Seven University of Washington Athletes Give Their Life to Christ at FCA Event
April 9, 2026·4 min
The short segment opens with host Erica expressing excitement about news from Tim Gatos, her FCA contact in the greater Seattle area. Tim describes an evening event at the University of Washington campus where seven Husky athletes — representing baseball, softball, soccer, and gymnastics — gathered with their teammates on the shores of Lake Washington. The athletes publicly declared their faith in Jesus and were baptized in a celebration Tim describes as a huge party. He notes that the event drew most of the UW baseball team and the full soccer team. Tim reflects on the boldness required for these athletes to declare faith in front of their teammates at a secular institution. He describes a growing FCA Huddle that meets on Monday nights at UW and says the community of athletes who follow Jesus is expanding in a remarkable way. Erica reflects on what watching a friend's public faith declaration might do in the hearts of non-believing teammates. Tim then introduces Hunter Bryant, a former University of Washington football star who played for the Detroit Lions before coming on FCA staff and becoming the UW football chaplain. Bryant shared his personal story with the assembled athletes: he had achieved the NFL dream and found it left him empty, leading him to a faith in Jesus that he says fills what success cannot. Tim describes the room falling completely silent during this testimony, with athletes from multiple teams — many of whom are not believers — present and listening. He suggests many were genuinely considering the implications. The segment closes warmly with both hosts expressing support for Tim's work and a shared sign-off cheering for the Seattle Mariners.
