Sports and Spirituality Welcomes Pope Leo XIV

No doubt, the celebration of Mother's Day bumped mass attendance, but I had to wonder: Were more people in the pews because we have a new Pope—an American one! My pastor's opening remarks focused on our extraordinary week for our Church as we named the 267th successor of Saint Peter. Welcome Pope Leo XIV!

Given that we live in a great information age—with facts and findings literally at our fingertips, it wasn't just Catholics eager to learn more about the new religious leader in the Vatican. Folks from Chicago, Villanova alumni,  those in attendance at Augustinian institutions, lapsed Catholics, C&E Catholics, White Sox fans and more want to know more about Robert Francis Pervost. So much has been written and more is to be determined but it's high time that Sports and Spirituality weighed in. I wanted to share but a few thoughts.

It's never who or what you expect.
When people asked me—or the other theology teachers I work with—who we thought would be named the next pope, most of us gave the same answer: “It’s never who you expect.” Though I shared my own preferences and suspicions, the truth is, I ultimately leaned on that same belief: It’s never who you expect." Why is so hard to live by our very own words?

The night of the first official voting at the Conclave—black smoke—I received a group text from three Catholic friends. It said "Okay guys, are we getting an American Pope? Black smoke tomorrow or will one be chosen?" My response? "Zero chance of an American pope. Not sure how long it will take this group. Always interesting." Less than 24 hours later, a colleague came by my classroom to share there was white smoke at the Vatican. I heard rumblings from another teacher that they chose an American Pope. I actually said out loud, "Dan doesn't know what he is talking about." 

Turns out Dan DID know what he was talking about—a man born and raised in the United States was elected to the Holy See. Turns out I too knew what I was talking about—it's never someone you expect (this is certainly true with Francis and John Paul I and John Paul I. Benedict was a known entity). I said those words and yet I struggled to believe what I had professed as true. Very human. 

Habemus papam
At the beginning of the next class period, the Assistant Principal for Mission came on the P.A. with an announcement. A Latin scholar—a junior named Alex— had his moment in the sun as he read the official announcement out of the Vatican that was read by to the waiting crowds by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti. Alex repeated what he said.

Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum;
habemus papam:


Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum Dominum Robertum Franciscum

Sanctae Romane Ecclesiae Cardinalem Prevost qui sibi nomen imposuit Leo XIV  

Or in English,  

I announce to you a great joy;
we have a pope: The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Robert Francis Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost who has taken the name Leo XIV

My students heard the news delivered with joy and enthusiasm and they clapped. It was awesome. I work at a Jesuit high school and when Jorge Mario Bergolio, S.J. was named Pope, the faculty we all were excited, but not like this. This moment in world history—naming an American to the papacy was not lost on young people. It is something I will not forget.

Don't Stop Believin'
Within minutes, friends and family were sharing fun facts, memes and anecdotes about the new Pope. Out of the gate, a news article declared Pope Leo XIV to be a Cubs fan. Having heard he was from the South side, I was skeptical of this news. I thought to myself "Where's the evidence?" I also thought given the class issues that often characterize the fans from the North side (Cubs territory) to those in the South (Sox nation), if this allegiance were true—there must be a good reason. People are free to follow who they want, but in a city like Chicago, there's some explaining to do. 

Pope Leo's brother weighed in and settled the score and I can't help but smile. Not because it's utterly remarkable that we have TV footage of him at the 2005 World Series, but because of the theme song that characterized that White Sox team: Don't Stop Believin'. 

As written in my post The Balm of Sports, "In 2005, this team did the impossible. They remained in first place from Opening Day until they defeated the Houston Astros to win the World Series title. It had been 88 years since the franchise last clinched a championship (their third). The 2010 San Francisco Giants hold Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" as the unofficial theme song of our city's first World Series championship, but the credit should go to that 2005 crew."

