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Xenia, OHIO, May 27, 2025—With more than 38 years of experience working with athletes and coaches, Eric Nelson is stepping into the presidency for Athletes in Action. A former athletic director and basketball coach, Nelson shares the ministry’s passion to develop athletes physically, mentally and spiritually.
With a global presence in more than 85 countries, Athletes in Action—the sports ministry of Cru—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 both during and after their competing career.
Nelson has a reputation for strong leadership and integrity, both on and off the court. 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, which 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,” said Nelson, who most recently served as Athletes in Action’s vice president of catalytic ministries. “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 Athletes in Action 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. I’m grateful for his willingness to step into this position and look forward to seeing what God will do through his leadership,” said Cru U.S. National Director Mark Gauthier.
Nelson succeeds Mark Householder, who faithfully led Athletes in Action as president for 16 years. Householder plans to stay actively engaged as a full-time employee of Cru.
About Athletes in Action
Athletes in Action is an international sports organization focused on empowering athletes and coaches to be Christ-centered leaders and influencers on and off the field. Since 1966, Athletes in Action has been helping competitors connect with Jesus, join a community where they are valued beyond their success and use their platform to make a difference in the world.
The Athletes in Action Sports Complex and Retreat Center in Ohio, including the state-of-the-art John Wooden Family Fieldhouse, hosts more than 200,000 visitors each year through practices, games, retreats, team building and special events.
Athletes in Action is the sports ministry of Cru, an interdenominational Christian evangelism and discipleship ministry committed to giving people everywhere the opportunity to know and experience God's love and plan for their lives.
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