I am now on a path to [return] to my Heavenly Father and have an eternal family—which is the greatest joy in the world!”
Jabari Parker
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As a second pick in the 2014 NBA draft, Jabari Parker has continued to make a name for himself in the NBA, despite a season-ending injury in 2014. While recovering from his injury, Parker turned to his faith to find positivity and hope.
One way Parker finds balance and humility in his life is through his faith and attending church. About the Church, Parker told the Deseret News:
“The people aren’t perfect. No one is, but the church is. If you think about that going forward and have your own personal relationship with God and Christ, then more than likely you’ll find your way and your journey in life.”
In his April 2019 general conference talk, Elder Gary E. Stevenson shared this quote from Parker:
“I couldn’t imagine the person that I would’ve turned out to be if I hadn’t made the decision to be baptized. . . . I’m so grateful that I have God in my life to guide me every day.”
Torah Bright
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Professional snowboarder and Olympic gold medalist Torah Bright made history in 2014 when she became the first Olympic athlete to qualify for all three snowboarding events. In a "Why I Believe" video created by the Church, Bright shared her testimony:
"Why I believe—it's very simple, I guess. It's just the feelings I get when I pray, when I read, when I go to church, when I take the sacrament. . . . I have found that, you know, what we're taught with standards in the Church really is a happy way to live. . . . We've come down here knowing what we're in for, and I know that everything is going to work out. . . . There is a plan."
Will Hopoate
Rugby league star Will Hopoate has often made international headlines as a result of his faith. In 2012, he turned down a $1 million deal to serve a mission. When The Book of Mormon musical came to Australia, Hopoate joined the Church and others in creating a campaign sharing why he and other church members believe in the Book of Mormon.
“The Book of Mormon has helped me feel closer to God and Jesus Christ, simply from the teachings and the principles that are in its pages,” said Hopoate in the video.
In another Church video, Hopoate shared, "I have been blessed with the talent to play rugby league. I believe all these things are blessings from God."
Elder Gary E. Stevenson, in his April 2019 general conference talk, quoted Will Hopoate, who said the gospel helps him “identify the opposition’s strategies and provides the spiritual efficacy to withstand fiery darts and better serve others.”
Jeremy Guthrie
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After a highly successful 15-year career in baseball, Latter-day Saint pitcher Jeremy Guthrie had many historical firsts in the MLB. After serving a mission to Spain, Guthrie became the oldest first-round pick to reach the majors in this century. In October 2013, Guthrie became the first returned missionary to appear in the World Series.
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After Guthrie signed with the Cleveland Indians, at an early training session the Indians coaching staff asked each player, "Who are you?"
Guthrie unhesitatingly replied, "I am a child of God."
That's a testimony Guthrie continues to live. At a 2014 devotional, Guthrie said, "Everything you do in life is preparing you to meet God. I wanted to do what the Lord wanted me to do.” Guthrie has continued to do the Lord's will by serving as a mission president in Houston, Texas. About his call, Guthrie told the Deseret News, "I am living proof that the Lord likes to work with the simple and weak sometimes. But hopefully, I can be someone who learns well and more importantly is able to find his direction through the Spirit."
In his April 2019 general conference talk, Elder Gary E. Stevenson shared this quote from Guthrie:
“As a 12-year-old deacon . . . [I felt] the Spirit testify to me [that] ‘this life is the time . . . to prepare to meet God.’ The game plan is faith in God unto action [and] repentance through the Savior. . . . The playbook is found in the holy scriptures and through living prophets."
Nicole Johnson
Image from Facebook.
Nicole Johnson—Latter-day Saint convert, mother of two, and did I mention she’s a monster truck driver who has made history on multiple occasions? Whether it’s rock-crawling or monster trucks, Johnson makes sure to remain consistent in her faith. "I wanted to set a good example as a member of the Church," Johson toldBYU Magazine.
"I try and be family-oriented," Johnson told the Deseret News. "I make sure I live the same standards on Sunday as I do the other days of the week. I dress modestly, I'm careful about the way I represent myself — especially in front of children … I always rely a lot on prayer, and I'm not praying to win, I'm praying for safety."
Jimmer Fredette
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In 2011, Jimmer Fredette was named the National Player of the Year and was subsequently the tenth pick in the NBA draft. While Fredette's career has taken a unique path—leading him to play in the Chinese Basketball Association and then back to the NBA—one thing has remained consistent: Fredette's reliance on the Lord.
“I have learned to lean heavily on my knowledge and faith of the truthfulness of the gospel. This has guided me to be . . . a worthy priesthood holder and above all—a positive example,” Fredette said, a quote Elder Gary E. Stevenson shared during the April 2019 general conference.
Through the ups and downs, Fredette told the Deseret News:
"I definitely have grown closer to the Lord since I’ve been in the NBA. . . .There was one specific day when I was playing in December. I had had a tough week and I felt like I needed to talk to someone about it other than Whitney, who I had already talked to about it over and over again. I needed someone with a different perspective. All of a sudden I had this feeling that I should call Elder Ballard, so I told myself I’d call him that night. As soon as I got out of practice, I saw a couple texts from Whitney and a new voicemail so I go and listen to the voicemail and it’s from Elder Ballard. It was an incredible experience that he had the same impression to call me the same day I felt impressed to call him. Thankfully I was able to talk to him and he gave me some great advice that helped me keep moving forward. Before we hung up, he challenged me to read the Book of Mormon from that day and finish it before the season was over and I was able to do that and it completely changed my mindset and my attitude and everything changed for me for the better. It was a really special experience for me."
Ricardo Rojas
Image from ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Chilean professional soccer player Ricardo Rojas said about his faith, “Through [God’s] priesthood [we] can help in His work. We are called to ‘be strong and of a good courage’ in defending the truth.” As Elder Gary E. Stevenson noted in his April 2019 general conference talk, "This has helped him succeed both on the pitch and as a priesthood holder."
