AUSTIN, Texas – Concordia University Texas proudly announces the appointment of Steve Vittorini as its new Athletics Chaplain. A seasoned leader in faith-based athletics, Vittorini brings over 30 years of ministry experience, with a passion for discipling coaches to maximize their impact on student-athletes and staff.
For 22 years, Vittorini served with the Central Texas/Greater Austin Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), shaping countless athletes and coaches through faith-driven leadership. An ordained minister, he has also served as a Summer Intern Chaplain for Seton Health Care Network and has led small groups, retreats, and discipleship ministries in local churches for three decades.
"I couldn't be more excited to step into this role," said Vittorini. "I thank the university for trusting me with this and thank God for opening the door to encourage, equip, and empower our coaches, staff, and student-athletes to thrive in all they do."
Academically, Vittorini holds a Master of Theological Studies from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and has been an adjunct professor at Concordia University Texas' College of Business & Communication since January 2025. His recent induction into the Greater Austin Sports Foundation's Hall of Honor highlights his impact on the region's sports and faith communities.
A sense of calling led Vittorini in 1997 to transition from his role as General Manager at Central Texas Pepsi Cola Company to join FCA. Over the next two decades, he played a pivotal role in expanding FCA's reach, growing the organization to serve over 5,000 youth and coaches annually across 100+ schools in 11 Greater Austin counties. Under his leadership, FCA's staff tripled between 2015 and 2020, strengthening its mission to instill the core values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Service in young athletes. He also spearheaded the "Fund the Gap Initiative," a partnership with Austin ISD to provide essential nutrition and equipment resources to underserved high school athletes.
After retiring from FCA in 2022, Vittorini launched The Vitt Group to support leadership and personal growth initiatives while continuing as an adjunct professor at Concordia. His dedication to ministry is further reflected in his certification in Clinical Pastoral Education through Seton Healthcare Network and his ordination in 2019.
"We are honored to welcome Steve Vittorini as the Athletics Chaplain at Concordia University Texas," said Matt Wallis, Interim Director of Athletics. "Steve's heart for ministry and decades of experience leading through faith make him an incredible asset to our department. His ability to connect with and inspire student-athletes and coaches aligns perfectly with our mission of developing Christian leaders. We look forward to the impact he will have on our campus community, both on and off the field."
Vittorini will officially step into his new part-time role on the Campus Ministry team on Wednesday, April 2nd. As Athletics Chaplain, he will provide spiritual guidance, mentorship, and support to student-athletes and coaching staff, further strengthening the university's mission of faith and excellence.
