Caroline Bauer / William & Mary
For Caroline Bauer, a standout track & field and cross-country alumna from the University of Florida, Christian faith is the central pillar of her identity and career. Rather than separating her athletic pursuits from her spiritual life, she openly uses her platform to share how her relationship with Jesus helps her navigate the extreme highs and lows of competitive sports.
Core Pillars of Her Faith Journey
- Faith Over Accomplishments: Bauer frequently emphasizes that her true identity is found in Christ rather than her athletic achievements or performance.
- The "Beyond the Struggle" Podcast: Alongside her former teammate Allison Wilson, Bauer co-hosts the Beyond the Struggle Podcast. The show explicitly focuses on faith, mental health, and overcoming hardships, offering athletes a space to share the vulnerable, non-glamorous sides of their journeys.
- Life Verses: She openly anchors her life to specific scripture. Her favorite passage is Hebrews 12:1-2, which compares living out one's faith to running a race with endurance. She also frequently cites Colossians 3:23 ("work hard/grind for the Lord") and Jeremiah 29:11 to encourage others through seasons of uncertainty.
- Christian Athlete Advocacy: She actively participates in faith-driven sports initiatives, such as the "Athletes Powered By Jesus" challenge, using her Instagram and other social channels to vocalize her beliefs and mentor younger women in sports.