Josh Rivera - Trusting God's Plan

One of the top shortstops in college baseball, Florida star Josh Rivera has been key for the Gators on their road to the College World Series. Now in his fourth year with the program, Rivera has seen everything click at the plate in the 2023 season as he carries a .352 average to go along with 19 homers and 72 RBI’s.

While Josh has made his presence known on the field, it is the man he is off the field that impresses the most. A part of the 2022 SEC Community Service Team, Josh has given back to those around him throughout his career. As he prepares for the biggest game of his career, the Championship against LSU, he is guided by faith as he takes the field.

A Florida native, Josh Rivera says that faith has been a fundamental part of his life and career both on and off the field. His family made sure to instill it in him from a young age, and Rivera says it has paid dividends in his life.

“Faith has always been an important part of my life. My family is heavily invested in our relationship with God.”

After being drafted in the 22nd round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Rivera elected to go to Florida and play collegiate baseball. As he has experienced the highs and the lows of the college game, he says he has learned the importance of trusting in God’s plan.

“As I’ve grown into a young man, I’ve become more trustworthy of the Lord’s plan by keeping my trust in Him and continuing to move forward rather than dwelling on things that I cannot control.”

In his first 3 years with the Florida program, Rivera struggled with injuries and was never quite able to put it all together at the plate. After exploding onto the scene in the 2023 season, Rivera has not only helped the Gators to a magical season, but has also seen his name rise across draft boards. As Rivera prepares for what his career in baseball will bring, he says he owes it all to God.

“Faith plays a huge role in my baseball career because I know I wouldn’t be where I am without God in my life. God has blessed me with a talent to play the game of baseball and opened so many doors for me to get me where I am. I’ve gone through situations where I have experienced the Lord’s blessings through my struggles.”

Becoming a star at the plate, Rivera has become a fan favorite throughout Gainesville and the college baseball scene. Rivera says he wants to use his gifts for something greater than himself and always give back to the community around him.

“The biggest impact that I hope to have with my platform and my gifts is to inspire the youth in the world. With God, anything is possible in this life. We are all human so we’re not perfect, but God is always there for us. I hope to inspire others to have faith in what God has planned for them while glorifying His name.”

As Rivera and the Gators prepare for their matchup tonight against LSU, they know what is at stake. As Rivera prepares to do all he can to help bring a title to Gainesville in a winner-take-all game, he knows his worth and identity lie outside of the sport. As he takes the field tonight, he will be at peace and playing with joy knowing God is always in control as he looks to glorify Him.