July 14, 2026
Fellowship of Christian Athletes celebrates 3500th staff member
Shane Williamson, FCA President and CEO: ‘This historic accomplishment is a testament to God’s faithful growth of our ministry’
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For over 70 years, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has been challenging coaches and athletes to use the dynamic platform of sport to reach their peers with the transforming power of Jesus Christ. The ministry’s 3500th staff member, recently hired by the Midwest Region FCA, marks a significant milestone in FCA’s ongoing expansion to reach coaches and athletes with the Gospel.
Founded in 1954 by Oklahoma basketball coach Don McClanen, FCA was built on a simple but pioneering vision: leveraging the influence of sport to share the Gospel. At a time when public expressions of faith were uncommon in athletics, FCA helped create a culture in which coaches and athletes could openly live out and share their faith.
McClanen’s vision began taking shape in March 1954, when he outlined his dream for a new ministry in a letter to 19 athletes. Later that year, on Nov. 10, FCA was officially chartered. What began as a bold idea soon grew into a ministry dedicated to equipping coaches and athletes to live out their faith.
“This historic accomplishment is a testament to God’s faithful growth of our ministry and the vision of Don McClanen that has been carried through our thriving community of coaches and athletes,” said FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson.
One of FCA’s defining moments took place in August 1956 with the ministry’s first camp at Estes Park, Colorado, an event many regard as the most significant gathering in FCA history. The conference helped establish momentum for a ministry that would continue expanding its reach for decades to come.
Several milestones followed. In 1963, FCA introduced junior high Huddles, small-group gatherings designed to encourage coaches and athletes in their faith. As women’s athletics continued to grow following the introduction of Title IX in 1973, FCA established its first official all-girls Huddles in 1975. In 2013, FCA became an international ministry, recognizing that sports are an international language that communicates across all borders. Most recently, in 2021, the ministry sharpened its focus around discipleship using the E3 strategy of Engage, Equip and Empower.
Chris Bubak, Regional Vice President, Midwest Region, remarked, “For the Midwest Region FCA, FCA-Nebraska, and FCA ministry around the globe, this achievement by God’s faithfulness is both an affirmation of past faithful leaders and also points to faithful preparation for the future. Pray that the LORD of the harvest would send and support more workers to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church!”
Today, FCA serves coaches and athletes at the professional, collegiate, high school, junior high and youth levels, carrying forward the mission that began more than 70 years ago.
“While much has changed since 1954, FCA’s purpose remains the same: to reach every coach and every athlete with the transforming power of Jesus Christ,” said Williamson. “We’re grateful for all God has done through FCA over the past seven decades, and we believe the greatest opportunities for ministry are still ahead.”
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ vision is to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. Its mission is to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. FCA’s guiding values are integrity, serving, teamwork and excellence.
Since 1954, FCA has used the powerful medium of sports and building relationships to reach the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is cultivating Christian principles by engaging, equipping and empowering coaches and athletes to know and grow in Christ and lead others to do the same so that lives are changed for current and future generations.
Visit Fellowship of Christian Athletes at fca.org and on Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).
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To interview a Fellowship of Christian Athletes representative, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096 ext. 105, or Jeff Tolson, ext. 108.
