Strengthen Our Focus

As a FCA staff, we hear a variety of stories from athletes of all they are carrying. It can be a lot to hear them share about all aspects of their lives and how stressed they are and realize they represent just one person. There is a lot going on! Then multiply that by an entire athletic department and it is easy to realize there are so many distractions taking life from these students.

As we sat in a staff meeting discussing what we should talk about with the athletes on Monday, Darius Brown spoke up sharing about how we cannot eliminate distractions but rather strengthen our focus.

If we spend time strengthening our focus, it does not make the world stop around us but reorients us to what matters most and keeps us walking on the path God has for us.

Darius started our weekly huddles off with this topic and we have been sharing about focus and things that can derail our focus ever since. We realize, maybe now more than ever, the need we all have to be reminded of what is most important and are so thankful to work with students to help them but also work with coaches and programs that see the need to have FCA help them stay focused. Men's basketball is one of those programs. As Darius writes:

"Serving men's basketball and being granted the opportunity to be a presence with the team has been a joy. Coach Jans has been the consummate Coach and leader for such an esteemed position. With his blessing of FCA being here, it speaks to his commitment to providing his player with all possible resources needed to be successful both on and off the court. Every day I am here, I’m reminded that God strategically uses different things around us and throughout this world to reach us and speak to us. Very similar to the parables of the Bible. Our basketball players are not just good players but even better people. Since we know the prayers of the righteous availeth much, let’s continue to pray that God prospers OUR BULLDOG BASKETBALL TEAM both naturally and spiritually."

We are thankful to have each of you in this with our staff team as we support the athletes and coaches at MSU and strengthen our focus together.

New Opportunities

Many teams look completely different this year, but with new coaches, athletes, and FCA staff, there are new opportunities to grow together with both those who have been here years and those who are new.

Baseball

Coach O'Connor is excited to be at State and has FCA to be part of his program. Justin is excited to continue to serve this team!

Women's Basketball

Shayla and Bethany are excited to serve the women's basketball team this year by attending practices and getting to know the girls and coaches on that team.

Brandi Morgan

Brandi has served in a limited capacity for the past two years, but has transitioned from teaching back to FCA. She serves the softball and soccer teams by providing support to the coaches and athletes in those programs. We are excited to watch what unfolds with those teams!

Jason Stoker

Jason is working on church partnerships and getting ministry efforts off of the ground for the tennis and golf teams. We are thrilled to have someone plowing ground in these areas!

Women's Staff Small Group

Brandi and Bethany are hosting a weekly small group for female staff in the athletic department. It's been a great way to connect and encourage the women who work in the athletic department.

A Moment Worth Celebrating

Athletes and coaches go through so much every season. They are familiar with the highs and lows that come with winning and losing and that is where FCA staff can come alongside of them to encourage them no matter what a season holds.

Scott Nicholson has served as the football chaplain at State since the fall of 2023. Scott came on staff and began serving football during a challenging season of loss after the passing of a dear coach who was loved by the community both nationwide and in Starkville and then navigated two coaching changes. Scott has been faithful to serve and love this team through thick and thin.

Everything is not about the wins and losses column, but if you watched the Arizona State game, whether in person or on TV, you know the significance of the win that night. It was like a sound erupted from Davis Wade we haven't heard for several years, and Scott had the privilege to be right in the middle of it all to celebrate alongside athletes, coaches, and fans who needed it the most!

Pictured to the right: Scott with Brenan Thompson

Pictured below: Scott with Jalen Smith

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