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| CELEBRATING SIX DECADES OF FCA HISTORY hometown Hero san francisco 49er ANquan boldin brings hope and faith back home Body, mind and soul The Transformational 3D Coach Method something out of nothing FCA Ministry Impacts UNC Charlotte TM A GIFT TO YOU The FROM and OUR in FCA STAFF fca.org 1 heart soul sports ~ • FCA.ORG |
| contents 'TIS better to give ... inside stuff I By Clay meyer have to admit, I was never a very good coach. who were simultaneously impacting their athletes’ lives and maintaining a high level of success. The great ones make it look easy, and it was hard not to be inspired to give coaching a go. A local school took a chance on me—for which I am still grateful—but I realize now that I simply didn’t possess the skill set required to be a great coach. I know what it’s supposed to look like after playing for and speaking with coaches who are tremendous at their craft, but that just wasn’t me. In retrospect, I probably underestimated the all- encompassing nature of the job—the practice and game preparation, the offseason work, the behavioral management and emotional development. All those aspects appealed to me on paper, but when I was handed the whistle I just didn’t feel comfortable with it. Did I still learn something from the experience? Absolutely. I learned it’s not as easy as great coaches make it appear. You don’t just roll a ball out there and draw up some plays. You have to be fully committed to reaching young COVER STORY people—teaching, encouraging and supporting them. Coaches, even the great ones, need support in attaining that level of commitment. That’s why FCA has gone “All In” to invest in the lives of coaches. As our story on page 18 explains, the model of the three-dimensional coach is taking the world of sports by storm. At FCA, we understand that coaches are the key to reaching athletes for Christ, and we’re ready to pour into the lives of the people pouring into athletes, encouraging them to become 3D Coaches who build athletes’ bodies, minds and souls. Praise God for the coaches out there who get it, the men and women who are more invested in their athletes’ lives away from the game than wins and losses. They’re the ones transforming lives across this nation and the world through the avenue of sports. In Christ, Inspired by God’s calling to help those in need, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin is helping establish a new reality in his hometown—one of hope and faith. BY John Strubel Page 8 Clay Meyer Editor page 6 – ALL ACCESS: Get all the info on this fall's Fields of Faith, Minnesota Lynx guard Monica Wright steps into the FCA Zone, and Miami Marlins pitcher Steve Cishek answers our 6 Questions! 5 Coach’s Corner 6 All Access 14 Heart of a coach Body, mind and soul Greg Smith University of Toledo BY Sarah Rennicke The 3D Coach method moves coaches into a transformational purpose. 15 Heart of an Athlete Paige Strahan Texas Tech University page 18 16 POSTER 21 fca decade page FEATURES DEPARTMENTS Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports and Courtesy of Amy Elrod, NCAA Photos, Ryan Gloer, Sam Roberts/FreezeFrame and Neil Enns/Storm Photos I can’t place the blame squarely upon my full-time job here with FCA Magazine, but that’s probably partially at fault. At the time, I was regularly interviewing coaches 1994-2003 25 team fca profiles 2 6 college guide 28 fit4ever 29 Home stretch Camille Little Seattle Storm 30 Finish strong 4 FCA Magazine Something out of nothing Filling a need for ministry geared toward athletes and coaches, the young FCA Huddle at UNC Charlotte is already impacting the campus and beyond. BY Dave Pond page 22 page 29 Cover Photo: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports |
| coach's corner Volume 56, Issue 5 Editorial Team Les Steckel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publisher Nancy Hedrick. . . . . . . . . . . Executive Editor Clay Meyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Samantha Couch. . . . . . . . . Editorial Assistant Sarah Rennicke. . . . . . . . . . Content Writer Matheau Casner. . . . . . . . . Creative Director Regina Casner. . . . . . . . . . . Production Designer Nick Dunn . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editorial Consultant By Les Steckel Transformed D uring my years as a coach, I loved to see the transformation of a team throughout the season. From the time training camp would begin to the start of preseason games up Contributing Authors: Ron Brown Camille Little Jimmy Page Dave Pond John Strubel in a visible way by personnel changes, but it was more enjoyable to see how a team mindset FCA Magazine is published six times a year by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. out of the “us” and “we.” That paradigm shift, that transformation of mindset, doesn’t happen Subscription: $16.99 per year that out. Copyright 2014, Fellowship of Christian Athletes All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. to the regular season, we were a work in progress. Sure, the team was transformed changed from operating as individuals to one single unit. Some of the truly great teams I was a part of experienced the most success when they left the “I” and “me” behind and operated all the time. When it does, it’s truly something special, and the results on the field tend to bear Now that I’ve left the sidelines, I still see the transformation in life, but I see it in different ways. When I watch my precious young grandchildren, it’s fascinating to see them make new discoveries on a daily basis—to observe how their minds are being molded and shaped with each new experience. As we grow older and more set in our ways, that process—and, in many ways, our amusement for life—slows down. However, just because our minds have grown Freelance writers and photographers should check fca.org for guidelines. FCA is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. accustomed to our surroundings doesn’t mean they should stay the same. The great thing Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) unless otherwise stated. Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002 by Holman Bible Publishers. words, transformation is a never-ending process—even inside us—if we’ll just embrace it. For advertising information, contact FCA Magazine at 1-800-289-0909 or mag@fca.org. If you need to: • Change your address • Renew your subscription e-mail mag@fca.org. To subscribe or give a gift subscription: Visit fcagear.com, call 1-800-289-0909 or scan below. about how God designed us is that we’re never too old to learn, grow and change. In other The Apostle Paul talks about transformation in Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” I believe Paul is sending a warning message directly to us to steer clear of the common road we so often follow—the worldly path of never-ending wants and desires. Conforming to the patterns of this world might seem comfortable because everyone else is doing it, but, rather ironically, it only leads to loneliness and emptiness. I’ve mentioned the story several times in this space, but it wasn’t until I reached the lowest point in my professional career that I was able to allow God to transform me. He cleared out the old, worthless junk in my life and heart, and then He restored me by replacing those things with new Christ-centered wants and desires and a renewed and clean heart in Him. That same transformation story can be true for all of us wanting to pursue a relationship If you are receiving multiple copies of FCA Magazine and would like to condense your subscriptions, contact FCA’s Support Services at 1-800-289-0909. We welcome your comments about FCA Magazine. E-mail us at mag@fca.org or write us at: FCA Magazine 8701 Leeds Road Kansas City, MO 64129 Connect with FCA Magazine! with Christ. But we cannot live a transformational life until we’re open and willing to avoid conforming to the ways of this world. Instead, we need to make the conscious choice to take up the challenging and transformational adventure of following Him. Like Paul says, we’ll be renewed and shown what God’s good, pleasing and perfect will is in our lives. Transformation fits in right next to “sanctification,” “reconciliation,” “consecration” and other words that can make our faith in Christ seem much more complex than it really needs to be. Ultimately, the one true God of this universe made His lesson plan rather simple. He sent His Son, Jesus, to be our Savior and use His life on Earth to share, teach and live out what was intended from the beginning. Jesus lived such a countercultural life that His own family thought He was crazy (Mark 3:21). FCA Vision: “To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.” FCA Mission: “To present to coaches and athletes, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.” But it was that “crazy” life that sparked a movement of love, hope and transformation that has impacted this world for more than 2,000 years. How will you carry on that impact with your life? It starts by taking the often uncomfortable step of opening your life and heart to Christ and letting Him transform you from the inside out. Once you take that step, nothing will be the same. And trust me—you’ll never want it to be. FCA Values: Integrity, Serving, Teamwork, Excellence FCA would like to thank Chick-fil-A for their corporate sponsorship. Model the Master, Les Steckel Our Gift to You: As a way of appreciating and informing our financial supporters, FCA Magazine is provided by FCA Staff as a complimentary gift to anyone who contributes $50 or more annually to the ministry. FCA President/CEO The heart and soul in sports ® ~ fca.org 5 |
