IMPACT STORIES: SMSU FCA Invests in Leadership

June 2026

SMSU FCA

Invests in Leadership

On Monday, April 13, SMSU FCA student leaders stepped into one of the biggest opportunities of their year as they hosted performance coach, author, and keynote speaker Jordan Montgomery of Montgomery Companies. What began as an idea quickly became a student-led effort marked by preparation, teamwork, and faith.

In the weeks leading up to the event, student leaders worked behind the scenes to secure funding, organize a dinner, coordinate program details, and personally invite teammates, friends, and community members. Excited yet nervous, they embraced the responsibility of hosting the evening with confidence and purpose. Every student stepped into a role of their own, whether managing technology, creating social media clips, ordering cookies, greeting guests, or introducing Jordan to the audience.

Their efforts reflected more than organization and planning as the evening was a beautiful reflection of service oriented leadership, the kind of leadership Jordan spoke about.

SMSU FCA Student Leaders with Jordan Montgomery (from left to right):

Allison M. (WBB), Emma H. (SB), Aiden P. (FB), Ava R. (SB), Jordan Montgomery, Malachi K. (FB), Brylee I. (WBB),

Mason C. (FB), and Audrey S. (WBB)

Not pictured: Seely S. (Track & Field) and Tanner R. (BB)

As the program began, Jordan shared a deeply personal testimony about a season in his life when he believed he had everything he wanted: success, influence, and momentum. With honesty and humility, he admitted that his influence had grown faster than his character and that his goals had begun taking priority over his values. Eventually, it caught up with him.

After losing the job that had allowed him to build his identity around performance, Jordan found himself asking an important question: “Who am I if I don’t do what I used to do?”

Jordan went on to explain that at the lowest point in his life, people stepped in not to celebrate his accomplishments or remind him of his failures, but to challenge his heart. They spoke truth with love and kindness, reminding him that God values people for their identity in Him, not for their performance.

Jordan later moved to what he calls the “valley,” a season in which he was challenged to focus on serving others rather than striving for recognition. That experience completely reshaped his understanding of leadership. There he encountered leadership that was not rooted in status, achievement, or ego, but in surrender, humility, and service. He began to understand that his identity in Christ mattered more than his accomplishments.

As he shared how the life of Jesus transformed his perspective, students listened closely. “Jesus,” Jordan explained, “had every right to power, yet chose humility, serving and loving others even to the point of sacrifice.”

While rebuilding his life, Jordan began practicing a discipline he witnessed repeatedly in the "valley." That discipline became foundational to both his personal and professional life: encouragement.

He explained that encouragement is not simply about making people feel good, but about reminding people who they are. “When you praise someone for what they do, they might remember it, but when you praise someone for who they are, they will never forget it,” Jordan shared.

He also emphasized the importance of honesty and vulnerability, encouraging students to invite others into their struggles because meaningful connection begins with authenticity.

Jordan powerfully pointed out that it was in the “valley” that his life truly began to grow. He met his wife, built a family grounded in faith, and created a business shaped by values rather than ego. What once felt like loss became a gift that he now uses to encourage and develop leaders of Fortune 500 companies, elite athletes, Olympians, and Super Bowl champions.

For many SMSU FCA student leaders, Jordan’s message reflected the very type of leadership they are already striving to live out daily on their teams and in their friendships.

“Coming to college and seeing how alive faith was on campus is what initially drew me to get involved with the FCA Leadership Team,” said Allison M., SMSU women’s basketball athlete. “I wanted to be more intentional and active in my faith, and FCA gave me the opportunity to grow spiritually while helping others grow closer to God.”

Allison shared that FCA leadership has transformed the way she approaches both basketball and relationships on campus. “Serving in a leadership role with FCA has allowed me to build deep relationships and be more supportive and encouraging of others, both on and off the court. FCA has also changed my perspective on basketball. My goal is not simply personal success, but to use the game and the platform God has given me to glorify Him in the way I compete and treat others.”

FCA leadership has also strengthened the way SMSU football athlete and FCA student leader, Malachi K., supports teammates through faith.

“FCA has made me a better friend and teammate,” he shared. “I know how to comfort others with God’s Word and challenge them to be the best version of themselves.”

Malachi explained that FCA has taught him how to listen intentionally and encourage teammates who are struggling. “On a large football roster where meaningful relationships can sometimes be difficult to build, FCA has helped spark conversations rooted in faith and accountability.”

Jordan’s challenge to speak encouragement and identity into others especially resonated with SMSU softball athlete and FCA student leader Ava R., “The biggest thing that stood out to me was encouraging others no matter the situation,” Ava said. “It’s easy to get caught up in yourself, but it’s also easy to encourage those around you who may need it more.” Ava shared that she approaches conversations about faith with curiosity and openness to different perspectives. Since hearing Jordan speak, she has challenged herself to encourage teammates more intentionally.

For fellow FCA student leader and SMSU track and field athlete, Seely S., the evening reinforced what it means to lead with grace and gratitude. “Being an SMSU FCA student leader has taught me to handle all things with grace and gratefulness,” Seely shared. “By understanding the love Jesus has for me, I can treat my teammates with that same love and grace.”

Seely explained that FCA leadership has given her greater purpose in leading by example, allowing teammates to see that Jesus is the driving force behind her actions both in and out of competition.

Jordan’s story ultimately reminded students that leadership is not about perfection or performance, but about humility, authenticity, and service, qualities SMSU FCA student leaders strive to live out daily.

It is also a message Seely hopes more students will embrace.

“If you’re considering FCA student leadership, do it,” she said. “We are not called to be perfect. We are called to utilize our positions as SMSU student athletes to be the brightest lights we can be for Christ.”

SMSU FCA Huddle Coaches with Jordan Montgomery (from left to right):

Nate & Mariah VanAsperen, Bruce & Linda Saugstad, Jordan Montgomery, and Corey & Cindy Prins

As the evening came to a close, students left encouraged not only by Jordan’s testimony, but also by the example set by the FCA student leaders who organized the event. From the first moments of preparation to the final conversations after the program ended, the night reflected the same truth Jordan shared from the stage: leadership is not built through status or performance, but through humility, honesty, and a willingness to love and encourage others well.

Students were challenged to follow the example of Jesus by becoming contributors in every room they enter, bringing hope, truth, compassion, and encouragement to those around them.

Well done SMSU FCA Huddle Coaches and Student Leaders. Thank you for your discipleship, encouragement, and desire to make Christ known across the SMSU campus.