In the competitive world of college athletics, where wins and losses often dominate the narrative, a different story is unfolding on the baseball diamond at Florida A&M University (FAMU). Here, Head Baseball Coach Jamey Shouppe and Character Coach Tim Trask have partnered to develop young men recognize true success extends beyond batting averages and ERA. Their mission is simple yet life-changing: To build genuine relationships, integrate faith and prepare student-athletes for the game of life.
The Coach’s Vision: More Than Just Baseball
In 2013, Shouppe was hired as FAMU’s first full-time baseball head coach after spending the previous 21 years as an assistant at Florida State. Shouppe was familiar with character coaches, as he had them at Florda State, so he knew he wanted to bring in a character coach right away to provide spiritual guidance and works alongside the baseball team to support and develop the character, integrity and leadership skills of his coaches and athletes.
He saw the role as mediator between the players and the coaching staff.
“To hear from somebody whose priority isn’t baseball is a benefit to our guys and gives them another outlet,” he said.
Shouppe recognized the diverse faith backgrounds of his players, categorizing them into two main groups: those who grew up in Christian homes and might stray in college, and those encountering the Gospel for the first time. This gave him even more urgency, and he began his search.
The Character Coach's Role: Presence, Understanding and Clarity
Enter Tim Trask, a former military man and local pastor whose background uniquely equipped him for the role. The two men connected through a mutual friend who went to Trask’s church, and Shouppe saw Trask’s experiences in the Army’s special operations unit instilled in him a deep understanding of pressure, responsibility and the often-lacking direction young men face.
"I remember what it was like being 19, 20, even 23 years old,” he said. “The pressure you feel, the level of responsibility that is on your shoulders. But also, for many of the young people, there's a lack of direction in life.”
This empathy made Trask a great fit as he joined the team and began to connect with the players on a profound level, showing up at practices and games, one-off conversations continued away from the locker room and being present for the coaching staff. Trask would even bring his own family to games. He got to know each of the guys. This built trust essential for genuine relationships. In a world saturated with conflicting information, Trask provided much-needed understanding.
"I know where they are in life and I know what they’re going after right now,” he said. “So, it shapes and molds my way of thinking about them, looking at them, praying for them and interacting with them."
Trask’s most powerful tool, according to both him and Coach Shouppe, is his consistent presence. “The best ability is availability,” Shouppe said, highlighting Trask’s commitment.
“There’s a real desire for mentorship, a desire to learn what is right and wrong, a desire for clarity, with our players.”
A Harmonious Relationship
The partnership between Shouppe and Trask that began in 2024 continues to be strong and impact teams each season. It’s a testament to complementary strengths.
“Coach Shouppe makes the job easy because when I’m interacting with guys, I’m more of a supplement to what he's already doing,” Trask said. He credits Shouppe with “plowing the field” and laying the groundwork for spiritual growth, even if “not all the time saying it very overtly.”
Shouppe’s honesty and humility are qualities Trask deeply admires and believes they serve as a powerful model for the players. He likens Shouppe’s approach to Jesus’s discipleship
“Jesus did something else that was amazing in discipling others, in that He modeled it well,” Trask said. “It's like the old saying, ‘Actions speak louder than words.’ He does a good job of modeling honesty, humility, dependence and striving for what is good. His authenticity resonates deeply with athletes.”
Listening, Learning and Life Lessons
The true measure of their impact lies in the athletes themselves. A poignant example came after a tough NCAA tournament game against a formidable Florida Gators team. In the post-game press conference, a national media reporter noted that FAMU didn't look intimidated. Ty Jackson, a player who now plays for the Savannah Bananas, spoke up, attributing their fearlessness to Coach Shouppe.
“Coach taught us not to fear,” Jackson said, referencing the biblical instruction to “fear not” 365 times, mirroring the days in a year. “Today's another day that we're not supposed to be afraid.”
For Shouppe, hearing this was a rewarding moment, a clear sign that what he spoke and lived out was getting through, and that his vision to pour into the spiritual health of his players was just as important as their athleticism.
This dynamic of trust and connection extends beyond the field. Trask’s presence has also provided a crucial avenue for players to discuss personal issues they might not feel comfortable sharing with coaches due to perceived peer pressure or the dynamic between coach and athlete. They aren’t worried it will seem like they’re trying to get playing time since they aren’t talking to the coaches, and they can be free to say things more openly,” said Shouppe. “Plus, Tim’s much more knowledgeable of the Bible.”
Trask reflects on this deeper journey, sharing how his faith has guided him to see the impact of offering even the smallest efforts, like the gifts of time and presence, to a greater purpose.
“God has been showing me in this current season just what He can do with the little bit you’re willing to give,” he said, referencing the biblical story of Jesus feeding thousands with a few loaves and fish. “God can take the little bit that I can give and He can do a lot with it.”
A Lasting Legacy
Jamey Shouppe and Tim Trask have built a partnership that goes beyond baseball, showing the power of blending holistic development with faith in sports. Their contrasting but complementary roles create an environment where players are pushed to grow on and off the field. Together, they’re not just coaching — they’re shaping character, creating real relationships and helping young men discover deeper lessons about life and faith.
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You’re a leader. You’re a guide. You’re a mentor.
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Photos courtesy of FAMU Athletics