(Photo by: Adalyn Sparks)

At schools across the world, student athletes juggle competition, academics, and personal growth. It can be difficult to learn how to keep all these different aspects of life afloat, but fortunately, JCCC has re-established the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) program, led by none other than our Athletic Director, Tony Tompkins. Despite not receiving much publicity across campus and outside of athletics, it has gained a remarkable following and has a great turnout every week. What does it mean to have a program like FCA at JCCC?

“I think that having a faith-based background can help pick you up in the hard times, especially throughout a season where things can get hard. It’s nice having something to fall back on and support you,” says Carson Sloan, sophomore defender for the women’s soccer team.

The FCA was initially established in 1954 by Oklahoma coach Don McClanen and, fun fact, is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri! Although the FCA at JCCC doesn’t have a formal chapter page, it is a part of the Johnson County FCA network, supporting faith-based athletic outreach.

“The program’s goals [are to] give them (student athletes) an outlet to get together and interact with other athletes that may not be on their teams and learn more about Jesus,” says Tompkins.

Each meeting begins with a message/story from a guest speaker, usually a student athlete, and then members break into small groups and discuss topics such as integrating faith into daily life, overcoming struggles, maintaining a strong relationship with God, and more.

“It builds community. You see people here every Monday night building in faith, then, next thing you know, you have a game on Wednesday, and who’s the people there to support you? The people that came to FCA, because you all share the same faith,” says Brecken Hoy, sophomore midfielder for the women’s soccer team.

By going to FCA, student athletes gain support and confidence on the field. Support from their teammates, support from athletes of other sports, and support from God. No matter how the scoreboard looks, someone will always have their back. Not only does it give student athletes a sense of community within the athletics program, it also offers an escape from the distractions and business of daily life, teaching them how to become leaders in a world that sees too much harshness.

“It’s not just being leaders on the court, it’s being leaders out in the world–impacting it and being a light out there, because it can be dark out there,” says Kai Wesseman, JCCC alumna and volunteer coach for the women’s volleyball team.

If you’re wondering whether or not FCA is open to non-athletes, it sure is. The program welcomes all JCCC students, athletes or not. It is a fantastic way to connect with other students. All you need to bring is a great attitude and an open mind. FCA meets on Mondays in the Main Gym at 7:20 p.m. See you there!