Believe. Have Faith. What a perfect message for a team and for a moral leader, like the Pope to say. I think my friend Courtney's brother, Josh would like Pope Leo XIV—and not just because of his allegiance to the ChiSox (his story is captured in the aforementioned blog post).

Civilization of Love / Culture of Encounter
As word of Leo's sports fandom spread, it became a cultural phenomenon, birthing a million memes and his own signature Topps card. Kendall Baker of Yahoo Sports writes, "His election even moved betting markets: In the 24 hours after Prevost was elected, Villanova had the most bets to win the 2026 men's basketball title and received more action than all other teams combined.

The pope is also a hoophead: One longtime friend said they used to watch Bulls games together and discuss Villanova basketball, and old tweets showed Prevost cheering on the Wildcats."

But he isn't just a sports fan, "while living in Rome, he played tennis here weekly,” Father Joseph Farrell, the American prior general of the Order of St. Augustine, said. “He realizes just how important staying in good physical shape is. He certainly plays tennis for the joy of the game, to keep up with the game, but also for stress relief!”

While I certainly celebrate his love for sports, it is VERY short-sighted to recognize this Pope as the only one with a sports connection. John Paul II was an avid sportsman—a skier and a hiker. He loved the outdoors and in his writings, he saw sport as one of the crucial signs of the times, a "cultural mediator," uniquely "capable of interpreting contemporary man's hopes and needs." He said "Sports in fact can make an effective contribution to peaceful understanding between peoples and to establishing the new civilization of love." (On the Eighth Day).

Pope Francis only furthered this teaching with his own vision of the culture of encounter. He declared "to speak of a culture of encounter means we, as a people, should be passionate about meeting others, seeking points of contact, building bridges, planning a project that includes everyone." Pope Francis believed that soccer could do this. Given it's popularity, it's quite possible that Pope Francis' message might have even been more accessible to people world wide. 

Building from prior papal teachings and his own love of sport, I have to wonder, what's next? What might Pope Leo XIV teach us all about sports and spirituality in the years to come. I can't wait.

One addendum. In this week's department meeting a colleague said "I'm so glad that Pope Leo is from Villanova and not Notre Dame." Without blinking an eye, I said "I totally agree. We are already a lot. To have the Holy Father as an alum would just be too much... I'm so happy for Nova. They are tearing it up in the NBA and now the Vatican."

Truly, we've been given hope and a sign that the Holy Spirit continues to work in our world. In the first words of Pope Leo XIV, "Peace be with you." 

Photo Credits
Topps Card
Comiskey

A Team Where No One is Left Behind: The Work of Steph Curry

This time of year is special in the NBA—not just for the intensity of playoff basketball, but also because it’s when the league celebrates some of its most meaningful honors. While I love the performance awards like Defensive Player or Rookie of the Year, it’s the extraordinary awards that truly stand out. These aren't about points or rebounds; they celebrate legacy, character, leadership, and the kind of impact that can’t be measured. These awards honor players who elevate not just their teams, but their communities—and the game itself. You don’t have to be a Golden State Warriors fan to recognize that Steph Curry embodies all of that. No wonder he is the 2025 Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year honoree.

Twelve players—six from each conference—are finalists for the Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award. While the league already honors sportsmanship with the Joe Dumars Trophy, the "Teammate of the Year" award recognizes selfless play, leadership on and off the court, as well as unwavering team commitment. These qualities, though sportsmanlike, reflect the  legacy of the awards namesakes Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes, for whom the award is named.

The award was announced by the league on April 28 and given by Coach Kerr to Steph Curry —after practice, standing mid court with the team and other coaches. Without a doubt, his work on the court is magnanimous. We are all witnesses to the greatest shooter of the day. And although I don't personally know Steph, from all that I have read, seen and encountered myself—I believe he's magnanimous off the court too. 

