The Field as a Sanctuary: Living Testimony and the Magis

On the fields of Saint Ignatius High School, the pursuit of athletic excellence is matched by a deeper calling. Within the acclaimed soccer program, a unique phenomenon has unfolded: dozens of players have experienced profound spiritual awakenings, leading them to convert to Catholicism. This movement is a testament to the school's Catholic, Jesuit mission and, more importantly, to the living testimony of a coaching staff that models the Gospel in drills, team meetings, and most importantly, in their everyday lives and conversations. 

At the heart of this legacy of the magis (striving for the greater good) is Mike McLaughlin ’85, who was recently honored with the 2025 Magis Award for his decades of service as a Theology teacher, Director of Sophomore Service and Head Varsity Soccer Coach. The award recognizes those who embody the spirit of doing more for the greater glory of God—a principle McLaughlin, along with Theology teacher and former JV Soccer Coach Jim Brennan ’85 make tangible. "We start practice and games with prayer and talk about what matters," explains McLaughlin. "We talk about our faith, our relationship with Christ, and how it can impact your life." For these exemplary men and fellow soccer coaches, Joe Popelka ’84, and Dan Crew ’99, coaching is a vocation of witness. Their intentional daily routines create a sanctuary where student-athletes see faith not as a theory, but as a lifestyle. 

Brandon George ’17, now serving the U.S. Department of Defense in Germany, traces his conversion to the Catholic faith to this visible power of witness. "I remember vividly that I thought it was really special that all the players would make the sign of the cross when they walked onto the field," George says. "The coaches were central in my conversion. Without the soccer program practicing its faith every day, I would not be the Catholic man I am today." Brennan often bridges the gap between the pitch and the pew, even serving as George’s Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) sponsor.  

"The team environment provides a space for these young men to ask big questions," Brennan noted. "They see their coaches living the Gospel, and they want to be part of that brotherhood." 

Ed DeVenney, Director of Campus Ministry, credits the coaches’ authenticity for facilitating the OCIA process. "One of the reasons players share for wanting to become Catholic is to receive Communion with their teammates," DeVenney says. "They understand commitment and apply that to their faith." 

For Phil Gibbs ’02, who came to Saint Ignatius from Westlake public schools, the coaches’ mentorship provided a new direction and a rudder during a challenging transition. "Jim Brennan created a steady place for me where I was listened to—a place of support around the team and the classroom where I could debate and ask questions," Gibbs recalls. "Ignatius gave me direction at a time when I needed it." By his senior year, Gibbs entered the Church alongside four teammates. Today, Gibbs relies on that foundation as a lifelong anchor to weather personal storms, including the loss of his father and a long NICU stay for his child.  Both Gibbs and George are married and raising families in the Church, with their wives alongside them. Their example demonstrates that, although championships are fleeting, the living testimony of their coaches and a foundation of faith yield a legacy that is truly enduring.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2026 issue of the Saint Ignatius Magazine. Read the full issue here.