For most college athletes, faith is personal, often practiced quietly, away from the noise of the locker room or the spotlight of packed stadiums. But for LSU outfielder Josh Pearson, the intersection of faith and sports has become a defining feature of his journey—one that is now influencing the very heart of the Tigers’ baseball program.
Pearson, a rising star known for his grit and passion on the diamond, didn’t always feel comfortable expressing his Christian faith openly. Like many athletes, he kept his beliefs mostly private, navigating the intense world of SEC baseball where the pressure to perform can often drown out everything else. But something changed when he began attending the team’s Bible study sessions. What started as a simple step toward deepening his personal relationship with Christ soon became a catalyst for something far greater.
Pearson says that joining the Bible study “completely changed the way I see the game, my teammates, and even myself.” At first, he admits, he didn’t know what to expect. “I was just hoping to grow in my faith a little more,” he shared. “I didn’t realize it would turn into something that would impact not just me, but the whole team.”
It didn’t take long for Pearson to feel the shift. What began as quiet gatherings with a few teammates and staff members soon grew into a consistent rhythm that impacted the entire program’s energy. The meetings, typically held in locker rooms or small rooms inside LSU’s athletic facilities, weren’t flashy or forced. They were authentic—conversations rooted in scripture, honesty, and a genuine desire to walk in faith, together.
And for Pearson, that authenticity is what made all the difference.
“In the beginning, you wonder if talking about Jesus is going to be awkward in a sports setting,” he said. “But when you’re sitting next to your teammate, reading the Bible, sharing your struggles, and praying together, it builds a level of trust that’s deeper than anything you’ll find on a scouting report or a stat sheet.”
That deeper connection has helped form what Pearson describes as a “spiritual brotherhood” within the team—one that’s not only making them stronger off the field but more unified on it. “You can see it in the way we pick each other up after a strikeout, the way we celebrate each other’s success without ego, and the way we lean on our faith when things get tough,” he explained.
Pearson’s leadership in the Bible study has been especially inspiring to younger players who may be searching for direction in their own walk with Christ. He says he’s been overwhelmed by how many teammates have quietly approached him asking for advice, prayer, or simply a place to talk.
“It’s not always easy to say you’re struggling,” Pearson admitted. “But when guys see that this team values faith as much as performance, they realize they don’t have to carry those burdens alone.”
That culture shift hasn’t gone unnoticed by coaches and staff either. LSU’s coaching staff has long supported players’ personal development, but many have remarked that this spiritual movement has brought a rare kind of emotional and mental resilience to the locker room. In a sport as grueling as college baseball—where slumps can last weeks and the mental toll can be crushing—having a foundation of faith has given players like Pearson a unique source of strength.
“There’s just a peace that comes with knowing your identity isn’t tied to your stats,” Pearson said. “I know who I am in Christ, whether I go 4-for-4 or strike out three times.”
That mindset has helped Pearson not only weather the inevitable ups and downs of a long season but has also made him a more consistent, grounded player. And as his play on the field continues to grow, so too does his influence in the locker room. Several teammates have said that Pearson’s calm demeanor and encouraging words during stressful moments have made him a leader both in action and in spirit.
He credits it all to the Bible study and the quiet power of community prayer.
“There’s something special about knowing you’re not alone in your faith,” he said. “When you see your teammates praying before a game, or hear someone bring up a scripture that helped them through a tough time, it’s a reminder that we’re all fighting our own battles—but we’re not fighting them alone.”
The transformation hasn’t been limited to just the players. Trainers, support staff, and even fans have noticed a different energy surrounding the LSU program this season—an energy rooted in purpose, humility, and a shared belief that baseball is about more than just wins and losses.
Pearson’s story is a testament to the power of faith when it’s lived out boldly and consistently, even in places where it might not always be expected. It’s easy to talk about leadership in terms of batting averages or highlight-reel plays, but the quiet, consistent faith Pearson displays is something far more lasting.
“I’m just trying to be obedient to what God has called me to do,” he said. “If that means talking about Jesus in the locker room or praying with a teammate who’s going through something, then I’ll do that. Because I’ve seen firsthand how much it can change lives.”
Pearson hopes that what’s happening at LSU can be an example to athletes everywhere. In a world that often demands toughness and independence, he believes that true strength comes from vulnerability and faith.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out,” he said. “You just have to be willing to trust that God’s got you—even when the lights are bright and the stakes are high.”
As LSU continues its season, Pearson says he’s more excited than ever—not just about the chance to win games, but about the opportunity to keep building something that will outlast any scoreboard.
“This team is special,” he said with a smile. “Not just because of our talent, but because of our heart. And I truly believe that’s because we’ve made Jesus part of who we are—not just off the field, but in every aspect of what we do.”
For Pearson, that transformation started with a simple yes to joining a Bible study. And that yes has now rippled through a team, a locker room, and a university, reminding everyone watching that sometimes the most powerful victories aren’t won with a bat or a glove—but with faith, fellowship, and the courage to speak the name of Jesus out loud.