He is great because he pays attention on a micro and macro level. He takes notice, he listens and he prays. That's magnanimity. I show the AppleTV movie about his life, "Underrated" to my students because I want them to see that for themselves. One of my favorite scenes early on features Steph riding solo on the subway.  With his head leaning against the window he says, "I'm constantly trying to find the space just to be able to to survey my life, survey what's going onto let my mind think about, How did I get here?" Hard work. Determination. Faith, Kindness. Sacrifice. I think those might be a few ways to answer that question.

If being a good teammate means that you continue to improve, work harder and smarter then look no further than Steph. However, the story behind the award sets the stage for the criteria. According to SFGate, in 1958 Maurice Stokes "suffered a brain injury in the final game of the 1957-58 regular season, fell into a coma days later and became permanently paralyzed." He was just 24. In an extraordinary act of loyalty and compassion, Jack Twyman became Stokes' legal guardian and advocate, and supported him for the remaining 12 years of Stokes' life. Their relationship went beyond sports—it was about brotherhood, sacrifice, and selflessness.

I see those qualities in Steph Curry and this post by Mukurima X Muriuki, confirmed my hunch. It also catapulted Steph into first place: my favorite athlete of all time. Yes, I am biased. And yes, this is a true story. Enjoy.

It’s 2:30 a.m. at San Francisco International. Everyone is tired. The Golden State Warriors have just landed from a brutal road trip. Staff, coaches, and players scatter. Everyone eager to get home and crash.

Everyone except one guy.

Quinten Post.

He is a rookie, new to the league and still waiting for his big moment. 

He doesn’t have a big contract, so he can only afford so much.

And it is in such ungodly hour when shit hits the fan. And it did

His Uber app would not load. And as a result he did not have a ride

Post is 7 feet tall. And that was the height of uncertainty, standing alone on the curb, invisible to most.

Except one.

Stephen (Múrage) Curry.

Two-time MVP. 

Four-time champ. 

Face of the franchise.

“You trying to get home?” Steph asked Post.

Post mumbles something, embarrassed. “It’s cool, I’ll figure it out.”

But Curry isn’t wired that way.

“I got you,” he replied

And just like that, the most recognizable athlete in the Bay Area becomes the most dependable teammate in the league. 

Steph drives the rookie home—no cameras, no PR, just kindness at 2:30 in the morning.

“Out of the 50 people at that airport,” Post would later say, “Steph was the last person who had to care. But he did. That’s who he is.”

Isitoshe,

Now here is  where the story bends.

Fast forward to Game 4 of the NBA playoffs  this past weekend. Warriors vs. Rockets.

In a first quarter where Steph could not  buy a bucket, ir is Quinten Post—yes, the same rookie once stranded at the airport—who catches fire.

He nails back-to-back threes, swats a shot into the fifth row, and screams into the crowd like he has been here before.

He hasn’t. But in that moment, he belongs.

Steph cheered on, like a proud big brother. Because he knew. He saw the worth in Post long before the world did.

Stephen Curry did not help him for clout. He helped him because that’s the culture he helped build—a team where no one is left behind.

May the day break! 

A team where no one is left behind. That's what Twyman and Stokes did for one another. That's what Curry and Post have shared. It sounds a lot like the Kingdom we are called to build here and now.

And for what it's worth, Curry won "Sportsman of the Year in 2011." Congratulations Steph. We got you.

Photo Credits
Honors
Curry and Post

Remembering my Uncle, Guy Stricherz through Sport, Spirituality and Americans in Kodachrome

In the center of my grandparents' living room stood a stately fireplace with a wooden mantle, adorned with six framed 8" × 10" photographs of my grandfather, my father, and four uncles. The portraits were arranged chronologically from oldest to youngest—three on the right and three on the left. I can still recall with remarkable clarity details about each one. But, one in particular was extra special.

Coach and Family. Enumclaw, WA. 1952

Looking at that photograph, I remember asking my parents, "Who is that?"

