Faith and Forehands: Priests compete on global tennis stage

Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope and also an avid tennis player and fan. Brian Connor figured why not invite him to the 2025 International Priest Tennis Tournament, which was held July 10-12 in Kansas City with priests from all over the world competing on the court.

“I invited him to the tournament, asked him to pray for us and if he could come,” Connor said.

Though Connor didn’t hear from Pope Leo XIV, that didn’t stop him from putting the pope’s image on the tournament’s T-shirts. Connor was the organizer of this year’s event, which has been going on for over 10 years. Close to 30 priests came from all over the world including Poland, Canada, the Philippines and the U.S.

In 1995, a table tennis tournament was held for priests in Poland. This later evolved into a tennis tournament that became international in 2012. Since then, there have been a number of tournaments held in various locations including Italy, the Philippines and Lincoln, Nebraska in 2019, which Connor hosted as well.

“Everybody really enjoyed each other’s company. We love tennis and the priesthood,” Connor said. “I enjoyed meeting the guys and sharing our love of tennis.”

Mornings started out with mass at two different churches, group breakfasts and then the men hit the courts at Overland Park Racquet Club, a USTA Premier Facility, playing both singles and doubles.

The players were divided in 65 & Over and Open divisions throughout the three-day event. Participants received swag bags courtesy of USTA Missouri Valley.

When they weren’t playing tennis, the priests ventured out to a Kansas City Royals baseball game, a Sporting Kansas City soccer match and toured the National WWI Museum and Memorial as well as the Truman Library & Museum. They also waterskied at a local lake and ate meals at the homes of Connor’s brothers.

Originally from Kansas City, Connor went to Rockhurst High School and the University of Kansas. After he was ordained in 1989, he moved to Nebraska where he serves the Diocese of Lincoln.

He now lives in David City, Nebraska, where he is the pastor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He’s been playing tennis since he was 5 years old.

“I’ve enjoyed playing tennis my whole life at varying levels,” he said. “I’ve played quite a number of tournaments over the years.”

The International Priest Tennis Tournament winner in the Open singles division was Daniel Velasco (USA). In the 65+ division, the winner was Boguslaw Skotarek (Poland). In doubles, Bill Esler and Velasco from the U.S. won.