Two Utah athletes and a recent high school graduate are preparing for upcoming service missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following periods of significant personal and competitive milestones.
Soccer achievements and upcoming missions
In Herriman, Utah Celtic FC's U19 boys secured their fourth consecutive national tournament title with a 5-0 victory over St. Louis Developmental Academy at the MLS NEXT Cup championship match. Forward Patrick Stevenson, who recently scored a hat trick in the 6A state championship for Lone Peak High School, recorded two goals during the win. Stevenson announced he will depart for a church mission in Argentina this summer.
Team unity through personal transitions
The Celtic victory was highlighted by tournament MVP Brooks Barker, who scored via a bicycle kick. Barker, a Salem Hills graduate, noted that the team functions more like a family, supporting one another through mission calls and college commitments. Barker is also preparing to leave for a church mission in Spain this summer.
BYU golf championship performance
At the NCAA men's golf championships in Carlsbad, California, BYU freshman Kihei Akina advanced to the fourth round of stroke play while his team finished 18th. The BYU team's schedule included a delayed opening round due to the university's religious exemption as the flagship school of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Overcoming health challenges through literature
In Salt Lake City, high school graduate Isabelle George recently shared her story at author Brandon Sanderson's Dragonsteel convention. George, who manages several medical diagnoses including dysautonomia and Loeys-Dietz syndrome, spoke about how books served as an escape during her treatments at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital. Looking ahead, George plans to serve a service mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before studying video editing in college.