| FCA Zone: Williamson, Dee In New Roles At FCA Effective Sept. 1, Shane Wil- liamson will assume the FCA Executive Director of Field Ministry position where he will provide leadership and oversee the ministry’s 12 Vice Presidents of Field Ministry, the Executive Vice President of International Williamson Ministry and Training, and the more than 1,200 FCA field staff. He steps into the role previously held by Donnie Dee since 2009. Having been on staff with FCA since 2002, Williamson has held the titles of Carolinas Region Vice President for Field Ministry, Metro Atlanta Multi-Area Director and Upstate South Carolina Director. He and his wife, Angel, have four children—three daughters and one son. Dee steps into a new leader- ship role as director of FCA’s major donor program, the Tom Landry Associates, an initiative which he led and redesigned. His primary focus in that role will be FCA’s Western Region. “Donnie’s contributions Dee over the last five years have taken our ministry to new heights of unity and effectiveness, and I am confident that the skills and talents Shane will bring to this position will continue to advance FCA nationally and internationally,” FCA President/CEO Les Steckel said. “His background as a builder, visionary and strong relator uniquely equips him to do this very important job.” Please join FCA in praying for both as they transition into their new roles within the ministry. 6 FCA Magazine “FCA provides athletes with an opportunity to fellowship with other athletes who have the same faith and values and gives them the courage to be outspoken about their faith.” -Monica Wright Minnesota Lynx @Monnie22 Thanks from FCA Magazine! Want your own copy of A Short Walk to the Edge of Life by Scott Hubbartt? One could be yours by subscribing, purchasing a gift subscription, or following @FCAMag on Twitter during September or October. We will randomly select five people to receive the book as a thank-you! 2014 Fields of Faith: Get in the Game. Get in the Book. A new generation will rise up on October 8, when students gather on athletic fields around the country for FCA’s 11th annual Fields of Faith events. Originated in 2004 by FCA Executive Vice President Jeff Martin, Fields of Faith are peer-to-peer events that inspire students to refuel their faith and get back to the basics of reading God’s Word Courtesy of Amy Elrod, the Minnesota Lynx, WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, Baker Book House, Nashville Publicity Group, Hoganson Media Relations, Merge PR and Denis Bancroft, Miami Marlins all access through worship and personal testimonies. “We have seen God move in powerful ways at stadiums across the country during this time,” Martin said. “More than one million people have attended Fields of Faith since 2004, and lives have been changed. We are excited to see what God is going to do this year through FCA and Fields of Faith events in the communities our staff and volunteers serve.” Want to bring Fields of Faith to your area? Visit fieldsoffaith.com for more information. “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed |
| Follow @FCAMag Magazine Faith & Sports Calendar recommends literature: • For a gripping true story of a man whose faith helped sustain him after he became lost in the canyons of the Peruvian Andes: A Short Walk To The Edge Of Life by Scott Hubbartt • For a biographical look at former New York Yankees great Mariano Rivera’s life and faith, Playing With Purpose: Mariano Rivera by Jesse Florea with Mike Yorkey • For a book that calls you to start living like a Christian, instead of just praying like one: Wasted Prayer by Greg Darley September 2014 4 NFL regular season begins 25-27 FCA National Board of Trustees Meeting 29-Oct. 2 FCA Administrative Professionals Training MLB playoffs begin 30 october 2014 8 20-24 28 Fields of Faith NHL regular season begins FCA Training Camp NBA regular season begins tunes: • For a self-titled debut album that shares the message of the suffering and triumph of the crucified and risen Christ: About A Mile • For an album that explores new territory, new sounds, and new topics: Anchor by Colton Dixon 6 Questions with 463 The number of Fields of Faith events hosted in 2013, with more than 170,000 people in attendance. Steve Cishek Pitcher, Miami Marlins | @srSHREK31 1) The person who has had the greatest spiritual impact on me is our team chaplain, Chris Lane. I am thankful for his faithfulness to Christ and for pushing me outside of my comfort zone to share my faith and the gospel with others. 2) The toughest hitter I have ever faced has been Chase Utley. As a lefty with a very short swing, he stays on all of my pitches and always seems to make solid contact. 3) My favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.” 4) I intentionally bring Jesus into my game by reading my Colossians 3:23 prayer card before I throw my first warm-up pitch. People think it is a scouting report on hitters, but really it is a reminder of Who I am playing for. 5) One piece of athletic advice I’d share with kids is get outside and play! Whatever happened to playing tag, football, Wiffle ball or soccer? The best athletes didn't grow up playing video games; they were outside playing with their friends. 6) One piece of spiritual advice I’d share with kids is obey your parents. Ephesians 6:1-2 says, “Children, obey your parents as you would the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother...” by the renewing of your mind …” – Romans 12:2 The heart and soul in sports ® ~ fca.org 7 |
| 'Tis betTer to give ... Inspired by God’s calling to help those in need, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin is helping establish a new reality in his hometown—one of hope and faith. By John Strubel I Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports f it weren’t for faith in Christ and a willingness to serve, the stories of Anquan Boldin and Hikeem “Bubba” Banks probably would never have inter- twined. Sure, both grew up in Pahokee, Florida, but they were four years apart and even further separated on Pahokee’s “Most Likely to Succeed” scale. Boldin, now a star wide receiver in the NFL, was a football prodigy by ninth grade in Pahokee, where the sport serves as—too often quite literally—your “Get Out of Jail Free” card. A few years later, also by ninth grade, Banks was on the other end of the spectrum, expelled from high school and seemingly doomed to a life of drinking, drugs and poverty. In Pahokee, sadly, Banks’ narrative is far more com- mon than Boldin’s. It’s a small town on the banks of Lake Okeechobee where football is seen as your ticket out. If you’re not one of those fortunate few, you grow up quickly in a town overrun by drugs, crime and poverty, a town so poor that—as author Bryan Mealer put it in his book Muck City—families often resort to catching rain- water to survive because they can’t afford utilities. Palm Beach County reported that, in 2010, one-half of the male population between ages 18 and 25 had felony convictions. The average family earns about $34,000, and the unofficial unemployment rate is 40 percent. In Pahokee, failure begets failure. Depression begets desperation. “Growing up we were told that if you don’t make it as a football player, you won’t make it out,” Banks said. “Single-family homes, poverty, no businesses in the town. It was either: ‘I’m gonna play football or hang with the drug dealers.’” 8 FCA Magazine • • • Teachers in the Palm Beach County school district had seen Banks’ type before, and they assured him he would amount to nothing. He was on the fast track to prison (or death) before he ever had a true chance at life—another victim of an environment that fostered failure. After his expulsion in ninth grade, Banks’ next couple years were a blur. He acted as predicted: drinking, smok- ing, doing his share of drugs, and living in poverty. While former classmates were creating high school memories, Banks stumbled through his teens. With football no longer an option, it was either work in the sugarcane fields—the muck—or get an education. Bubba pursued his GED through Job Corps, a free education and train- ing program for those with low incomes. But Banks had ulterior motives. “I heard you could get money for going to school at the community college,” he said. “My plan was to enroll in the community college, get my financial aid check and just stop. I wasn’t taking school seriously at the time.” Banks watched fellow friends and classmates swal- lowed up by the same societal misconceptions and poisonous habits, but he also witnessed Pahokee’s top athletes—Rickey Jackson, Fred Taylor, Andre Waters and, yes, Anquan Boldin—sprinting toward the city limits, headed for a life of fame and fortune in the NFL. Like Banks, Boldin was born and raised in Pahokee, a tried-and-true Blue Devil. Joe Marx, Boldin’s high school basketball coach and now the athletic director at William T. Dwyer High School in West Palm Beach, encouraged Boldin to consider football. A simple game of catch after basketball practice led to Boldin trying out and playing |
| • • • It’s present day, and “Bubba” Banks pulls out his smartphone, finds Anquan Boldin and taps out a text. It’s a simple “thank you” message. “I didn’t have nothing,” Banks said. “I send him and his wife a text [every now and then] to tell them thank you for what they have done for me.” Back in 2008, Banks—then in his mid-20s—entered an essay scholarship contest established by Boldin and the University of Phoenix. He let his raw honesty fill the pages. He confessed that he probably wasn’t ready for the responsibility (or the scholar- ship), but he poured out his heart, writing about life in Pahokee, his childhood struggles and growing up in poverty. He shared how the scholarship would change his future and the effect education would have on his life. Banks’ words struck a nerve at the core of the foundation, which chose him as one of the four recipients of a four-year col- lege scholarship. The goodwill could have ended there for Boldin, and it still might have been life-changing for Banks. But Boldin makes it a point to ensure each of his scholars have the tools to succeed. He regularly checked in on Banks’ progress throughout the life of the 10 FCA au gu s t /s STV Magazine ept ember 2 010 sharingthevictory.com scholarship, stepping in and offering encouragement. Banks was taking full-time classes while working, commuting to and from school every day by bus. Sometimes conflicting bus schedules meant missed classes; other times Banks waited for the bus on the side of the road in the pouring rain. It was anything but a dream, and Banks was on the brink of giving up. He was about to receive enough money from his financial aid to buy a car, but he needed