On Sept. 24, 2025, Union University athletics hosted its first “Fight for Faith” night in the Grant Center at 6:30 p.m.
Mark Campbell, director of athletics, opened the night by sharing his hope for the event.
“We’ll deal with real issues that you go through every single day and help you grow your faith and relationship with the Lord,” Campbell said.
Student-athletes and other students gathered for a time of worship and to hear from guest speaker Jaco Booyens.
Booyens is a well-recognized international speaker with a background in both professional sports and humanitarian efforts in the name of glorifying Jesus Christ. Booyens became an advocate against sex trafficking after his own sister was trafficked and rescued 6 years later.
Rachel Shane, athletics graduate assistant, introduced Booyens to the stage, who spoke about his work to fight sex trafficking and his call for students to address personal struggles.
“I’ve seen the best of what this world has to offer, and I’m telling you they fall short,” Booyens said.
With a background in professional rugby and football, Booyens connected with the student-athletes and expressed that those involved in Union sports influence others whether they intend to or not.
“Think of the pride you have in representing your team and your school. Where is that pride in Jesus?” he said.
Students in attendance described the night as emotional, powerful and transformative. Several students stood in acknowledgment that they wanted change in their lives, while others professed to give their lives to Christ for the first time. Groups of prayer formed around students seeking encouragement.
“Talking about things like sexual abuse can sometimes be taboo within the Church, and I thought it was very moving to hear someone preach about it with such care and honor for people who have experienced sexual abuse or trauma,” Brylee Williams, a senior digital media communications major, said. “These conversations are important, and I feel like many lives were changed for the better after this message.”
The athletics department’s goal for this event was to further connect the student-athlete community with the wider Union University student body, as well as to promote Christian growth on campus.