"That's your Uncle Guy," they replied. Guy lived in New York City, so I hadn't yet met him. Even though I was only three or four years old, I vividly recall thinking, "Wow! I have another uncle! Lucky me!" To this day, that's exactly how I feel. Call it luck, a blessing, or both—I am forever grateful to have had an uncle like Guy.

I share this memory because I would like to write a tribute in his honor. Guy passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at his home on Vashon Island, in Washington. His life's work and passion offer a unique perspective on the intersection of sports and spirituality.

In 1981, Guy started the Color Vision Imaging Laboratory, in a the Little Italy neighborhood of Manhattan, to make dye transfer prints of color photographs. "An offshoot of the Technicolor film process that revolutionized the movie industry, dye transfer printing was invented in 1946; the process dominated the advertising industry and graphic arts for nearly half a century, until 1994, when Kodak discontinued discontinued making the materials for the process and sold its remaining stock of film, paper and dyes to master printers like Stricherz" (An Eggleston to Dye for).

I met him when I was seven years old at my Uncle Mark and Aunt Jolyn's wedding. I was their flower girl and he was the uncle who sought to get me out on the dance floor. I saw him again when I ten years old as he came home to Washington state for my grandfather's funeral. He offered a compelling eulogy. I still remember some of what he said. He was easy to love and as cool as his name.

In the years to follow, he would visit us in California as he worked with a specialist at a store near by to restore his Harley (see the aforementioned nod to cool). During that time he did what a good uncle does. He gave us hugs and brought so much life to our house. When we went out for Mexican food, he let my sister and I try his margarita. We were ten and twelve. He would leg wrestle with my brother (think arm wrestling but using one's leg). He wore a black t-shirt, jeans and stylish eye glasses. He lived up to that name.

The stories that emerge about our loved ones after they have died are legion. Perhaps some are undeserved. Those about Uncle Guy are anything but undeserved. He did after all hitch hike to New York!

Each day, my class, Sports and Spirituality begins with prayer. While my students are the leaders of this class ritual, after my Uncle Guy died, I wanted to make mention of his life and this loss. Before asking for their prayers, I went in search of a a connection between his life's work and our course curriculum. I had to know if his masterpiece Americans in Kodachrome featured any photographs about sports. 

As written by my Uncle Guy

Americans in Kodachrome 1945–1965 is a portrayal of daily life during these formative years of modern American culture. It is comprised of ninety-five exceptional color photographs made by over ninety unknown American photographers. These photographs were chosen from many thousands of slides in hundreds of collections. Like folk art in other mediums, this work is characterized by its frankness, honesty, and vigor. Made as memoirs of family and friends, the photographs reveal a free-spirited, intuitive approach and possess a clarity and unpretentiousness characteristic of this unheralded photographic folk art. Conceived as a book and a nationwide exhibition, Americans in Kodachrome is an evocative and haunting portrait of a historic generation of Americans.

I decided I should go straight to the source and find my answer.

The book includes photographs from all 50 states. Most feature Americans with family—at table for birthdays and holiday gatherings, by their car or with friends. Several show weddings, prom and date nights. I started to wonder if the closest I would get to sport would include the pictures of Americans hunting or fishing, but at long last, I found one that clearly portrays (popular) sports are we know it:  Baseball Player —Wanakena New York, 1953. Jim Wark.

When you look at this photograph what do you see? Where does your mind go? 

I can't help but think this is no "turn back the clock" game. This is baseball in 1953. I can only imagine the player—maybe a short stop or centerfielder—driving home after what surely must have been a win. By the dirt on his pants, I see that the words "put me in coach" were in effect. Was he heading to a restaurant named Geary's for post-game fuel? Truly, something of this man's spirit and the spirit of the game emerges in and through the printing process.

