As the country recognizes Women’s History Month and the amazing accomplishments women have achieved, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA, www.fca.org) is supporting female coaches and athletes through its woman-focused Bible study “Bold and Beautiful II.” The 10-session study aimed at female athletes is a continuation of FCA’s previous Bible study, “Bold and Beautiful.”
“Through Bold and Beautiful, FCA is equipping female competitors in their discipleship journey. These studies meet female athletes where they are at and bring a biblical perspective on tough issues like boldness, wisdom, beauty, body image, worth and strength. We have the incredible opportunity to come together as women and embrace who God created us to be,” said Director of Resource Development Shea Vailes.
The study is designed to provide a biblical perspective on the issues faced by many female athletes, such as boldness, wisdom, beauty, worth and strength. The goal of “Bold and Beautiful II” is to help these athletes understand true beauty and how a strong, competitive spirit can be godly and feminine.
“Bold and Beautiful II” is intended for athletes to participate in a team or group setting to further bond the women as competitors. By stepping into the challenges together as a team and focusing on how God will speak to them together, FCA hopes to encourage unity among female athletes as they bond with each other in Christ. “Bold and Beautiful II” can enhance the sports experience and the ways in which women have come together through FCA.
FCA Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications Amy Richards commented, “Our devotional ‘Bold and Beautiful II’ is a great way to encourage and inspire female athletes not only to grow closer as a community of strong, powerful women, but also grow closer to God as they walk through the carefully considered sessions of the Bible study.”
Another way FCA is reaching female athletes is through [The] Huddle: For Women, a virtual experience to engage, equip and empower every female coach and athlete in sport. Mindy Hopman, South Coastal FCA Area Representative, Triangle Metro Director Elizabeth Ledford and Fayette Area Director Sarah Roberts all felt the Lord calling them to create a space for women in sports to meet and grow together. Over the last three years, women have gathered in “Hometown Huddles” in homes and churches across the country in groups of four to eight. From these groups, girls and women watched worship, teaching and testimony videos and discussed what they gleaned from the videos.
“A lot of times women in sports can feel overlooked by the world and are trying to find their spot. This was a place to tell them, ‘You’re not alone,’” said Roberts. “We’re showing them that they are valued and seen.”
Recognizing the way that FCA can enrich and empower female athletes on and off the court, Elon University’s women’s head basketball coach,Charlotte Smith, started a group and worked hard to get it recognized as an official ministry on her campus. Her outstanding records as a coach and former collegiate basketball player have not stopped her from being a model of Christ for her players on and off the court. As an advocate for FCA’s ministry, Smith takes the time to come to the coaches' Huddles and share Scripture with her players to encourage them and uplift their spirits. After receiving FCA’s Prestigious Kay Yow “Heart of a Coach” Award in 2022, Smith said, “When you think about your greater purpose and why you do what you do, it’s like winning the national championship. Because at the end of the day, I want to do God’s will through basketball and what he’s called me to do—and that’s to shepherd the lives of the young ones that he’s entrusted me with.”
FCA’s theme for 2024 is “24/7,” based on Romans 15:13 (CSB): “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” FCA reminds coaches and athletes that their identity and value is found in Christ, rather than their sport.