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Seek & You Will Find

Hi there! :)

My name is Annika Stewart, and I am stepping into a new season of ministry. After years of being an athlete, God has opened the door for me to serve as an intern with Athletes in Action (AIA) in partnership with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in the Twin Cities. In this role, I will get to build relationships with student-athletes, listen to their stories, and walk alongside them as they grow in their pursuit of Christ.

My Story

I grew up in Minot, ND, surrounded by family and sports. When my family moved to Wayzata, MN, my world shifted — but it opened up new opportunities, including my first introduction to FCA in high school. At that time, sports were my main priority, and I didn’t yet see the connection between faith and athletics.

That continued at the University of Nebraska, where I played basketball and joined FCA — but only casually. I lived a double life: half in and half out of my faith. I was left unsatisfied and unfulfilled.

By God’s grace, everything began to change my junior year when I was asked to step into leadership. I knew I couldn’t keep living with a “wishy-washy” faith. As I started meeting consistently with my FCA staff leader and other student leaders, I began to see God more clearly. I grew in awe of His creation and His design for us to live in relationship with Him and others. Suddenly, the pressures of high-level basketball started to fade, and I experienced freedom in Christ. Through that freedom, I realized how deeply I wanted others to encounter His love too.

My Calling

A major turning point came in 2023 when I attended the Ultimate Training Camp (UTC) led by Athletes in Action. There, I learned firsthand how sports can be an act of worship to God. It was one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced, but also one of the most fulfilling — because my satisfaction was in Christ alone. The following year, I returned as an intern at UTC. Listening to athletes’ stories, walking with them, and pointing them to Jesus lit a fire in my heart. I knew this was what God was calling me to do.

In my 5th year of basketball, I transferred home to play for the University of Minnesota. That season was a gift: I got to compete in front of family, grow alongside the AIA Twin Cities team, and be a light to my teammates.

My Vision

I am so grateful for the way FCA and AIA have shaped my walk with Christ. Now, my prayer is to serve athletes in the same way — to help them encounter Jesus, grow in purpose-driven community, and become leaders who multiply disciples for the Kingdom.

I long to see:

• Athletes reached with the Gospel.
• Communities formed that point each other to Christ.
• Leaders raised up who will impact future generations.

Partnering Together

As an Athletes in Action staff member, I am responsible for developing a team of partners who will support me financially and/or prayerfully for my ministry. AIA staff depend upon the consistent financial support of generous individuals. We invite others to partner with us to reach people for Christ.

Would you prayerfully consider joining my team of ministry partners — either through monthly support, a one-time gift, or by faithfully praying for me and the athletes I serve? Together, we can share the hope of Christ and make disciples who make disciples.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:19–20

Thank you for your love, encouragement, and support. I couldn’t do this without you!

With gratitude,

Annika Stewart

📧 annika.stewart@athletesinaction.org