Athletes in Action Appoints Eric Nelson as President

2 weeks ago

1 minute read

athletes action — Young Ethiopian men play soccer with a staff member of Athletes In Action. Courtesy photo.

Athletes in Action has a new leader. The sports ministry, which is part of Cru (Formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), recently announced.

With a global presence in more than 85 countries, Athletes in Action uses the universal language of sports to share a life-changing message of hope. For almost 60 years, the ministry has connected athletes and coaches to a community where they can develop holistically and discover purpose. And its available both during and after their competitive career

Brings years of experience to Athletes in Action

Eric Nelson, with more than 38 years of experience working with athletes and coaches, is the ministry’s new president. A former athletic director and basketball coach, Nelson shares the ministry’s passion to develop athletes physically, mentally and spiritually.

Nelson joined Athletes in Action in 2003 to work with the men’s basketball tour and direct international opportunities. In addition to leading basketball projects in 15 countries, he was instrumental in the creation of Athletes in Action’s International Coaches Academy. The academy provides elite training and leadership development to coaches from around the world.

“We want to help develop total athletes — players who are growing physically, mentally and spiritually,” he said. “I’m honored to lead a team helping athletes and coaches maximize their influence by leveraging character, leadership and athletic excellence.”

Nelson was selected following a rigorous interview process led by a diverse team of Cru leadership, the Athletes in Action board of trustees and staff members.

“While many strong candidates align with the heart and mission of Athletes in Action, God gave us unified clarity that Eric is meant to be our next leader,” said Mark Gauthier, U.S. national director for Cru. “I’m grateful for his willingness to step into this position and look forward to seeing what God will do through his leadership.

Nelson succeeds Mark Householder, who led Athletes in Action as president for 16 years. Householder plans to stay actively engaged as a full-time employee of Cru.

For more information, visit www.athletesinaction.org.

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice