by Pippa Jones ‘28 on February 26, 2026
Sports - NFL
Being a student-athlete in college is challenging, between juggling academics, social life, athletics, and faith. I had the chance to talk with Luke Schoonmaker, tight-end for the Dallas Cowboys and a devout Catholic. Schoonmaker gave me insight on what it’s like to balance a life of faith with a professional athletic career and how having a strong faith can inevitably improve your athletic performance.
Schoonmaker went to Hamden High School in Hamden, CT, where he was a three-season athlete, excelling in basketball, baseball, and football. Inevitably, he chose football because of the brotherhood and camaraderie that was exemplified by the blood, sweat, and tears they shared during the season. When being recruited for college, the University of Michigan’s coach Jim Harbaugh admired Schoonmaker’s athleticism and his commitment to his various sports. Growing up in a Catholic household gave Schoonmaker a strong faith that he carried into his college career. Coach Harbaugh was also a devout Catholic who encouraged his players to practice their faith and offered them Mass every Friday. Schoonmaker explained that by sharing faith with his teammates, they had a much tighter bond that carried onto the field.
Having strong faith as an athlete is important because it gives athletes a sense of purpose and guidance on the field. Schoonmaker highlighted that having a strong faith helps him be grounded on and off the field. A vital part of his pre-game ritual is affirming his “why.” When under pressure in a big game, Schoonmaker’s faith helps him remain grounded by knowing that this is all in God’s hands, which is an imperative part of letting the stress subside. By letting God lead the way, you allow yourself to let go of the stress of taking your life into your own hands.
Although maintaining a strong faith is essential, it is not easy. Faith ebbs and flows, especially with the distractions and temptations of college. Schoonmaker explained that during his athletic career, having a strong identity helped him stay solidified in his faith. With balancing his football career and being a college student, he described that surrounding yourself with the proper people who remind you of who you are helps hold you accountable and strengthen your faith. He explained that God always means good for you, even when you can’t see it, and when you start to falter from your identity, you must remind yourself of your purpose and who you want to become with your faith. With the impact of having a strong faith, you can become rooted in your athletic career and release the pressure of relying on yourself for your success.
By instilling faith in God, Schoonmaker affirms that you will begin to see miracles work in your favor. Whatever sports you participate in, faith can help you find your drive and motivation for your life. Having a strong, intimate relationship with God is proven to help athletes improve their game and reduce their sports-induced anxiety, as demonstrated by Schoonmaker’s success.