help with the purchase process. He called on Boldin for that help. The next day, when Banks went in to buy the car, the dealer handed him the keys and told him to keep the check. The car was paid for in full. “We are here to serve,” Boldin said. “As believers, that’s what we’re called to do. That’s why Jesus came to Earth, to serve oth- ers.” Banks remembered Boldin and many others who encouraged him along the way. “I had people who encouraged me, and that’s the difference,” he said. “When you have someone encouraging you and telling you that you can, that is the difference. I had Anquan saying I can do it, my mom saying I can do it, my pastor saying I can do it. “That,” he repeated, “is the difference.” While life was improving on the outside, Banks was still at war on the inside, continuing to struggle with drinking, smoking and drugs. The battle ended on Nov. 14, 2010. He dropped to his knees, closed his eyes and whispered a prayer: “God, if you’re as good as they say You are, I’m gonna give all these problems to You.” “I realized I didn’t have to live like this,” he said. “He’s promised me everything if I give my life to Him. God put my life in order once I made that decision.” Almost two years later, on Nov. 4, 2012, Bubba walked across the stage and accepted his degree in business administration, his “first time ever putting on a cap and gown.” “I grew up a troubled kid,” Banks said. “To actually see my family see me achieve something—not come to get me out of jail or trouble—was the best feeling since the day I gave my life to Christ.” Banks, now 29, just celebrated his third wedding anniversary. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports and courtesy of Exposure BBC/Q81 Foundation for the junior varsity team during eighth grade. A year later, he was competing with seniors for the starting quarterback spot on the varsity team. “I won the job,” Boldin said. Marx saw such huge potential in Boldin, and not just on the gridiron. He mentored the young student-athlete, encouraging him to work hard and stay out of trouble, a lesson easier said than done for most teenage boys in Pahokee. But Marx invested in Boldin’s future, even taking him to football camps and tours at Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Michigan State. “He opened my eyes to a whole new world,” Boldin said. “I don’t think he realizes the impact he’s had on my life, but he is a big reason for where I am today and why I do what I do.” After making the transition to wide receiver and starring at Florida State, Boldin was Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2003 with the Arizona Cardinals and has since appeared in three Pro Bowls and two Super Bowls, including a championship in 2013 with the Baltimore Ravens. It would’ve been easy for Boldin to push his troubled home- town to the back of his mind, to soak up the fame and fortune, and forget about the hardships of those left back in Pahokee. But a year into his pro career in 2004, Boldin launched the Anquan Boldin Foundation, and over the past decade it has set out to change Pahokee’s fortunes through academics, enrichment and family and community engagement. In 2013, the foundation generated $177,336 in combined program income, gifts and dona- tions, and distributed $113,323 to community programs. “I get more out of giving than the people I help,” Boldin said. “To see the smiles on people’s faces, that alone brings me joy.” Boldin and his NFL friends frequently host events like a celeb- rity golf tournament, a celebrity basketball game, a weeklong community basketball tournament for all ages, a fitness Walk and Wellness Seminar, and the signature “Fun Day in the Park” for the entire community. The foundation stresses the importance of education, offering a program every summer for kids who have fallen behind to “help them get back on track so they can gradu- ate on time.” Through the foundation Boldin has been able to help countless individuals “get back on track,” including Banks. |
| Like FCA Magazine He has two daughters, a full-time job, a college degree, and he serves as the Glades Area Representative for FCA. His future is promising. “This is the funny thing about it; are you ready?” he said. “I now work for the Palm Beach school district. The same high school that expelled me, that kicked me out, now pays my bills. That was through the scholarship. Can you believe that?” • • • In 2014, Boldin enters his 12th NFL season, and he’s hungry for another championship on a team that’s been oh-so-close the past couple years. San Francisco lost in the Super Bowl two years ago (to Boldin’s Ravens) and bowed out to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship last season. Boldin believes the bittersweet endings will be all the motivation needed to get the Niners back to the Super Bowl. “Anytime you fall short of a goal it motivates you, especially as an athlete,” Boldin said. “When I was in Baltimore, the year before we won the Super Bowl we lost in the AFC Championship Game to New England. That was our goal: to get back to that championship game against New England and win it. It’s no dif- ferent this year than it was when I was in Baltimore. It’s win the division, win in the playoffs and win the Super Bowl.” During the offseason, San Francisco traded for wide receiver Stevie Johnson, signed free agent receiver Brandon Lloyd and drafted Bruce Ellington from South Carolina. “My role will be a little different this year because I will have a lot more help than I did last year,” Boldin said. “My job is to help prepare them for their roles, and if I can help them be better players, it helps the team. We all win in the end.” Boldin was raised in the church. His grandfather was a pastor. His uncle is a pastor. His mother led him to Christ. He was 12 years old when he was lying on his mother’s bed on New Year’s Eve and made the personal decision to commit his life to Christ. “My mom thinks she can change the world,” he said. “She has one of those hearts. Someone comes to her with a need, and "I think faith has a tremendous way of shaping the locker room. At the end of the day with this game, we’ll be judged by wins and losses. But when we look at the bigger picture, we’ll be judged on how effective we were in the locker room. How many lives did we change? How many people did we influence?" – Anquan Boldin she’s always trying to meet it. I’ve been able to see firsthand that being put into action.” Boldin has been a spiritual leader at all of his NFL stops. When athletes are bold in their faith, the potential is there to transform leadership into discipleship. “I’ve seen when you have a locker room like we had in Balti- more and guys become bold and encouraging in their faith— they read more, they pray more, they ask more questions,” Boldin said. Growing up in Pahokee was a challenge, and maintaining a Christian lifestyle in the midst of an NFL locker room carries its own set of unique challenges. Outspoken Christian athletes invite a microscope into their personal lives. The moment they share their faith, teammates, fans and media stop, stare and listen. They want to hear if your heart is beating in rhythm with your actions. “The things I say to guys, I also live it out,” Boldin said. “Right or wrong, they’re going to critique every little thing. They’re going to watch and see if what you’re saying is really consistent with how you are living. I have always been conscious of that. By no means am I saying I am perfect, but I try to be a man of my word. I try to be a man of integrity. When guys see that you’re firm in what you believe and how you live, they start to respect who you are as a person.” That kind of integrity can only come from a personal discipline and commitment to Scripture. Professional sports are extremely demanding for athletes. Games, practices, workouts, appear- ances and interviews push and pull them through each day. “I’ve always been taught the first thing you do when you get up in the morning is you talk to God; you ask for direction and you seek Him,” Boldin said. “The longer you wait, the more is going to fill your plate. I don’t have an agenda at 6 a.m., so I get up and talk to God and pray. By 8 a.m., we have meetings and from there it’s just a rat race. I also try to take time during our lunch break to read the Bible, and I lead a study on Fridays with the team.” • • • |
| Boldin (above, right) with Hikeem Banks and Bishop Robert L. Banks, Jr., and signing autographs at a recent toy drive (below). Courtesy of Hikeem Banks and JK Photography Back in Florida, Banks knows that the opportunities he’s been given come with a tremendous amount of responsibility. When he’s working at the church, he can see how God has entrusted him with His people. “When I received my degree, I was put in charge of the alternative learning center, a program for kids like I was,” Banks said. “I minister to kids who are in trouble just like me. I am comfortable talking with underprivileged kids, being a mentor, and letting them know that they don’t have to take the road I took.” Through the Anquan Boldin Foundation’s sum- mer enrichment program, Banks is seeing the impact within the community. “We are showing these kids they have a support- ing cast,” he said. “Now they see more opportunity, and you’re starting to see lawyers, doctors, teach- ers. “I love the work Anquan does for the community. People value that. It was why I took advantage of it and began taking school seriously.” Banks stops and thinks about the essay he wrote six years ago. What would it say now? If he could write it again, he’d pen the letter with a new mes- sage, a new sense of hope. “It would be a lot different,” Banks said. “If you give God a chance, He won’t fail you. When I felt like giving up, when times were tough, Christ was right there. If I had to write it over I would say, ‘With God all things are possible. Just don’t give up.'” Boldin echoes Banks' sentiment. “That’s why we do it,” he said. “You want to see people’s lives changed.” As it turns out, football wasn’t Boldin’s way out of Pahokee. It was his way back in. FCA Bringing It Home: Bringing The Hope T o an outsider, it’s disheartening and tragic to hear about the hardships facing the citizens of