In Catholicism, Richard P. McBrien  asserts that: "To be spiritual means to know and to live according to the knowledge, that there is more to life than meets the eye." To be spiritual means, we are forever seeking to find God in all things and in all things find God. We are invited to see things anew—to find deeper meaning, truth, love and light. And it is in with this understanding that my search for an image featuring sport became a meaningful and memorable moment. A spiritual one.

The image that kick started my Uncle Guy's love for Kodachrome is entitled "Coach and Family. Enumclaw, Washington. 1952. James P. Hughes."  The coach is my grandfather, Ed. My Dad is in the middle. My Uncle Guy is in my grandmother's arms. My uncles Tim and Jay are on either side of my grandpa. My Uncle Mark has yet to come. 

Guy writes 

A Kodachrome slide of my family taken in 1952 arrived in the mail at my parent's home in 1985. It was made by an old friend of my folks from South Dakota who had visited us one summer in our hometown of Enumclaw, Washington. As I am the self-designated family historian, as well as a color photographic printer, my mother forwarded the snapshot to my studio in New York City. I was astonished by the vivid color and well-preserved quality of the tiny relic, a miniaturized reality from 33 years past. The scene is startlingly familiar, yet lost to me. It was as if a long forgotten memory had been suddenly recalled. 

There is my father, coach of our hometown, champion Hornets, his blue football jacket over a white T-shirt, and my mother, the immaculate homemaker with a Mona Lisa smile in her yellow blouse and multicolored skirt. They stand with their four blue jean clad sons on the verdant lawn in front of our modest home. For me, the picture symbolizes how far my folks had come from the dust bowl that was the Great Plains of their youth to the green grass. We stood on beneath the foothills of Mount Rainier, which on clear days cast its purple hues through the paint of our living room windows. This picture portrays us as we wish to be remembered and remains as documentary proof that my parents had realized the American dream. Transcending its private meaning, the image serves as a poignant metaphor for the often idealized memory of postwar America.

I almost missed that this photo is both directly and indirectly about sports. My Uncle Guy named it "Coach and Family." That wasn't just a title for my grandfather; "Coach" was integral to his identity (so much so that his copy of Sports Illustrated was addressed to Coach Ed Stricherz).

This photograph hung in my grandparents living room. Much like my feeling about my Uncle Guy, I loved it  from the start. And, the more I see it and study it, the more it means to me. I just learned why they rolled their jeans....with four boys (and one more to come), once you start growing taller, the length of the cuffs could adjust. My Dad recently told me he's not smiling because he had a strong overbite. Fortunately, he got braces. I began to wonder where my grandmother purchased her stylish clothing. Could this photo not resonate with many American families? Truly there is more to life than what meets the eye. The art form of photography rests on that principle.

What I might love the most about my copy of Americans in Kodachrome is that it once belonged to my Godfather, my Uncle Tim. Inside, he wrote "January 4, 2003: For my brother Tim, with Love." When he died in 2019, my Uncle Guy urged me to keep Tim's edition. He had the foresight and vision to sign it once again when it became my own. Next to the note for my Uncle Tim, he wrote "February 3, 2018. For my niece, Anne, with Love."

As captured in Newsweek, December 8, 2002, my Uncle Guy believed "each image is a mystery with a private meaning unknown to us, yet each holds a truth common to us all."  It's safe to say through his work and focus on color and printing he not only invited us into that mystery, he enabled us to see our fellow Americans and my own family with a new lens—a spiritual one.

I would be remiss if I were not to include that Guy is survived by his wife, Irene Malli, and children—my cousins Matilda and Guy. As written in his obituary, "In 1989, while looking to hire a studio assistant, Guy met Irene Malli. She soon became the love of his life and his business partner. They were married at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in New York on November 4th, 1989, and spent 35 beautiful years living and working together. He always said Americans in Kodachrome, could never have been completed without her persistent help." I cannot forget the love and affection that these three gave to one another at Guy's funeral. Unsurpassed. Beautiful.

Thank you, Uncle Guy for your love and your legacy. May perpetual light—and color—shine upon you.

