Messiah AROMA Director Aaron Faro

The athletic department at Messiah University is concerned about more than wins and losses.  "We talk a lot about aligning your purpose in life with your purpose in sport. We want students to see athletics differently," Aaron Faro told SV Sports' Paul Roberts.  Faro played soccer for the Falcons before graduating in 2003.  He's now an assistant men's soccer coach and the athletic department's recruitment coordinator.  Faro also serves as the director of a program called AROMA (A Revolution of Missional Athletes) which was established in 2011.  AROMA assists Messiah's student-athletes with integrating their faith and their sport.  "We help our students grow in their relationship with the Lord. We also get them involved in the local community and take them on trips around the world," explained Faro.  Messiah students, coaches, and alumni have traveled to numerous countries to help those in need.  For example, thousands of clean water filters have been distributed by AROMA members.  Faro mentioned that Uganda and Colombia are two of his favorite destinations.  The soccer programs at Messiah have accomplished a lot on the field as well.  They've combined for 17 national championships.  The men's soccer team has only had three head coaches over the past 60 years.  "There's been the same type of core values that have been intact for all those years. Younger athletes are learning the program and what's expected from older athletes and when it's their time to lead, they're ready for that," said Faro.  The Falcons have claimed eleven Division III titles in men's soccer.  After playing professionally with the Charlotte Eagles for five seasons, Faro has worked at Messiah for the past fifteen years.  The private university is in central Pennsylvania near Mechanicsburg.  "It's always been the people that's made it so special. I had amazing coaches, teammates. As I've been back on the staff, I continue to love the students that I get to work with," he remarked.  SV Sports is proud of its partnership with Under Armour and Messiah.