Press Release: The Institute Will Launch Collegiate Athletics in Fall 2025
The Institute for GOD will Launch their Collegiate Athletics Program in Fall 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Institute for GOD is excited to announce the start of its collegiate athletics program in Fall 2025, beginning with men’s soccer and women’s volleyball.
2024 Summer Interns (including Institute for GOD students and Academy for GOD grads) played soccer alongside and against high-skilled players from Kenya and Uganda. Stephen Ownby (third from left) and President Gregg Garner (center), highlighted in article below, also playing as a part of the team. Soccer is THE international sport and plays an important role in our mission efforts with GOD International.
Background & Mission
Sports have always been integral to The Institute. Our founder, President Gregg Garner, along with founding members Jason Roufs and Robert Muñoz, were college athletes, which has influenced the way we approach both ministry and education. After years of careful planning and following milestones like our recent accreditation, enrollment growth, and success in athletics at The Academy for GOD and Nashville Fútbol Club, we believe now is the right time to bring college athletics to The Institute.
Soccer and volleyball, both widely celebrated international sports, will connect students with greater opportunities for service abroad. Through collegiate sports, students will have even more ways to develop their talents and serve in impactful ways both on and off the field.
Historical photos of Gregg Garner, Robert. Muñoz, Jason Roufs, and Derek Bargatze playing soccer in Kenya, East Africa, showing just how long athletics have been a part of our organizational culture (2002).
Program Details
Who is Eligible to Participate?
Full-time, on-campus students in good academic standing are welcome to try out for Institute teams. To remain eligible, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress, including a minimum 2.5 GPA as a full-time student (enrolled in at least 12 units each term). Eligibility standards include compliance with college rules on amateurism and varsity-level competition. Transfer students must meet additional transfer eligibility requirements.
Scenes of Institute students playing soccer abroad in Uganda as a part of Summer Internship 2024.
Who Will Lead the Program?
The athletics program will be led by Stephen Ownby, an Institute alum and experienced athletic director for Christian private schools since graduating in 2008. Professor Shaun Galford will serve as the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), and Andrew Bartlett will take on the Sports Information Director (SID) role. Coach announcements are forthcoming.
The Academy for GOD girls volleyball team earned second place in the State Conference in 2024. The Phoenix fans are ready for more volleyball!
When Are the Tryout Dates, and What Should Prospective Student-Athletes Expect?
Tryouts will be held on March 23 and 24, 2025, just before The Institute’s Spring Preview Day on March 26. Students do not need to be accepted to The Institute to try out, although we highly encourage it. Only those meeting The Institute’s eligibility requirements will be permitted to participate in tryouts. Admission requirements include:
Initial Application Form
Personal Essay
Video Introduction
Official transcripts from your most recent educational institution
Character reference
A 2.5 high school GPA or higher is required, including previous college coursework. Homeschool students are welcome at The Institute, provided their education complies with applicable state laws. To qualify for academic scholarships, homeschooled students must also provide secondary verification of academic success, such as ACT/SAT scores or completed college courses.
Early Admission Deadline: December 1
Regular Admission Deadline: April 15
Scholarship offers will be considered after a student is admitted to The Institute. Scholarship Information Here
Nashville Soccer Club hosted a Community Impact Day, providing a soccer clinic to Nashville kids, on the Institute for GOD campus, alongside current students and alumni, June 2024.
What Kind of Commitment Is Required for Student-Athletes?
The time commitment for student-athletes includes:
Practice Sessions: Typically 3–5 days a week, including time for team meetings, strength training, and recovery.
Competitions: Weekly or bi-weekly games, tournaments, or meets during the season.
Travel: Away games may involve travel, adding to the time commitment.
Athletes can expect a maximum of 24 weeks of practice and competition between August 1 and May 15, with substantial time dedicated to practices, travel, and games.
What Is The Institute’s Mascot?
The Phoenix! Our motto, “Rise Up!” reflects the resilience and resurrection power expected of believers who face challenges with strength and faith.
Contact Information
If you’re interested in collegiate athletics at The Institute for GOD, please contact our VP of Enrollment, Laurie Kagay. She oversees admissions and can connect you with coaches for specific teams when necessary.