Pahokee, Florida. To San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin, those struggles were a part of everyday life while growing up in the small community known to locals as “The Muck.” Sports—and, in particular, football—were the saving grace that led Boldin out of an uncertain future in Pahokee. But, having experienced firsthand the problems the city and its people endure, Boldin still feels a responsibility to help his hometown. Now an NFL star and Pahokee’s most famous former resident, he gives, helps and serves those back home, doing what he can to help transform a town from hopeless to hopeful. “We are here to serve,” he said. “As a believer that’s what we’re called to do. That’s why Jesus came to Earth, to serve others.” Boldin’s words ring true in each of our lives. We don’t have to grow up in Pahokee to find ourselves in a place of spiritual desolation and desperation. Much like those in Pahokee who 12 FCA au gu s t /s STV Magazine ept ember 2 010 sharingthevictory.com are looking for more than continuing the cycles of poverty and drugs that poison their town, we’re surrounded by sin and sor- row, and it’s too easy to fall into the trap of looking for satisfac- tion in all the wrong places. We need a Savior to rescue us from our constant pursuit of the poisons of this world that lead to nowhere. God knew this long ago and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to Earth to face the same trials and tribulations that we face today. Jesus felt the same hurt and endured the same pain, and He overcame it all on our behalf. He came to serve, like Boldin said, and He also came to save anyone who places their faith in Him and trusts that His grace is all that’s needed to escape the cycle of sin that runs our world. (Mark 10:45) Football has allowed Boldin to be a beacon of hope in a place where hope seems lost, sharing the message of Jesus Christ, the true Savior, sent to save us all. |
| heart of a coach ® Greg Smith University of Toledo Women’s Volleyball By Clay meyer “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the proclamation might be fully made through me …” – 2 Timothy 4:17 FCA: What led you to the sport of volleyball? gs: Growing up in Indiana, basketball was my sport, but I went to Westmont College in California to play tennis. My first exposure to volleyball was on the beach. I took a class to understand the indoor side of the game and began teaching and coaching back at my hometown high school. I learned from great coaches. I coached camps, made connections and worked my way up to be at Toledo today. I absolutely love the sport. I love coaching, being with the athletes, and having a great opportunity to mentor them. FCA: What’s been one of the most impactful experiences you’ve had at Toledo? gS: Each year creates its own special events. You look back and go, “Wow, we got through that,” or, “That was a testing of our patience.” It’s easy to remember the championship you won, but what’s more gratifying is what you went through to get there. In 2012 our goal was to win our conference. We had probably one of the worst Heading into his sixth season as the years we’ve ever had. Through that you learn what you did wrong and need to University of Toledo head women’s do better. The following year was completely different. We were expected to volleyball coach, Greg Smith’s aim is to finish last in the conference and ended up winning our division, which was a influence his athletes far beyond the huge step and part of the process. court. The Rochester, Indiana, native’s faith in Christ has been refined through FCA: How have you been involved with FCA? major health setbacks and leaning on God gS: My dad was a high school teacher and basketball coach in Indiana. He started for strength and perseverance through a Huddle, and from then on FCA was always a part of our lives. It had a huge every trial he’s faced. impact on our family. Every summer we knew we were going to some part of the country for a national conference, which was awesome. Those About the COACH: will always be fond memories of FCA, knowing family: Wife – Erica part of who I am today. those years had a huge impact on my life, a huge Children – daughters Peytan and Reagan, son Logan FCA: How have you seen God working in your life? gS: head Coaching Career: as He was and ever will be. He’s always going to be • University of Toledo (2009-present) there for us. There will be times when we question why things are happening in - 2013 Mid-American Conference West our lives, but that’s life. What we choose to do with those situations reflects who Division Champion we are as followers of Christ. We all have issues come up. In my case, they’ve • Virginia Tech (2000-05) - 2002 Big East Conference been health—cancer and two open heart surgeries. Without God’s strength through those time periods, I don’t think I would’ve been able to be where I am Coach of the Year right now. locker room and on the court. His faith in Jesus is at the core of who he is. He is a strong Christian and desires to follow God wholeheartedly. Everyone who knows Greg experiences how he clearly lives out his walk with Christ.” -Matt Yeager Campus Director Greater Toledo FCA FCA Magazine FCA: What has your relationship with Jesus Christ meant for you? gS: Knowing that He is my Lord and Savior is huge. But also understanding it’s His will in my life, and things happen for a reason. Because of Christ I hopefully respond to my situations—whether it’s coaching, being a husband, being a father, going through cancer or heart surgery—in a way people can see God through me because of all that. FCA Courtesy of the University of Toledo FCA STAFF Quote: “Greg is a very calm presence in the 14 The biggest thing is knowing God is the same now “... God is the same now as He was and ever will be.” |
| heart of an athlete ® Paige Strahan texas tech University soccer “Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us …” – Ephesians 3:20 fca: When did you start playing soccer? ps: I started playing with a bunch of my friends when I was really young. We would travel to Dallas every weekend to play. I did that through high school and club soccer, and that developed my love of the game. My junior year of high school I contacted the head coach at Texas Tech, went to one of their camps, and he offered me a walk-on spot. Now, four years later, I’m a team captain as a senior. fca: How do you feel you’ve taken advantage of your time on campus? ps: I’ve been so blessed to have this opportunity at Texas Tech. It’s taught me life skills and provided me with relationships I’ll never forget. It’s definitely showed me not to be content where you’re at. I think it’s easy for people to get on teams and just accept their role. But being here has really taught me that there’s always room for improvement to reach your maximum potential. fca: How have you seen God growing you spiritually at Texas Tech? PS: Each year I’ve gotten to see God stretch me. My freshman year was really hard. I Coming from a small town obsessed sat down one day and said, “God, I’m giving You all this. None of this is me, and with football that offered limited whatever You do with it is all in Your hands.” My sophomore year I had a good soccer opportunities, Paige Strahan year and got to see what God could really do if I would just let go of the reins challenged herself to reach further and and let Him work in me. work harder to play a major role on the Texas Tech women’s soccer team. With All of that transferred over to this past spring, when my dad was diagnosed an audacious faith in God’s power, the with cancer. No one can really prepare for cancer, but because God showed me so much just within soccer, it allowed me to release my grip on trying to control everything. I never really felt freaked out or stressed out; I always felt peaceful because I knew how God had already provided for me and knew He would provide for me even in this bigger moment. Odessa, Texas, native is pursuing her full “God is the only One who can provide true joy ... ” potential by believing that God is big and by her side. About the Athlete: Hometown: Odessa, Texas fca: ps: Class: Senior How has FCA been a part of your spiritual life? We did a team Bible study with [FCA chaplain] Brandi Cantrell. Two summers Notes: • All-Big 12 First Team (2012) and ago I went to Uganda with fellow female athletes at Texas Tech through FCA. It Second Team (2013) was really great; we got to share our love for sports and our love for Christ with • 2013 All-Big 12 Tournament Team the children. • 2013 Academic All-Big 12 First Team That trip was life-changing and taught me what true joy is about. God is the only One who can provide true joy—not soccer, not material things, not winning FCA Staff Quote: a Big 12 Championship. It’s been amazing how much God has grown me and how “Paige is not only a talented soccer much closer I’ve gotten to Him. player who represents Texas Tech at the highest level in every area, but What does your relationship with Christ mean to you? more importantly she reflects the love ps: It means everything. Without Him I wouldn’t be in the position I am in. He’s and life of Christ in all she does. I love shown me so many things about myself and things about Himself I never knew. that Paige continually seeks Him and I love the saying, “Come as you are.” God doesn’t require you to be perfect. I’ve desires to go deeper in her walk with definitely had my share of mistakes, but my whole outlook on God has changed Him while encouraging her teammates overwhelmingly because He has been doing all these great things for me. He’s and those around her to do the same.” -Brandi Cantrell like we let go. FCA Women’s Athletic Chaplain Texas Tech FCA an unfailing God who never turns His back no matter how many times we feel Courtesy of Texas Tech Athletics fca: The The heart and soul in in sportw ~ ~ fca.org 15 15 heart and soul sports fca.org ® |
