My name is Andrew Pullano. I’m 20 years old and originally from Syracuse, New York. Growing up, sports were such a big part of my life that they became my identity. Eventually, this led me into a deep, dark depression that I couldn’t escape on my own. I believed I wasn’t good enough and struggled to find a purpose for living. It was a heavy cross to bear—until the spring before I entered high school.

On Good Friday, my wonderful mother asked me to watch a movie with her. Thinking nothing of it, I agreed—especially after she mentioned it was too mature for my younger sisters. That definitely made me want to watch it. The movie was The Passion of the Christ. It was the first time I saw Jesus, an innocent man, die on the cross—not just because of the sins I’ve committed, but because of how deeply He truly loves me. That moment changed my life forever.

I had encountered God for the first time. His love healed my wounds and lifted me out of my depression. He gave me a purpose to live. I’m grateful for the struggles I faced during that dark time, but even more grateful for the simple “yes” that allowed God into my life. Without that decision, He wouldn’t have entered my heart the way He did. God has changed me in more ways than I could have ever imagined, the greatest being my understanding of His unconditional love.

I now know there is nothing I can do to earn or lose the love He has for me. That truth gave me both freedom and peace—the freedom to live fully and the peace to focus on those around me. It helped me make the most of every situation I faced.

This past summer, I felt called to help others live this way too, even though it meant leaving everything behind. I want people to know that their identity doesn’t have to come from temporary things in this world, but that they can find an everlasting identity in the Lord.

I’m very grateful for the opportunity to serve athletes on both college and high school campuses. We travel to different universities and high schools to spend time with coaches and teams to help them realize the ‘You’re Amazing’ message. We’ve already had the opportunity to impact countless teams and coaches and I’ve seen God work powerfully as these athletes encounter Him in a very real way. My goal is to help others, especially athletes, understand that their true identity doesn't come from what they do or how well they perform, but that it comes from the love that God has for us because we are His children. 

Student-athletes need to know that they are more than the sports they play! Their identity and worth is more than their ability to compete. They are Amazing not because of what they do but because of who they are! It's through identifying their true greatness that makes them the most influential and inspirational players.

“Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.”
1 Cor 9:24-25

Amazing Nation is committed to supporting and working through your school’s athletic department to take athletic training to a deeper level that promotes greater purpose, perseverance, performance, and a desire to WIN.