October 5, 2026
Fellowship of Christian Athletes presents Red Door Award to Kim Bekkedahl
The award recognizes an FCA servant who has exhibited long-standing, deep dedication and extraordinary commitment to the FCA sports ministry and their community
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As a sports ministry dedicated to leading every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) recognizes those along the way who are a part of the organization’s Kingdom impact.
For 42 years, Coach Keith Allen and his wife, Marlys, opened the red front door of their home to high school athletes who were members of FCA. While at their home, student-athletes sang, prayed, shared life experiences and learned about God and His Word. The Allens’ longstanding commitment and heartfelt dedication to open their home, hands and hearts in service to FCA and God’s children are a true testament to FCA’s multiplication discipleship ministry.
To honor the Allens’ legacy, FCA is proud to present the Red Door Award to recognize local FCA servants for their dedication and commitment to the community and to FCA. This fall, the award is being presented to Kim Bekkedahl, who has been using FCA as a tool to lead a generation of youth to Jesus for 47 years.
“Since 1979, Kim has been a part of FCA’s mission to lead every coach and athlete to Christ,” said FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson. “Her passion for connecting people who can influence coaches and athletes to hear the Gospel, and her belief in the transformative power of the influence of faith and sport are just a few of the many ways she carries out the Allens’ legacy.”
Born in Williston, North Dakota, Bekkedahl has dedicated 41 years to serving students, families and communities through public education. Her career began as a teacher and coach at Williston High School in Williston, North Dakota, where she served for 15 years. She was the principal of Skyview High School in Nampa, Idaho, from 2006 to 2015, followed by nine years as Assistant Superintendent and two years as Superintendent of the Kuna School District in Kuna, Idaho. Beyond her career in education, Bekkedahl has also faithfully served for several years on the Idaho Governor’s Fentanyl Prevention Team, demonstrating her continued commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.
“It is awe-inspiring to think back on how a simple invite from a coach involved in FCA led to us attending an FCA Camp at Estes Park and to fast-forward over four decades later, the Lord has truly done more than I could have ever asked, thought or imagined through volunteering with this ministry,” said Bekkedahl. “As volunteers, our heart is for people to know Jesus, and by reaching into and beyond our circle of influence with the Gospel and the mission of FCA, we can make a difference.”
Bekkedahl has been involved with FCA for an incredible 47 years! Her journey began in 1979, when she was a high school teacher in North Dakota. A friend and local college coach invited Bekkedahl to help take a group of female college athletes from North Dakota to FCA Camp in Estes Park, Colorado. While attending that camp, Bekkedahl joined a Huddle with several female coaches who immediately welcomed her. That experience left a lasting impact. After returning home, Bekkedahl started an FCA Huddle at Williston High School, where she taught and coached. Throughout the years, Bekkedahl has raised camp scholarship funds for FCA, baked cinnamon rolls for the FCA Huddle, volunteered at camp, opened Skyview High School as a venue for camp and currently serves as the FCA Idaho Board Vice-Chair. Bekkedahl is passionate about connecting people who can influence coaches and athletes to hear the Gospel, and she believes deeply in FCA’s mission to connect them with strong local churches.
When asked about her motivation, Bekkedahl shared: “While growing up in Williston, I was a kid who needed Christ. In FCA, I found a group of people who wanted that too. I wanted that for every family, every kid and every female athlete in my town — that they would know Jesus.”
FCA Multi-Area Director in Idaho Ken Lewis shared, “A passage of Scripture that has deeply shaped Kim’s life is Ephesians 3:19–21. The Lord has used this passage to inspire and guide Kim throughout her life as she faithfully pursues the calling God has placed on her heart. She has always desired more for the athletes and coaches she serves — hoping they would not only grow personally but also live out their faith boldly. Kim believes it is important for them to be open about their faith in Jesus in the public arena. As she puts it, ‘Being part of FCA was the best way I could do that.’”
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 Richard Jefferson, rjefferson@hamiltonstrategies.com.