Garett Bolles
Image by Jed Wells.
First-round NFL draft pick and offensive tackle Garett Bolles knows what it's like to face dejection, to overcome failure, and to struggle to feel the hand of God in his life. But he also testifies, "The Lord knows where you are supposed to go at all times, and if you take care of the small, simple things, and if you put Him first in everything that you do, [then] football is going to take care of itself."
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In an interview with LDS Living, Bolles shared how singing Primary songs on the gridiron or thinking of scriptures helped him not only grow closer to the Lord but become a standout player. "I use [the Atonement] daily,” he says. “I’m not perfect, nor do I want to be perfect, but I strive to be more perfect. And that’s what I want people to know—those people that struggle out there with, you name it, [an] eating disorder or learning disability or depression or anxiety, it’s okay. It’s okay to struggle from those things, but it’s what you’re going do with that struggle and what you’re going to do afterward that counts.”
Taysom Hill
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As a Latter-day Saint professional football player, Taysom Hill has had several opportunities to share his faith.
"I had many opportunities to explain what I believed in, whether it was with Green Bay or New Orleans. I was the butt of a lot of jokes, not about my faith, but about my age. My age is what it is because I chose to serve a mission, and . . . there was definitely a lot of conversations about that," Hill told the Deseret News.
In addition, Hill shared about his faith: “Believing in [God’s] plan and doing my best to fulfill my role in it has given me an overwhelming sense of peace and happiness in life, knowing God is pleased with my efforts.”
Thurl Lee Bailey
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In the 1983 NBA draft, the Utah Jazz selected Bailey as the seventh pick, kicking off his 16-year career in professional basketball. That pick proved fateful in Bailey’s life, paving the way for his conversion to the Church. "My baptism was so incredible," Baily told the Deseret News. "As to my purpose here, it is to use the talents I have to affect people in a positive way, whether it's through basketball, firesides, music. There's a need out there. People are looking for answers. . . . I don't know if I can help, but I'm willing to give it a shot."
On a Mormon Channel podcast, Bailey shared, "I can't have a testimony and not live it. It's as simple as that."
Billy Casper
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With 51 PGA Tour wins (which places him seventh on the list of all-time winners), two U.S. Opens and a Masters, and 23 holes-in-one, no wonder Billy Casper made it into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1978 and the PGA Hall of Fame in 1982.
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On mormon.org, Casper shared a little of his conversion story and his faith:
“At the height of my career I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On New Year’s Day 1966 I was baptized along with my wife, Shirley, and two of our children who were of baptismal age. My membership in the church has factored into everything that has transpired in my life since. All 11 of our children—five are adopted—were baptized into the Church and it remains the center of our life. . . . “It is the gospel's eternal perspective that gives my life security and meaning, and why I am so eager to share that message with others.”
As he traveled the world breaking records, Casper continued to share the gospel with others, adding, “I have spent my life trying to be true to that call, an at-large missionary to the world. The gospel is my most precious possession and wherever I go I look for opportunities to touch people's lives with its eternal message.”
Andy Reid
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With over a quarter of a century as an NFL coach under his belt, there's no doubt Andy Reid has helped shape professional football in America. But he is also fearless in sharing his faith. Former All-Pro tight end Chad Lewis said of Reid, "He really puts his faith into action. . . . You can feel his faith, but he never shoves it in your face."
Before the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple was dedicated by President Henry B. Eyring on September 18, 2016, Reid held a community symposium at a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse to clear up misconceptions about our faith and its members.
“In our church, we try to get out and talk to members of the Church and at the same time, anybody in the community that would like to listen about family, faith, and football,” Reid told Chat Sports. “Those are three of our favorite subjects and we just try to share our experiences with people.”
Reid’s wife, Tammy, adds, “We do have this huge faith and we like to share it, because it’s made our lives better and it makes our lives richer.”
Ty Detmer
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A Heisman Trophy winner in 1990, a two-time All-American, and an NCAA record-setter, Ty Detmer made quite a name for himself even before his 12 years playing in the NFL. About his faith, Detmer told the Deseret News:
"To have that backbone so that as we go through life, we can turn to our Heavenly Father and know that it’s not always going to be perfect, but I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and through repentance, it doesn’t matter where I start. It’s where I end up and how I do things going forward and how I react to things. . . . "I have a strong testimony of the gospel and know that Heavenly Father guides us in directions that, if we’ll just listen to that Spirit and really stop and think and ponder and pray . . . we’ll feel that Spirit and we’ll know that the Holy Ghost is there with us. Our Heavenly Father, he knows us, he understands our wants and our desires and what we need, and he’ll guide us in those directions, as I’ve been guided."
Burgess Owens
Super Bowl champion Burgess Owens found the gospel of Jesus Christ because fellow teammates like Todd Christensen were willing to unabashedly live and share their faith. Owens shared more about his conversion story in an LDS Living video, saying, "The great thing about the Spirit is that if you are really asking the right questions and you really have a sincere heart, then you will be led to feel the right things. . . . I know the Lord has a plan for all of us and I am thankful that I have been given the honor . . . [to have] the gospel that I know has an answer for all of us. God looks at us from inside out, not outside in. And once we get back to that then it is impossible for the adversary to divide us."
Joy Monahan
Whether she's hitting the waves or living day-to-day life, women's longboard world champion Joy Monahan sees parallels between the sport she loves and her faith. In a Church video, Monahan shared, "The one thing I have learned in surfing is that you've got to position yourself in the right place, otherwise you just won't catch any good waves. And I think that's kind of how you have to be in life. Position yourself in the right place so you can make use of the opportunities that come your way."
