Sports and Spirituality with Anne Stricherz episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 18, 2026 · 48 MIN

Sports and Spirituality with Anne Stricherz

from In Search of Catholic School Excellence · host Thomas Boles

Anne Stricherz (St. Ignatius High School, San Francisco) shares how sports can become a living classroom for faith—a place where students practice prayer, discipline, community, and purpose in real time. From the “spirit of play” to the line between ritual and superstition, Anne offers simple ways to help students find God not only in chapel, but also on the court, in the end zone, and in the highs and lows of competition. This conversation equips educators and coaches to connect theology to students’ lived experience so faith feels less like a unit to memorize and more like a life to live.For the Faith in Every Arena – Quick-Start Guide, please visit us here.  If you need help making connections to your curriculum, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherAnne Stricherz has been speaking the language of sports and spirituality her entire life. In 2009, Anne created a blog and theology course entitled Sports & Spirituality. An avid sports fan, Anne believes we can learn more about the spiritual life through the analogy of sports. The class and her writing is fortified by Anne’s experience in having coached girls' high school rowing, cross-country and golf.Today she works with coaches to help them create their own program for the spiritual development of their athletes. She is the author of "Pray and Practice with Purpose: A Playbook for the Spiritual Development of Athletes"—a book to serve as a complimentary resource. Anne has spoken about Sports and Spirituality at parishes, local and national conferences. She is now working with other athletic departments—in particular at secondary schools nationwide—to help them "faith train" their athletes.St. Ignatius College Preparatory is a community of lifelong learners that supports students as they develop into thriving adults. With a commitment to intellectual excellence, leadership, service, and justice, our students strive to respond courageously to the opportunities and challenges of our time.Through a rigorous and integrated program of academic, spiritual, and co-curricular activities, St. Ignatius educates all aspects of our students according to the Jesuit philosophy of cura personalis, care for the whole person.The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

Anne Stricherz (St. Ignatius High School, San Francisco) shares how sports can become a living classroom for faith—a place where students practice prayer, discipline, community, and purpose in real time. From the “spirit of play” to the line between ritual and superstition, Anne offers simple ways to help students find God not only in chapel, but also on the court, in the end zone, and in the highs and lows of competition. This conversation equips educators and coaches to connect theology to students’ lived experience so faith feels less like a unit to memorize and more like a life to live.For the Faith in Every Arena – Quick-Start Guide, please visit us here.  If you need help making connections to your curriculum, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherAnne Stricherz has been speaking the language of sports and spirituality her entire life. In 2009, Anne created a blog and theology course entitled Sports & Spirituality. An avid sports fan, Anne believes we can learn more about the spiritual life through the analogy of sports. The class and her writing is fortified by Anne’s experience in having coached girls' high school rowing, cross-country and golf.Today she works with coaches to help them create their own program for the spiritual development of their athletes. She is the author of "Pray and Practice with Purpose: A Playbook for the Spiritual Development of Athletes"—a book to serve as a complimentary resource. Anne has spoken about Sports and Spirituality at parishes, local and national conferences. She is now working with other athletic departments—in particular at secondary schools nationwide—to help them "faith train" their athletes.St. Ignatius College Preparatory is a community of lifelong learners that supports students as they develop into thriving adults. With a commitment to intellectual excellence, leadership, service, and justice, our students strive to respond courageously to the opportunities and challenges of our time.Through a rigorous and integrated program of academic, spiritual, and co-curricular activities, St. Ignatius educates all aspects of our students according to the Jesuit philosophy of cura personalis, care for the whole person.The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

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Sports and Spirituality with Anne Stricherz

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This episode was published on March 18, 2026.

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Anne Stricherz (St. Ignatius High School, San Francisco) shares how sports can become a living classroom for faith—a place where students practice prayer, discipline, community, and purpose in real time. From the “spirit of play” to the line between...

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