More Than a Win: Faith, Courage, and Catholic Campus Ministry at Indiana University
by Rosie Chinea Shawver, MDiv
Indiana University’s historic season, capped with an undefeated run and a national title, has captivated the college football world. But for those of us in Catholic campus ministry, one element of this story stands out even more: the humble, unmistakable witness of one of the game’s brightest stars, Fernando Mendoza.
Mendoza, IU’s Heisman Trophy winner, hasn’t separated his faith from his athletic accomplishments, he has claimed it as the heart of them. On national television during his Heisman acceptance speech, he said explicitly of his success, “First, I want to thank God for giving me an opportunity that once felt a world away.”
This wasn’t a one-off remark. Mendoza has consistently and publicly credited God for the trajectory of his life and the success of his team. He began many post-game interviews by saying “Give all the glory to God,” noting that without Him, they wouldn’t be where they are today.
And he made that witness real in the community. On Christmas Eve, Mendoza fulfilled a promise he had made by bringing his Heisman Trophy to the priests of the St. Paul Catholic Center, a moment of joy and heart-felt gratitude. Fr. Hyde recalled, “This Church and you all are a major reason why this happened.” It was a simple gesture, carrying the trophy in an ordinary box, and yet powerful: a star athlete acknowledging his spiritual roots.
Faith in Action: What This Witness Means
This story is more than about one individual or one award. It’s a testament to the daily, unseen work of Catholic campus ministry.
At St. Paul Catholic Center, chaplain Fr. Patrick Hyde, O.P., has walked with Mendoza and countless other students in the quiet rhythms of sacramental life and prayer. Fr. Hyde’s presence reflects a ministry rooted in cultivation, presence, encouragement, discipleship, and accompaniment. And when students like Fernando publicly articulate their faith, it’s a sign that those roots are bearing fruit.
Fr. Hyde himself has celebrated not just the athlete’s talent, but the person beneath it, someone who embraces his faith regardless of the spotlight. Mendoza’s priest wrote on social media about his witness to Mass and praise to God, saying, “I have wrestled with sharing this because he shows up out of love for God, not human praise… But I share because I hope his witness inspires others to go to Mass.”
Integrated Lives, Transformed Campus Culture
College campuses are formative spaces where identities are shaped and convictions are tested. For a nationally recognized athlete like Fernando Mendoza to center his faith in public conversation and to bring his victory back to the heart of campus life is a powerful sign of integration, that faith informs every part of life, not just the private moments.
Stories like this remind us why campus ministry matters. It’s not only in grand events that faith grows, but in the daily rhythms of prayer, accountability, and community life that real transformation occurs.
A Model for Ministry
As CCMA, we celebrate this moment not just as a sports milestone, but as a witness to what can happen when young adults are supported in living integral lives of faith. Fernando’s openness about his Catholic identity, his public praise of God, and his gratitude toward those who walked with him spiritually, these are powerful examples for campuses across the country.
Congratulations to Indiana University, to Fernando Mendoza, and to the community of the St. Paul Catholic Center. This is a story worth lifting up on the field and far beyond it.