Garrett Michel - Strength in Faith

After an impressive freshman year, Virginia Tech infielder Garrett Michel looks to help the Hokies to another great season on the field. But for Garrett, there’s another crucial element of his life that he says guides him through every inning, every at-bat, and every win or loss: his faith.

Michel’s journey through baseball has been shaped by his faith and reliance on God’s plan. From his early playing days to suiting up as a starter for Virginia Tech, his faith has been a cornerstone of his athletic career. When asked about the role of faith in his baseball journey, Michel expresses, “Faith is a key role in my baseball career. God has blessed me with the ability to play at this level and I thank him daily for it.”

For Michel, baseball is more than just a game; it’s a platform to share his faith and glorify God. He acknowledges the ups and downs in the sport but emphasizes that having God at the center of his life and sport brings him more ups than downs. “Realizing that he has a plan for each of us is so important,” Michel reflects. “Living every day for him and following his perfect plan.”

But Michel’s faith wasn’t always as central to his life as it is now. Growing up, faith was never a huge part of his life, but it was his older brother, Taylor, who sparked the family’s journey toward faith. Michel recalls, “It became a staple to our schedule and lives after that. Meeting so many awesome Christ followers who have had everlasting impacts on my life.”

Through the highs and lows of his faith journey, Michel has learned to trust in God wholeheartedly. He shares, “My Faith journey has been filled with so many ups and downs but that’s what makes it special. God doesn’t give us a battle we can’t handle. I trust in him with everything that I have.”

Michel’s impact reaches far beyond the baseball diamond. He sees his athletic success as a platform to spread the message of the gospel and inspire others to live like Christ. “One of the biggest impacts I hope to have is honestly just trying to grow the kingdom of heaven while trying to live like Christ every day,” Michel explains. “I would have never imagined this sport would have given me a platform to be able to share the gospel with others.”

On the field, Michel’s performance speaks volumes. In his 2023 season at Virginia Tech, he played in all 51 games, demonstrating an impressive batting average of .339 with 11 home runs and 16 doubles. Beyond statistics, Michel’s character and leadership shine through, earning him respect from teammates and opponents alike.

As Michel continues his journey at Virginia Tech and beyond, one thing remains clear: his faith will continue to be the guiding force behind his every step, both on and off the baseball field. With humility, determination, and a belief in God’s plan, Garrett Michel looks to continue to inspire for years to come.