| body, mind and soul "One coach will impact more young people in one year than the average person does in a lifetime.” B illy Graham’s quote resonates with the great and daunting responsibility placed on the shoulders of coaches around the world. It is a call for coaches to unify in one purpose, recognize their platform, and nurture the well-being and growth of their athletes with wisdom and truth. It calls for a new method, or maybe a tried-and-true method of coaching that revitalizes all aspects of the athlete: body, mind and soul. Through various channels in FCA, the 3 Dimensional Coaching concept acts as a catalyst to develop coaches into who they’re meant to be. Three-dimensional coaching tackles the inner spheres of a coach’s mentality, emphasiz- ing equal importance of mind and heart with physical body conditioning. “We’re called to go out into this world and make a differ- ence,” said Jeff Duke, FCA National Coaches Trainer and author of 3D Coach: Capturing the Heart Behind the Jersey. “Sports have become so iconic; it becomes a great place to teach life lessons. The question is, what lessons are being taught?” Most coaches have no trouble emphasizing the first part of the 3D model. They’re competent enough to adequately train an athlete’s body with drills, conditioning and repeti- tion. It’s the second and third parts where many can fall short. Dan Bishop, FCA’s National Director of Training, said research indicated that 85 percent of coaches only coach in the first dimension. Just 15 percent have a strategy for the mind, and a mere 5 percent are focusing on all three. “At the [mention of] a second dimension, coaches are starting to lean in,” Bishop said. “They’re taking pictures of 18 FCA Magazine slides and saying, ‘I need more of this.’” Duke added, “Coaches have strategy in the first dimen- sion. They know how to block and tackle and get stronger. But where they’re stuck is those implementation strategies of the second dimension, which leads to the third dimen- sion—your own personal journey as a coach.” An estimated 60 million kids in the United States are involved in athletics, and the most influential person in that realm is the coach. The three-dimensional coaching method ministers to and through the coach, filling them so their passion overflows into their athletes. Bishop said a coach’s world is “probably at its most intense point ever in history,” and that means more resources—like the 3D coaching model—are needed. “It’s a methodology, it’s a framework, and it’s a training for coaches that makes an immediate difference and impact for them,” he said. Duke is no stranger to strategy. With more than 35 years of coaching and sports administration experience, he’s wit- nessed both hands-on and hands-off coaches. He observed coaching great Bobby Bowden while on staff at Florida State, and he administered his own implementations as a college and high school coach. Through his journey, Duke said the questions that kept coming up were: “What’s the more meaningful connection to coaching and this relationship with Christ?” “What would it actually look like to coach with Biblical principles that make sense?” He continued asking those questions as he went back to Florida State for his doctorate of education in sports administration, physical education and recreation, and acti- vated his coaching education curriculum at the University of Central Florida, where he now lectures. Courtesy of NCAA Photos The 3D Coach method moves coaches into a transformational purpose. By Sarah Rennicke |
| After completing his doctorate, he was asked to develop the Coaching Methods class at UCF, and naturally the foundations of 3 Dimensional Coaching were born. “As I studied current practice coaching methods, I realized that truth today—research—matches exactly how Jesus coached His team,” Duke said. “I am still in awe. If research is truth and Jesus states He is the truth, then both must be the same. It makes the personal of a personal relationship with Jesus very relevant in the life of a coach.” The impact of coaches continues to be a topic brimming with sought-after methods and social standards, though true effec- tiveness might not always be immediate. University of Nevada women’s basketball coach Jane Albright has implemented the techniques into her coaching style and credits an encounter with John Wooden years ago with helping to shape her career early on. “When I went to go see John Wooden the first time, I asked him how I would know if I’m a good coach,” she said. “He said I wouldn’t know for about 20 years. I had to think about that a lot, but I really bought into that and began to explore through my faith what that looks like to coach with kingdom principles. “I think the whole three-dimensional concept is an exceptional curriculum that can help people understand what it actually looks like to be involved in coaching.” Certified FCA staff presenters attend in-services organized by schools and clubs to give an overview presentation of the three- dimensional coaching concept. They discuss the first dimension and preview the next two, drawing coaches in to the concept that transforms from the inside out. “What our presenters are really equipped to do is go out and make a compelling case for coaches to want to explore this con- cept deeper,” said Wes Simmons, Northwest Missouri FCA area director and certified presenter. Coming out of the workshop, FCA staff hope coaches form a transformational purpose statement in writing that will allow them to shift their priorities, dig deeper into their own faith and redefine the way they approach their athletes. The goal, Sim- mons said, is to get coaches to think through a strategy to coach on all three levels so their primary purpose of being a coach—to change lives—can be realized. That kind of internal transformation is integral for effectively building trust with athletes. “As you become more and more in line with Christ in your own personal life—first as a Christian, then as a disciple—you see how it changes how you coach,” Duke said. “Those are the same things Jesus taught. That teaching’s been around for a long time; it hasn’t changed. It’s just now what we’re able to do is bring the relevancy of that teaching into the coaching culture.” For coaches unsure of how to incorporate time for the second and third dimensions (mind and soul), Heath Eslinger had some useful tips. First, the head wrestling coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga said, all it takes is a bit of rearrang- ing. For example: starting practice every day with 20 minutes of journaling, where the athletes log how they feel about them- selves or what’s going on in their family lives. Or taking 10 to 15 minutes to do “spotlighting,” where one member of the team is selected and each of their teammates speaks something of value into their life. “You want to talk about a kid’s self-confidence going up,” Eslinger said. “When all of a sudden he knows there are people around him who see the value in him, he may not have heard that his whole life.” Today, many young athletes have a sense of entitlement or confusion while others are coming from brokenness. They’ve buried their hearts behind a wall of arrogance or a lack of moti- vation, and old methods of reaching them just don’t work as well as they might have in the past. “Kids want three things,” Eslinger said. “They want someone to believe in them, they want a belief system, and they want a place to belong. We have to give them a reason to care. You’re dealing with kids where one or maybe both parents have walked out. If they can’t trust the two most important people in their life, why should they trust their coach? We have to build that bridge so they can have faith and trust in their coach.” Duke added to Eslinger's message. “When the light bulb goes on that what I do is also my mis- sion field, everything changes," he said. “The coach now has a purpose on and off the field. When that light goes on, the four Cs model explodes, because now the coach gets so excited they want to take their kids to camp, they want them to see, not just hear, the Gospel in action, and they want them to be a part of a Huddle.” Simmons noted the paradigm shift in mentality: pouring into coaches, fueling an outlet for their purpose. "Three-dimensional coaching is having a really high standard and saying these are the ways I'm going to treat my players like Jesus treated people." - Jane Albright, Women's Basketball Coach University of Nevada, Reno The heart and soul in sports ® ~ fca.org 19 |
| Follow @FCAMag "3D Coaching is not simply another philosophy of coaching. It is a paradigm shift in purpose that leads to the outcomes we all desire, but often fail to achieve." “Where we sow, we reap,” he said. “As we invest in coaches, it always gives back. They want to make a difference in the lives of kids for Christ.” Mark Hull, Wisconsin FCA area representative and certified presenter, echoed Simmons in his stance on coaches as vessels to piece together the brokenness in athletics. The whole world is enamored with sports and winning instead of the joy and wonder that sports can bring to people’s lives. The 3D concept does its best to bring a wholeness to fill that void. “What I’m looking for right now are pockets of beauty that represent the Kingdom,” Hull said. “Pockets of beauty that will take our breath away because that’s what it ought to look like.” Simmons added that a coach's heart is the target. “We are here to invest in them and what they are doing," he said. "As God births a vision in their own heart, the overflow of campus, camp and community ministry will be the natural progression after we have first invested in them.” From that overflow, entire teams and communities can be poured into and challenged to redefine the way they present themselves. "FCA is excited about increasing the impact of the coaches ministry in 2014-15,” said Jeff Martin, FCA's Executive VP of Ministry Programs and Resources. “We believe the entire cul- ture of sport will be shaken for Christ through a vast number of coaches being transformational in their personal and pro- fessional lives. We are poised to see a great movement of God through coaches around the world for such a time as this.” Albright considers investment of time and energy into ath- letes as a direction of focus for full athletic growth. “That’s really what three-dimensional coaching is,” she said. “Having a really high standard and saying these are the ways I’m going to treat my players like Jesus treated people. When sports are done right and done with good values, there’s noth- ing better.” FCA 20 FCA Magazine Courtesy of UTC Athletics - Heath Eslinger, Wrestling Coach University of Tennessee at Chattanooga |