Photo Credits
Baseball Player
Americans in Kodachrome
Coach and Family

Head Coach Marcus Freeman on Leadership—One Homily Worth Seeing

At today's Good Friday service, Father Michael quoted  Pope Paul the IV who said, "I would rather see a sermon than hear one." I couldn't help but think that truth characterizes what was the highlight of my most recent visit to Notre Dame. To the surprise and delight of 350 alumni and friends in attendance at the Notre Dame Alumni Association's annual leadership conference, Coach Marcus Freeman spoke on the topic of leadership. While he offered some important insights on this topic, the real message has been learned from who and what we saw. Thank you, HCMF.

We saw was a content and confident man. He smiled, he listened and made us laugh. He said a lot with a little. He made time for Q&A and to my utter delight, I offered a question of my own. He is gifted and grateful, humble and happy. We saw a great homily.

To our surprise, Coach Freeman entered in the room nearly unannounced. There was no walk up song, victory march, spotlight, fire or flags. He smiled and gave high fives to those who lined the walk-way. My friend Kristina turned around to look at my reaction. Although I smiled, I just kept shaking my head as if to say "no." I couldn't believe it and yet, I could (Is there a name for this sentiment?!). WAY TO GO NDAA!

Coach Free sat down with Dolly Duffy—executive director of the Notre Dame Alumni Association and associate vice president for University Relations—for a 20 minute conversation. He acknowledged his audience and said leaders must be adaptable. Given the reality of injury for players, the challenges of travel, weather and life events it's easy to believe he practices what he preaches.

He stressed the importance of maintaining a micro-focus on the task at hand (think one game at a time) while planning far ahead. It's his job to do both—He is the one to take the team where it needs to go. In light of that mindset, he said "you must fix the process. You hear trust the process—sure, but being adaptable means you will need to fix it, too. That's critical."

He said "good leaders are unorthodox. You go against the grain. You make those around you better." I kept thinking of what my friend Father Paul Kollman said to me at lunch that day "there's so much wisdom to be gained from sports." I'm not convinced that Marcus Freeman is a "player's coach," but he did stress that not everyone is coached in the same way. He listens to his players, especially the captains. He noted, "Their input is invaluable." 

Coach Freeman addressed the devastation of losing to Northern Illinois University (16-14) in the home opener. This loss was significant as it marked the first time a Mid-American Conference (MAC) team had defeated an AP Top 5 team. He said, "one week prior, we went into College Station and had a great win over Texas A&M. Coming off that win, I realized, we had to learn how to handle success, mentally and physically. Game two exposed that need."

He could have left the recount at that. Instead, he said "I left the office late that night. It was dark and obviously a long day. While sitting at a stoplight, I decided to count the days. I asked myself How many days have passed between our official start date and today? I realized it was 40 days. That number has incredible significance."

Coach Freeman's reflection resonates with my experience of prayer. For me, my most authentic experience of prayer is when I can connect the Word, the lived experience of God's people to events of my own life. Those connections provide solace and comfort, clarity and understanding. In Scripture, the number 40 symbolizes testing, trial, or probation. I am led to believe Coach Freeman decided to acknowledge that time as a period of hardship and yet one that is the seedbed for spiritual growth.

Coach Freeman emphasized the three pillars of his program: talent, development of that talent and culture. He said "we can control two of those three pillars. We recruit the talent and it's our job to develop it and build a culture that supports and sustains excellence. I call it the Gold Standard (TGS). It's what I want you to feel when you walk into our locker room. We are going to challenge each other. I ask every one in the building to "choose hard" and maintain a competitive spirit. You must choose love. In other words choose to put the greater good, in this case Notre Dame football above yourself."

