Our History

Since 1966.

Sixty years of walking with athletes, from one wrestling team to Christ-followers on teams in 90+ countries.

How it started

The world would listen to athletes.

In 1966, God used a young married couple, Dave and Elaine Hannah, to launch Athletes in Action. They were surrendered to His Lordship, filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, and convinced that the world would listen to athletes and coaches tell the story of Jesus. Dave’s first call for advice on basketball went to UCLA coach John Wooden, who helped shape AIA from the start.

Beginning with wrestling, and then adding basketball, baseball, soccer, track and field, and volleyball, AIA has been building total athletes through high-level competition, spiritual mentorship and training for a lifetime of purpose and mission.

The timeline

Sixty years, one mission.

1966–1971

It starts with a vision

God uses a young married couple, Dave and Elaine Hannah, to launch Athletes in Action. Dave’s first call for advice on basketball goes to UCLA coach John Wooden. The first wrestling team comes together, and AIA basketball is formed. In 1971, AIA wins the National Wrestling Federation Freestyle Championship.

1966–1971

1972–1977

Gold on the world stage

AIA’s athletic Principles are created. Staff members John Peterson and Gene Davis win gold and bronze medals at the 1976 Olympics, and in 1977 the AIA basketball team upsets No. 1-ranked San Francisco.

1977–1978

From Tehran to Europe

AIA represents the United States at the Aryamehr Cup in Tehran, one of the premier wrestling tournaments in the world. Five wrestlers from the trip, with their families and teammates, move to Europe to serve full time and help establish AIA in several countries.

1977–1978

1978–1982

Teams across the globe

AIA sends teams internationally in baseball, soccer, track and field, men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball.

1983–1987

Growing on campus

AIA’s women’s campus ministry begins, and the first Ultimate Training Camp is held in Fort Collins, Colo.

1983–1987

1988–1992

Big stages

The first Super Bowl Breakfast is held in San Diego, becoming NFL sanctioned in 1992. AIA leads its first official chaplaincy at the Seoul Olympics, and Wendel Deyo becomes president.

1993–1997

Telling the story

AIA produces its first media tool, Joe Gibbs: Fourth and One, and the SportLINC ministry begins.

1993–1997

1998–2002

A new home in Xenia

AIA moves its headquarters to Xenia, Ohio. The Coach John Wooden “Keys to Life” Award begins at the Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast.

2003–2007

Building the campus

Four dormitories and the Browne Family Retreat Center are completed in 2006, and the Sports Complex is established.

2003–2007

2008–2012

Reaching the world

AIA produces The Prize: Chasing the Dream for the World Cup in South Africa. In 2012, the Super Bowl Breakfast marks its 25th year.

2013–2016

Fifty years

AIA celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2016.

2013–2016

2024

The John Wooden Family Fieldhouse opens

In June 2024, AIA opens the John Wooden Family Fieldhouse on its Xenia campus, the final phase of the Sports Complex, with up to four courts and a championship court that seats 1,200.