| Follow @FCAMag fca decade: 1994-2003 team fca team fca Part FIVE of a six-part series celebrating significant moments in the 60-year history of FCA 1994 1998 1996: FCA releases the first One Way 2 Play – Drug Free! video. 1995: FCA establishes its first domain on the web: www.FCA.org. 1999 2000: Vice Presidential candidate Dick Cheney visits FCA headquarters to endorse the One Way 2 Play – Drug Free! program. 1998: More than 10,000 players take part in the first FCA National Golf Scramble. 1998: FCA establishes the Grant Teaff Coach of the Year and Grant Teaff Lifetime Achievement awards, named after the longtime football coach most known for his 20-year career at Baylor University. 1999: FCA’s official vision is established: “To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.” 2000 2000: Ground is broken on the FCA headquarters expansion project in Kansas City, Mo. 2003: FCA Baseball ministry is established. 2003: FCA Motocross ministry is established. 2001: FCA introduces a new logo for the first time in 40 years. 2002 2002: FCA introduces its Four Cs of Ministry concept: Coaches, Campus, Camps, Community. 2003: FCA establishes the Bobby Bowden Athlete of the Year award, named after the former Florida State University football coach. 2002: FCA’s newly expanded 59,000-square- foot headquarters is dedicated. 2003: FCA Camp attendance exceeds 20,000; number of Certified FCA Huddles reaches 7,790. 2003 go onlinE! FCA is celebrating its 60th anniversary throughout 2014. Visit 2003: FCA introduces its Team FCA membership program and the Competitor’s Creed. 2003: FCA establishes the John Lotz “Barnabas” Coach of the Year Award named after the former University of Florida basketball coach. FCA.org for more of the greatest ministry memories, including a digital timeline that brings FCA’s history to life. The heart and soul in sports ® ~ fca.org 21 |
| Something Out Of Nothing A refinery is a place where ordinary, raw elements are converted into something of value. While the typical raw elements eventually become precious metals, there’s a thriving “refinery” on the campus of UNC Charlotte that is transforming elements of more eternal value. Launched one year ago, the “49er Refinery”—a nod to Charlotte’s athletic nickname—has played a huge role in developing passionate, all-in student leadership within FCA. Nineteen students entered the burgeoning program last fall, prepared for a rigorous eight-month course where FCA lead- ers poured deeply into their lives. Sixteen of those students (eight male and eight female) completed their journey earlier this year. “The Refinery is one of the most influential, impactful and effective things we’ve been able to develop,” said Ryan Gloer, FCA campus director at UNC Charlotte. “It’s a very intense discipleship and leadership development process involving everything from Bible reading and Scripture memorization to serving and meeting with an accountability partner.” Alex Kubrick, who served on the FCA leadership team at Charlotte prior to graduating in May, said she grew an “unbe- lievable amount” through the process of discipling a girl for the first time. Three other girls followed her lead and began discipling others as well. “It’s awesome,” Kubrick said, “because we were replicating ourselves for the sake of the gospel going forth into the na- tions.” Juanita Leto, a senior sprinter and hurdler on the 49ers track team, said the eight months of digging deeper into God’s word made her more comfortable with the idea of God using her to lead others to Him. She became a Huddle leader at FCA Camp and was one of 23 Charlotte students who took 22 FCA Magazine part in international missions with FCA over the last year. “Many of my fellow students are still trying to decide their major, their career, who they really are,” Leto said. “But me, I know who I am and what I want to do with my life. I’m a child of God called to proclaim the excellencies of God. It’s who I am, so that’s what I’ll do. “FCA has played a major part in this whole process. I’m more aware of the power of God that lives in me. I’m bolder and more strategic with my time to make disciples and really multiply myself.” Through Christ’s power the “49er Refinery” is undoubt- edly taking ordinary things and making them valuable, but it’s only part of the blossoming FCA ministry taking place at UNC Charlotte. The university’s rapidly growing student body is being radically transformed by Jesus. Natalie Capone, the starting shortstop on the 49ers soft- ball team and one of six women serving on Charlotte’s FCA leadership team, said there’s an incredible group of men and women who are consistently involved. She’s watched her peers invite more and more friends and go out of their way to make sure everyone gets to the meetings and hears the Gospel. “I love knowing I can bring anyone and they’ll always be welcomed,” Capone said. “I love that we don’t just get together every Monday night, but we’re always trying to hang out. Whether it’s just a girls’ night or a bowling night with everyone, we’re always trying to find ways to get people involved.” *** Gloer and his wife, Brittney, had served with FCA in Georgia, but in January 2012 they followed God’s calling to launch Courtesy of Ryan Gloer and Sam Roberts/FreezeFrame Filling a need for ministry geared toward athletes and coaches, the young FCA Huddle at UNC Charlotte is already impacting the campus and beyond. By dave pond |
| FCA at UNC Charlotte, the state’s fastest-growing univer- sity—but also a place where they didn’t know a single athlete or coach. There was already a huge ministry presence on campus and countless churches in the surrounding area, but Gloer saw a glaring need for a ministry geared toward the athletes and coaches. FCA’s ministry at Charlotte was born when Gloer sat down with a stranger—a random guy on campus whose number Gloer had received from someone else. “The next thing I knew, we’re having Bible study with a group of four college guys who had come by, seen our Bibles open and sat down,” Gloer said. “A couple of them were two of the best student-athletes on campus.” Each of those guys brought a friend the following week, doubling the group’s size, and then, two months later, FCA held its first-ever Monday night Huddle. “FCA has played a major part in me being more aware of the power of God that lives in me." - UNC Charlotte senior Juanita Leto *** Samantha Slade, starting second baseman on the softball team, came to Charlotte as an agnostic. She’d been to church a couple times in her life, and only went to her first FCA meeting because her roommate “tricked” her into going. “She knew I’d go because I'm so outgoing, so she didn't mention it was a Christian event,” Slade said. “That’s where I heard the Gospel presented clearly for the first time.” Influenced dramatically by the fact that her friend was will- ing to reach out to her like that, Slade found new life in Christ in November 2012 and says now that’s it’s the best decision she ever made. “God has continued to provide, protect and guide me,” she said. “I can say with confidence that the only reason I am where I am is because of His good grace.” It’s the welcoming spirit at Charlotte FCA that makes it “one of a kind,” Slade said. She loves the unity everyone has despite their diversity. Two Iranian students even started coming at the end of the spring semester because of an invitation from Kubrick. “Many people who come to FCA say the thing they loved most at first was how welcoming everyone was to them,” Slade said. “They felt like part of the family right away.” Slade, Capone and Chelsea Ingersoll first came to Char- lotte as softball teammates but now share a spiritual bond that will last far beyond their playing days. Capone was one of the first female athletes Gloer met when he arrived at Charlotte, and he praises God that He used Capone to lead a few of her teammates to Christ (including Slade and Inger- soll, who now serve on the leadership team). Together with Allison Pleiman, the girls live in a house right across from campus, and it's become more than just a place to live. “It’s a place the girls use for outreach," Gloer said. "They’ve held several ‘Ladies' Night of Fellowship’ events there. It’s been awesome to see the athletes use their house for ministry.” Capone added what the message has been when they gather. “One of the most important lessons any woman can learn is that your worth is found in a mighty and wonderful Creator, not what man thinks about you," she said. "We don’t have to fear when standing up for Christ. Even though we’re promised that we’ll be persecuted, God provides so much joy and peace that transcends all understanding [as He said in] Philippians 4:7. “Jesus is worth it. He is worth everything, our entire lives.” *** UNC Charlotte FCA Huddle members pray at their 2014 Winter Blitz event (left) and several Huddle members served on mission trips to Spanish Wells, Bahamas (above). The heart and soul in sports ® ~ fca.org 23 |