Knowing there would be Q&A, I decided now was the time. Why? I have served on the Notre Dame Women Connect Alumni Board for the past six years, and my tenure was up. I prepared my introduction, commentary and question and raised my hand. I almost couldn't believe my luck when Dolly nodded in my direction. (think Jake Ryan nodding at Sam in Sixteen Candles. Who me?). I stood up and spoke into the microphone totally pumped and ready to share my stuff.

I said, "Coach Freeman, thank you for encouraging young people to 'Choose hard.' I think that's so important. Second, thank you for beating USC." (when my Dad met Tony Rice, he said that and I've always loved it). The crowd clapped and cheered.

I added, "you inspire so many people. Can you tell us about an athlete or someone from this season who inspires you? I know it's not easy to choose just one, but who is someone that inspires you."

I've been in the business of teaching and coaching young people long enough to know that THEY have just as much of an impact—both positive and negative—on us as we have on them. We need to hear those stories. As my Uncle Jay has told me, "inspiration comes from players to coaches, students to teachers, children to parents, kids to adults, etc., but we seldom acknowledge that." I genuinely wanted to hear what he had to say.

NDAA asked that we refrain from posting videos of Coach Freeman, but I can tell you he mentioned both Irish quarterback Riley Leonard—especially after the NIU loss and Irish safety D.J. Brown. Next time you see me, ask me about his answers and I'll say more.

The last question from the audience was about Coach Freeman's recent conversion to Catholicism. His answer was just beautiful. He said "I'm not a demonstrative or outspoken guy when it comes to my faith." His admission did not surprise me. In fact it reminded me of St Francis of Assisi who said "preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words."

What Coach Freeman did say however was "before you know, you have to trust. Trust beyond knowing. Building that trust, living in that trust—it's all a different way of saying have faith." At this point, I wasn't sure if he was talking about sport or about spirituality. Probably both. 

One of the first quotes I have my students in Sports and Spirituality write down is also from Pope Paul VI. He said, "Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses." Attending the Spring Alumni Association meeting has made me—a teacher into a witness as well. Our time with Coach Freeman was a gift. His insight on leadership, relationships, striving for excellence and faith was powerful and poignant. I heard a great homily, but what I saw will stay with me for years to come.

Photo Credits
TGS
Dick Corbett
Mass at ND

Friendship as a Contributing Factor to Rory McIlroy's Masters Championship

The conclusion of the 2025 Masters for Rory McIlroy was historic, impressive, and incredibly emotional. We witnessed him best Justin Rose by sinking a clutch birdie in sudden death. The tears McIlroy finally released after years of near-misses and disappointment resonated with viewers worldwide. I smiled watching the tender embrace with his wife and the long, loving hug he shared with his daughter Poppy. But one additional moment made me pause and take notice: on his way to Butler Cabin, McIlroy encountered Shane Lowry, and their exchange radiated the joy, beauty, and love of true friendship. In fact, I believe this friendship might have been a crucial element in McIlroy's first major victory in eleven years and his first green jacket—a fitting shade among Ireland's legendary forty shades of green.

Rory and Shane have been professional golfers for a collective 34 years (Rory in 2007 and Shane in 2009). As written by Golf.com "Lowry and McIlroy's relationship was forged more than two decades ago on Ireland's junior golf circuit. McIlroy's star ascended faster, but Lowry, a dogged competitor, worked hard to keep up. As elite professionals, they've traveled the world together and battled as teammates in international team events." They are much more that competitors on the tour. They share a common homeland, stateside residence (Jupiter, FL) and connection. As mentioned in "Full Swing" Lowry said, "I feel like I'm good for him, but he's also really good for me." I didn't need to see their shared moment at the Masters to admit they do. Plenty has transpired in the past year to reveal that truth.

In addition to a shared victory in the 2023 Ryder Cup (Europe over US 16½-11½), the Irish duo won the 2024 Zurich Classic in New Orleans. As written in the PGA.com post, 

To win any PGA TOUR event is very cool, but to do it with one of your closest friends — we’ve known each other for a long, long time, probably like over 20 years,” McIlroy said. “To think about where we met and where we’ve come from, to be on this stage and do this together — really, really cool journey that we’ve been a part of.

