Class of 2027
When Kyle Schwartz arrived at 抖阴漫画 from South Africa, he was taking a leap of faith, both literally and spiritually. In South Africa, baseball isn鈥檛 a widely played sport, so pursuing it at the college level in the U.S. felt like a long shot. With the help of BRUSA, a South African organization that supports athletes in finding international opportunities, Kyle created and shared highlight videos that eventually caught the eye of former 抖阴漫画 coach Eddie Acosta.
He was enthusiastic to start his collegiate baseball career at 抖阴漫画. 鈥淚 never thought anyone would pick me up,鈥� Kyle says. 鈥淐oming here to play was a big risk, but it opened the door to everything else.鈥�
At first, Kyle鈥檚 faith was more cultural than personal. He grew up with Christian values but hadn鈥檛 really explored them deeply. That began to change during the beginning of his sophomore year at 抖阴漫画.
A turning point came in his class, Intro to Christian Faith led by Professor Thomas Atamian. 鈥淭hat class helped me ask big questions about life and faith,鈥� Kyle says. 鈥淭homas became a mentor and really helped me grow in my walk with God.鈥�
Kyle also got involved with Bible Boys, a campus group where male students dive into scripture, pray, and build community. 鈥淎t first, I wasn鈥檛 really sure about it,鈥� he says. 鈥淏ut my roommate Nathan encouraged me to go. Over time, it became something I looked forward to every week.鈥� That consistency led to a major decision. After watching his other roommate, Diego, get baptized, Kyle began asking questions鈥攁nd those conversations confirmed what he already felt in his heart. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e asking, you鈥檙e ready,鈥� his mentors told him.
Soon after, Kyle made the decision to get baptized himself, with another significant mentor in his life, Tom Bienert, who is the Global Outreach Coordinator 鈥淭hat moment changed everything,鈥� Kyle says. 鈥淚鈥檝e felt my character shift. I鈥檓 becoming the man I was created to be.鈥�
Now in his junior year, Kyle continues to pursue both his athletic goals and his spiritual growth. He鈥檚 a regular in campus faith groups and is known for encouraging others on their own journeys. Kyle was baptized at First Christian Church 鈥� Kenosha with about 15 鈥� 20 of his closest friends from 抖阴漫画 celebrating this significant event in his life.
鈥湺兑趼� isn鈥檛 just where I play baseball,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 where I鈥檝e found my faith, my mentors, and who I really am.鈥