| Charlotte played its first-ever season of football in 2013, bringing an entirely new group of student-athletes to town. Many had enrolled at Charlotte the previous year to practice, build the program, and bond with each other before actually playing any games, and a number of them began attending FCA events. “Bringing on football has definitely changed the culture in and around the university,” Gloer said. “Our female leader- ship is very strong, and the guys they are close with have been pushed, stretched and challenged by them to grow in godliness. God has really done a deep work in several of the guys we now have serving, and they’re effectively leading in a godly way. I believe part of that stems from the way the fe- males exemplify and live out what it means to be committed followers of Christ. “It’s been very humbling to watch the chemistry develop between them. The guys and girls feed off each other and really challenge each other while holding one another ac- countable.” Gloer said Zach Bumgarner, Matt Johnson, Justin Bolus, Steve Muscarello and Brandon Strupp (the first athlete to come to know Christ through the UNC Charlotte FCA ministry) have made huge spiritual impacts within FCA and alongside their football teammates. Bumgarner and Johnson have served internationally, while Strupp is joining FCA staff within the Charlotte area. “Brandon, Justin and Steve all came to know Christ through the ministry here, and the transformation in their lives is clearly evident,” he said. “Several of the guys live together now, using their house as an outreach to their teammates as well as for a football-player Bible study.” From its initial launch in a meeting of strangers, UNC Char- lotte FCA now hosts more than 60 students every Monday night at 8:49 p.m. There are seven campus/team Huddles, and more than 130 athletes, coaches and students have par- ticipated in FCA camps. In February, more than 50 current students attended the FCA North Carolina College Conference—almost a third of the gathered crowd—while three Charlotte alums have come on staff with FCA and a fourth is volunteering heavily in a similar role. Despite what he’s already seen, Gloer feels like God has just begun to reveal His work on Charlotte’s campus. “I pray that God uses FCA at UNC Charlotte to develop transformational leaders who multiply, that the nations would feel the ripple effects of what the Holy Spirit does in and through the lives of the athletes and coaches we have the opportunity to impact," he said. “All glory to Jesus. What a humbling thing to be a part of His great work at UNC Char- lotte. I praise Him daily for allowing me to be a part of the movement He has generated here.” FCA “I pray that God uses FCA at UNC Charlotte to develop transformational leaders who multiply, that the nations would feel the ripple effects of what the Holy Spirit does in and through the lives of the athletes and coaches we have the opportunity to impact." - UNC Charlotte FCA's Ryan Gloer Courtesy of Ryan Gloer Like FCA Magazine |
| teamfca Competitors for Christ WE WANT YOU to submit your TeamFCA Profile online at fca.org! But first, log on and sign the FCA Competitor’s Creed. small amount of Scripture we learn how bold, wise and confident he was in his faith.” “The story of Jesus’ birth Favorite biblical story : “Job’s life in the book of (Luke 2) because of the Job because during my sheer awesomeness of first season of college the Triune God entering basketball I could relate and changing the world to his story—on a smaller forever.” scale of course! But seeing Erika Papadeas Favorite biblical story: Student-athlete • Dallas, TX Acts 6 and 7. In such a Favorite biblical story: Zachary Bruns Johnson County (KS) Intern • Overland Park, KS “The story of Stephen in Gledia Harris-Larkin FCA Huddle Coach • Irwinton, GA Favorite biblical story: FCA Area Director - Carroll County (MD) • Finksburg, MD brandon johnson “The book of Esther because it is an inspiring story of how God took an unknown, simple girl and used her faith to save an entire nation.” how Job continued to Christ-like quality worth emulating: worship God even during the toughest times really Favorite thing about FCA: “Through it I have the FCA National Elite “Compassion — Purposely opened my eyes in my connected and built lasting Lacrosse team in 2004, looking beyond one’s situation.” friendships with other FCA helped me clearly hear fault and trying to see the gospel and taught me their need.” Favorite thing about FCA: “While playing on Christian athletes who Best spiritual advice: have helped me grow and “When you compete, give foster my relationship with Favorite thing about FCA: “It has given me God the glory. Honor Him Christ.” Christ-like quality worth emulating: “Consistency. a platform to empower is the reason you can do our youth and expand all those things.” You build trust by being on the greatness of God. I consistent. ‘But the LORD’s am renewed in strength to plans stand firm forever; continue the race called life.” the importance of a daily relationship with Christ.” when you play because He Favorite thing about FCA Magazine: “As a college student-athlete, it’s Jesus is awesome because: “He took the encouraging to read the weight of our sins and put it Christian high school, college, Jesus is awesome because: on His back while carrying and professional athletes.” “He was born to die to save that rugged cross. He died so Jesus is awesome because: a wretch like me. Thank you, that we may be seen righteous Jesus is awesome because: “It would be out of character Jesus!” in our Father’s eyes.” “[God] sees me as pure his intentions can never be shaken.’ – Psalm 33:11 (NLT)” inspiring stories of other because of Him.” for Him not to be!” faves 1 Corinthians 9:27, lacrosse, breakfast, mint chocolate chip ice cream, Camden Yards, mowing, summer f aves John 16:33, tennis, breakfast, Turner Field, Twix, planting flowers, spring faves faves 1 Corinthians 10:13 , snow crabs, cookies and cream ice cream , Cameron Indoor Stadium, ultimate frisbee , summer For free college info, visit fca.org/collegeguide or send in the reply card between pages 24 and 25. Psalm 73:23-26 volleyball, breakfast, Mile High Stadium, cake batter ice cream, biking, Arizona winters The heart and soul in sports ® ~ fca.org 25 |
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| advertisement Go online to request more information, schedule a campus visit, or apply for admission. Visit fca.org/collegeguide For free college info, visit fca.org/collegeguide For free college info, visit fca.org/collegeguide or send in the reply card between pages 24 and 25. The heart and soul in sports ® ~ fca.org 27 |
| fit4ever ....! Consider the following as you seek to make lasting changes in your life: Identify and list the thoughts that are holding you back from transformation. 1. Keep the Change! By Jimmy page “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind ...” - Romans 12:2 (NIV) T here is no greater transformation than The crowds who came to see Jesus also wanted to when something dead comes back to life. see Lazarus (John 12:10-11), and people came to faith It’s extremely dramatic, and it’s exactly because of what they saw. They couldn’t stop talking what happened in John 11 when Jesus called for Lazarus to come out of the tomb. H aving died four days before, Lazarus’ about what Jesus had done. When you start to make decisions about food and exercise that result in better body image, sustained decomposition process would have been in full 2. will notice. When those who know you best can smell. When he stood up and began to walk—still Who might be impacted if your life and health were truly transformed? In what ways? energy and a more optimistic attitude, other people swing, producing a horrible appearance and rotten actually see the change, they’ll start to believe that in his grave clothes—the crowd was probably both maybe you’re onto something and will want what horrified and amazed! After removing the clothes, you have. they witnessed a man full of life who just days It’s never too late to change. Sometimes before was fully dead. Lazarus was transformed we get so discouraged with our current circum- from death to life. stances that we believe change is impossible. We Some transformations, like the miracle of have tried and failed so many times that we lose Lazarus, take place immediately. But many more 3. be enough to bring lasting change. We need “Spirit that add up to big change. I’ve heard stories of List small actions you will take to change your health in a big way. hope. And, truthfully, our willpower alone will never happen over time as a result of small decisions power.” drug addicts set free in a single moment with no “’Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been trace of withdrawal and no temptation to return. here, my brother would not have died. But I know But there are countless recovering alcoholics who that even now God will give you whatever you ask.’” remain sober only through decisions made one -John 11:21-22 day at a time. Regarding health, food and exercise, we can’t be transformed from poor to great shape instantly. It only happens when a series of small When we show faith and invite Jesus into our area of greatest need, He can change everything. Close the gap. When we see the gap between decisions over time multiply on top of one another and result in big, life-changing results. About the Author: Jimmy Page serves as the Mid-Atlantic Vice President of Field Ministry for FCA. As a 20-year medical fitness leader and former National Director of FCA Health and Fitness, he hosts Fit Fridays on 95.1 SHINE FM. Jimmy is an author of four best-selling books: WisdomWalks, WisdomWalks Sports, PrayFit, and One Word That Will Change Your Life. He is a coach, cyclist and triathlete. He and his wife, Ivelisse, started a cancer foundation called believebig.org following her victory over cancer. They reside in Maryland with their four children. You can email Jimmy at jpage@fca.org. 28 FCA Magazine our “real” and “ideal,” it’s easy to get discouraged. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? We know we want If we want to change our life, we to feel better, but we’re stuck feeling sick and tired. need to change our thoughts. Most We know we want to look healthier, but the mirror transformation happens first in our minds. Romans keeps telling us to give up. We know we want to 12:2 says, if we want to be transformed, we need have the energy to give our best to our work and to change the words we think and say. These family, but we just can’t seem to stay on track. No words have directional power in our lives; what matter how discouraged you are, don’t give up. we think becomes what we say, and what we say Send for Jesus, take a step, and take off your grave becomes what we do. clothes. Get rid of the things that are holding you Many of us never experience lasting transformation with our health because we back and walk in new life! Keep the Change! Transformation is not a sabotage ourselves with “stinkin’ thinkin’.” Our one-time thing; it’s an all-the-time, everyday thing. thoughts smell as bad as Lazarus after four days You will have to battle to keep the change you in the tomb. We think and speak words that drive make. Otherwise, you’ll go up and down like a yo-yo. our actions toward death and defeat. We’ll find Remember, small decisions lead to big change. And true change far too overwhelming unless we’re small decisions every day help you keep the change. diligent in recognizing and correcting every negative and self-defeating thought. True transformation always rubs off God wants us to be transformed and glorify Him in all areas of our lives. It is our spiritual act of worship. When you are transformed, others are likely to follow. on others. Lazarus’ resurrection from the grave So take the first step. Make a change. And get rid of not only changed him; it changed others. Most everything that is holding you back! importantly, it brought praise and glory to Jesus. FCA |