Evidently, the night before the final round the Irishmen received a standing ovation when they "showed up at historic, creole French Quarter restaurant Arnaud’s on the eve of their final round at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event." And, you might have caught sight of the two of them the night of their victory as they showed up on stage at the tournament's after party to karaoke and sing Don't Stop Believin' with their fans. I swear I saw a performance of "Sweet Caroline" as well, but I can't seem to find it.

Shane said, “He’s getting old, but he still moves the needle a little bit,” Lowry joked as McIlroy chuckled. “Rory brings a crowd and people love him and we’ve gotten a lot of love in New Orleans. We’ve had just the best week.” 

Safe to say, these two enjoyed another good week in February 2025at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The Guardian reports, 

Rory McIlroy celebrated a hole-in-one on his way to a score of 66 in the opening round at California’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The 35-year-old Northern Irishman found the cup with a sand wedge on the par-three 15th hole at Spyglass Hill Golf Course and will now head into Friday’s second round two shots behind leader Russell Henley.

McIlroy’s was not the day’s only hole-in-one. Irishman Shane Lowry landed one of his own on the famous par-three seventh at Pebble Beach, with the ball landing short of the pin and rolling in. Lowry used social media site X to call it the “shot of my dreams."

The two found their way to the iconic tap room that evening where everyone in house was treated to a beverage of their choice by the Irishmen. #jealous!

In these instances, I see much of what Shasta Nelson—author, speaker and relationship expert names as the three relationship requirements in a healthy, close friendship. To illustrate the metric, she draws an equilateral triangle—with positivity at its base. Consistency and vulnerability come together at the apex. This is how she defines each side.

Positivity: The pleasant emotions we feel that makes the relationship rewarding and satisfying.
Enjoyable moments that characterize positivity include: love, trust, enjoyment, affection, enthusiasm, appreciation, silliness/fun, special, validation, happiness, excitement and hope.

Consistency: The repetition of time and behavior that makes the relationship feel reliable and safe.

Repetitive time together involves providing time and space, finding "excuses" to gather, showing the other the relationship is important to you, and so forth.

Vulnerability: The mutual sharing and listening that leaves both people feeling known and seen.

Understood as expressing the full spectrum of emotions from pride and joy to loss and failure. Can also be known though asking for help, apologizing, forgiving as well as initiating tough or challenging conversations. Vulnerability gives permission to be authentic. 

The Netflix golf reality series Full Swing, Season 3, Episode 2 entitle "Through Thick and Thin" demonstrates how Rory and Shane share a healthy and viable friendship. Rory admits, 

The tour can be a lonely place at times so to have a friend like Shane, who is always up for a laugh and always wants to do fun things—this year, more than any other year has really shown its importance to me 

I'd say the weeks that we are home, we probably see each other five times a week?! It's nice to have someone like that, to who you can pick up the phone and chat about anything—whether its about golf or stuff going on away from golf...

That's positivity, consistency and vulnerability in Full Swing ;-)

Shane added, "We've known each other probably 21 or 22 years. When you're Rory McIlroy who is the greatest player of our generation, people are not themselves around you. So you meet people and you hang out with people and they are not themselves. But, when I hang out with him, I'm just myself. I think I'm probably a breath of fresh air to his life at times where he can just get away and be himself and be normal..."

Shasta Nelson would describe Lowry and McIlroy as "relationally fit."

It was a joy to watch the Lowrys and McIlroys share the green at The Masters Par-3 contest. And hard not to love the way Shane's daughter picked up Poppy to congratulate her for putting out the hole. Perhaps all of this put Rory is a calm, clear headed state of mind for what was one of the more memorable Sunday at the Masters. The power of friendship is not to be underestimated. 

Photo Credits
Family
Talking
Video
Holding a trophy