From Baseball to Faith: Evan Funkhouser’s Journey
Evan Funkhouser shares how his journey in baseball and faith has shaped his growth and perseverance.
November 15, 2024
Evan Funkhouser’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and a commitment to living out his values both on and off the baseball field, and recently shared his story with Rob Maaddi. A senior at Lindenwood University, Evan’s journey began in his childhood, where his love for baseball was nurtured by his father and grandfather, both of whom were coaches. Growing up in a baseball family, it was no surprise that Evan followed in their footsteps, eventually landing at Lindenwood after spending his first two years at St. Charles Community College.
Evan is known for his defensive prowess at shortstop, a position that requires quick reflexes and a strong glove. While his batting continues to improve, it is his ability to field that has kept him in the starting lineup. His commitment to perfecting his craft is evident in his rigorous training routine, which includes daily hand exercises without gloves, a technique he learned from legendary shortstop Ozzie Smith. Evan’s dedication to improving his game is matched only by his work ethic off the field, where he balances his athletic responsibilities with academics as a business administration major.
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Evan’s faith journey has been just as significant as his baseball career. Raised in a family that came to faith later in life, Evan and his younger brother both gave their lives to Christ at a young age. Though his early years were marked by spiritual ups and downs, it was during his time at Lindenwood that Evan truly deepened his relationship with Jesus. He found strength in a supportive Christian community, both on his team and through the church just minutes from campus.
His spiritual journey has been a process of growth, especially as he navigated the challenges of college life. Like many young adults, Evan faced temptations and distractions that tested his faith. However, through it all, he came to realize that trusting God’s plan was the key to peace and fulfillment. Evan’s turning point came during his time at junior college, where he struggled with injuries and setbacks as he tried to prove himself to scouts. In those moments of frustration, he turned to God, and through that struggle, found the clarity and peace to trust in God’s greater plan for his life.
Evan’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the toughest times, God is faithful. His commitment to living boldly for Christ is evident in his relationships with teammates and friends, many of whom he holds accountable through Bible studies and prayer. With his eyes set on the future, Evan continues to rely on his faith as his foundation, knowing that the challenges of baseball and life are nothing compared to the strength that comes from following Jesus.
Through his journey, Evan Funkhouser exemplifies what it means to live boldly for Christ—no matter the circumstances. His story encourages us to trust God’s plan, pursue our passions with diligence, and surround ourselves with a community that will hold us accountable in our faith.