| home stretch my story By camille little @CamilleLittle Seattle Storm “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6 country—Winston-Salem, North Carolina—with my dad, Robert; my mom, Elaine; and my older sister, Brandii. My dad worked at the local recreation FCA Huddle Leader • Bel Air, MD I grew up in the heart of basketball Storm, where I’ve been since. Playing in the WNBA has allowed me the opportunity to be around fellow believers who are great examples of strong Christian women. I gave my life to Christ a long time center, and that’s where I fell in love with ago back in high school, but my teammates basketball. I’d play all day, every day, always along the way have helped and encouraged shooting and dribbling. When I didn’t me to truly live out that commitment. have a basketball, a sock tossed into the Before the 2010 season, teammates Swin hamper or trash into a can had to suffice. Cash, Tanisha Wright, Ashley Robinson and I played against boys at the rec center, I committed to meeting and praying for one which toughened me up and forced me to another and our team on a consistent basis. improve. I’d play until nobody wanted to play We poured ourselves into God that summer, anymore, and then I’d do it all over again the and He of course did the same for us. That next day. commitment showed on the court as we Basketball was my life, but my mom marched through the regular season and made sure it never interfered with us going playoffs and won the WNBA championship. I to church. We were there every Sunday— truly believe we were so successful because whether I wanted to be or not—Brandii and we were disciplined in our walks with God. I singing in the choir. I may not have liked That season was very special to us, going at the time, but I realize now how it but now it is a perfect example of how helped lay a foundation of faith for me to accomplishments in this life will fade. That build upon throughout my life. was four years ago, and while we still have In high school, basketball took up most of the memories of all the fun and happiness, my time. My schedule was filled with team when the next season began we weren’t practices every day or AAU practices and champions anymore. tournaments all over the state. I made a lot Not so with my faith in God, where He of sacrifices and missed out on a lot of things makes everything new on a daily basis. God my friends were doing, but basketball kept wakes me up every morning and gives me a me around people who had similar focus and fresh anointing. I believe He has a purpose determination. and plan for each of us, and right now His I had been a University of North Carolina plan is for me to grow in my relationship fan all my life, so it was a dream come true with Him and with others. I learned from the when I signed a letter of intent in 2003 to veteran players when I joined the league, and become a Tar Heel and play for coach Sylvia now I’m here as an example to the younger Hatchell. I’ll always remember my four years players. at Chapel Hill, making it to two Final Fours I hope people see my passion for the game and, more importantly, I hope they see Coach Hatchell taught all of us morals, values Courtesy of Getty Images/NBAE and Neil Enns/Storm Photos and growing so much as a young woman. as I play and represent Him on the court. It’s I am a better person today because of my not about the talent I have but about the time playing for her. gifts God has given me to use for His glory. born: January 18, 1985 Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina COLLEGE: North Carolina drafted: 17th overall in 2007 by the San Antonio Silver Stars something special in me: God’s light shining and life lessons that went beyond the game. camille little My success at UNC opened the door for Basketball accomplishments are great, but an even bigger dream: I was drafted into the they can’t compare to my relationship with WNBA by the San Antonio Silver Stars in God. He’s going to do bigger things in my life 2007. I played there for a year before I was than just what happens on the court. career: •Seattle Storm (2008-Present) •Atlanta Dream (2008) •San Antonio Silver Stars (2007) traded to Atlanta, and about a month into the 2008 season I was traded to the Seattle FCA Notes: •2010 WNBA Champion with the Seattle Storm •2007 WNBA All-Rookie Team •Four-time All-ACC selection and two Final Four appearances while at North Carolina The heart and soul in sports ® ~ fca.org 29 |
| finish strong T here are lots of movies and TV shows about “Transformers” these days, and no, not just the mega- million dollar movies directed by Michael Bay. For years, the entertainment industry has capitalized on our fascination with transformation, going all the way back to the 1931 film “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Superheroes like “Spider-Man,” “The In- credible Hulk,” and “Wolverine” all involve extreme forms of transformation. On the small screen, reality TV shows like “Ex- treme Makeover: Home Edition” and “The Biggest Loser” have cashed in. The reason all of these are smashing successes is because our human nature seems to want to see improvement. We love dramatic change. We all want some part in the makeover business, whether in ourselves or watching it in others on a screen. God is big on transformation, too. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” —2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) You can see from this verse that God doesn’t associate transformation with rehabilitation or improvement. In His eyes, transformation is about being brand new. Death of the old and resurrection into the new. That is the Christian life. In the third chapter of John, Jesus has a conversation with an ignorant- yet-seeking religious leader named Nicodemus. He tells Nicodemus that to have an authentic, eternal, life-saving relationship with God, one had to be brand new. “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’” —John 3:3 (NIV) There’s a classic sports parable that helps illuminate this truth involving Roy “Wrong Way” Riegels, a first-team About the Author: After serving as FCA State Director in Nebraska, Ron Brown is currently the running backs coach at the University of Nebraska. A member of the FCA Hall of Champions, he and his wife, Molvina, have two daughters: Sojourner and Bronwyn. 30 FCA Magazine hevictory.com All-American and team captain for the University of California football team in the 1920s. Riegels was so good that Cal’s coach called him the smartest player he ever coached. Unfortunately, one big blunder in the 1929 Rose Bowl came to define his sterling career. In that game, Riegels picked up a Georgia Tech fumble along the sideline, got turned around, and then ran almost 70 yards in the wrong direction! The play later resulted in a safety, Cal ended up losing the game 8-7, and the nickname Roy “Wrong Way” Riegels was born. “... allowing Jesus Christ to transform you into His image will result in a new, absolute best you ...” In our spiritual lives, all of us could be nicknamed “Wrong Way.” We all come out of the womb running in the wrong direction because of the sin nature we inherited from Adam and Eve. When God leads us to a saving relationship with Him through Christ, we recognize our sin and wrong-thinking. We confess to a holy, forgiving God who came to earth as Jesus and died for our sinful, wrong ways. We repent and discover His mercy and grace as He forgives us and erases the debt that we owe for our sin. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead proved that He is God, and when we trust Him as Savior and Lord we are born again— transformed from spiritual death to life at that instant. However, after you are saved, there is also a long process of transformation where the Holy Spirit—occupying your By Ron Brown life because of your new birth in Christ— begins to form you into the image of Jesus. “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”— Romans 8:29 (NIV) That process is sparked through a challenging training ground. For the athlete and coach that training ground is sports, where there are two ways to compete and coach: God's way or man's way. Before I became a Christian, I only knew man's way of playing and coaching. After I gave my life to Christ, I had the capacity to choose to play and coach God's way, allowing the Holy Spirit to put my sinful, selfish nature to death and raise Jesus' perfect, unselfish nature in and through me. I had adapted the Apostle Paul's words into my career! “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV) It’s great to be on God’s team after placing your trust in Christ. But the story doesn’t end there. God wants to transform you into a great player on His team, and He doesn’t give up on you even if you make “Wrong Way” mistakes. Greatness in God’s economy isn’t based on how you compare to someone else; it’s allowing Jesus Christ to transform you into His image, which will result in a new, absolute best you. It’s not about self-improvement, but instead the Holy Spirit uses tough, challenging situations to produce Christ-like character that glorifies Him. Real transformation is a constant process where a Christian's mind is constantly and consciously renewed in Christ. And it's happening in each of us every day—while we play, coach or take on any endeavor in life. FCA Courtesy of Gordon Thiessen REAL TRANSFORMation |
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