Athan Kaliakmanis - Trusting His Plan

Taking the field as the Minnesota starting quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis helped lead the Gophers to an impressive 13-10 win over Nebraska in Week 1. Now in his third year with the program, Athan is living his dream as he looks to take Minnesota to new heights.

While Athan is now the starter for Minnesota, it has not changed who he is. Quick to deflect praise to those around him, it is his selflessness and humility that has made him a leader. As he prepares for all his career will bring, he looks to use his platform to give back.

When talking to Athan, he is quick to credit his journey to his faith. While it has not always been a part of his life, he says that he found God when he was struggling the most.

“I found the Lord when I was 14 years old. I was in a very dark place mentally, and I prayed to him not knowing what I was praying to. He saved my life and ever since has blessed me beyond measure.”

As Athan was becoming an impressive athlete on the field, he was also growing in his faith which he says has paid dividends for him throughout the course of his career. No matter what happens, he trusts that everything is a part of God’s plan and looks to always glorify Him when he takes the field.

“My faith in the lord has played such a giant part in my football career. Even during the hardest times, I trusted him when he told me to stay patient. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason, and I trust His plan. We may not understand now, but we will later. So far, I have understood many of the obstacles I have faced in my life.”

For Athan, he wants to be known as much more than just a football player. While he is grateful for the opportunity to play the game that he loves, he says that football is not what defines him. Instead, he hopes to always put others first and be someone who always listens and shows kindness to whoever he can.

“I hope that people do know that I am someone who will always listen if they are ever struggling mentally. I am someone who truly cares about what someone else is going through and making sure that they know that there is a way out. That’s the impact I want to make.”

Athan carries with him a maturity that is far beyond his years. As he prepares for the 2023 season and all that it will bring, the impact that he is making extends far beyond the football field. No matter what happens, Athan hopes to be someone of character who always puts others first and listens no matter the circumstance.