Basketball Star Dwyane Wade Offers Closing Prayer at Latter-day Saint Baptism

Dwyane Wade, 13-time NBA All-Star and the Miami Heat’s all-time leader in points, gave the closing prayer at the baptismal service for Calyann Barnett-Watson as she became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Barnett was introduced to the Church by another friend she shares with Wade, Clarke Miyasaki, executive vice president of Stance Socks, the official sock makers of the NBA and MLB.

“The unbelievable story (but seriously, I still can’t believe it) of Calyann going from wanting a Book of Mormon so she could argue with me and prove me wrong about religion to being baptized on Saturday will be a church movie someday,” Miyasaki shared on social media.

Miyasaki baptized Barnett on June 1, 2019, in Miami, Florida. Wade offered the closing prayer and is seen in photos celebrating the day.

 

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Not sure when I’ll stop smiling after having the privilege of baptizing @calyannbarnett over the weekend in Miami. The unbelievable story (but seriously, I still can’t believe it) of Calyann going from wanting a Book of Mormon so she could argue with me and prove me wrong about religion to being baptized on Saturday will be a church movie someday. I’m so proud of you Caly! Thank you for your incredible example of faith…you’re a real life Moana

A post shared by Clarke Miyasaki (@clarkemiyasaki) on Jun 3, 2019 at 6:00pm PDT

Aleah Ingram

Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.