FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) is a non-denominational Christian ministry that provides an avenue for coaches and athletes to grow in their faith in Jesus Christ. FCA is present in middle schools, high schools, colleges and more across 115 different countries.
Head softball coach Terry Martin worked with local FCA leaders when he was first hired at Piedmont to start a huddle on campus for student-athletes. Since then, FCA has been a relevant community on Piedmont’s campus, growing each year for over two decades.
“FCA is entirely student-led, based on the commitment of students and their faith on campus,” said Martin. “We have a great leadership team that is strong in their faith and dedicated to sharing the gospel on campus and in the community.”
The leadership team, led by Reagan York as president and Lexi Jarrard as vice president, organizes each event and is encouraged by one another and by Martin to share the gospel during those events. Jarrard emphasized that the leadership team works hard to lead by example on campus, walking around with smiles and willing to talk to anyone, regardless of background.
Martin emphasized that the leadership team and students on campus must have a heart dedicated to the Lord, but that all students are welcome to the events, current varsity athletes or not.
“Even if a student hasn’t found the Lord in their heart yet, as people, we all look for a line identifying what is right and wrong,” said Martin. “The Bible is a great guideline for students to learn what is okay and what is not. Whether a student believes in the Lord or not, FCA is a great way to learn about Christianity and the teachings of the Bible that can support them in their life.”
Jarrard joined FCA in her freshman year and was appointed to the leadership team in the spring.
“I think a lot of times students find their identity in their sport, and part of my testimony is finding my identity in my sport,” said Jarrard. “Being on FCA, it separates you from that sport identification and it surrounds you with people who are also on a sport, but not necessarily on the same team.”
FCA provides a community where students share their passion for athletics and dedication to their faith, and where they can have fun outside of academics and athletics.
Every Tuesday, the organization hosts a men’s Bible study in the baseball glass room facility and a women’s Bible study in the Johnny Mize Athletic Center classroom. In addition, FCA hosts events for students to build community and strengthen their spirituality. Each month, FCA hosts a worship night and a larger-scale event, such as glow-in-the-dark volleyball. The club also occasionally sets up donut-and-prayer tables for students on their way to class.
“FCA is somewhere where you don’t have to be a specific person to come. So just bring yourself and come hungry, because we normally have food and have fun,” said Jarrard. FCA’s most-attended event is the kickball event, held every spring on the softball field. Students form teams for $10 and compete in a kickball tournament after eating hot dogs and hamburgers and hearing a brief sermon.
In an environment like college, where students are constantly learning and growing, FCA seeks to help students build a relationship with Jesus Christ as a consistent guide for how to lead their lives after childhood and before they graduate and begin postgraduate life.
“I have loved watching students grow from their freshman year to their senior year,” said Martin. “Seeing students deepen their faith and gain the courage to share their testimonies is what has kept me involved in FCA all of these years.”
Contact a member of the leadership team or attend an FCA event to get connected on campus and learn more about the Christian faith.
For more information, visit www.fca.org or the Piedmont FCA Instagram @pulionsfca.
