“The goal of FCA isn’t to affect or increase performance, but more so to help students know who they are and whose they are,” Sr. FCA leader Mark Cosgrove said.
Cosgrove explained how students’ relationships with God alters their life outside of the sports they play and how students develop an identity in Christ through (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) FCA club.
Cosgrove has been a consistent FCA member since his sophomore year of high school. Cosgrove, along with all FCA members, has grown and shared faith within the community of this club. FCA is a safe space for high school athletes learning how to balance not only their sports and religion but life beyond athletics.
When Fellowship of Christian Athletes club first began, it was nowhere near as popular as now. “At my first meeting, there were maybe 15 students that showed. Today, I counted 45, so it’s growing,” FCA Advisor Melody Holmes said. FCA accumulated during the 2021-2022 school year.
The leaders during that time, Anna Krupka and Sarah Moraw, asked Cosgrove to take over their role after they graduated; Cosgrove has been an FCA leader for two years, never failing to show his leadership and commitment to the club. “The student leaders really do rise up to the challenge, they do everything. So it’s been beautiful to watch the development of their leadership,” said Holmes.
FCA meetings last about 30 minutes, consisting of food, music, prayer, and Bible study. Despite starting early in the morning, members of the club appreciate the time spent together. “My favorite part of FCA is seeing the students enjoy it and seeing the students get into the word of the Lord, especially so early in the morning at 7 a.m. That’s inspirational to me,” said Cosgrove. Not only does the students’ motivation encourage the student leaders, but the teacher advisors as well. “When I’m in FCA, I’m inspired by their music, and their words; I sit back and they teach me new things. So that’s inspiring for me,” Holmes said.
Cosgrove used to play football and basketball until he got hurt and tore his ACL. He could not play his entire junior year season, making his injury the most difficult circumstance that occurred during his athletic career. However, Cosgrove looked at the whole situation as a blessing in disguise. “I truly believe that this was a God moment for me. He was changing the direction of my life; He kind of took me out of sports and put me into music. He gave me friends I never would’ve thought I’d have, and friends I’ve always wanted, as well as giving me a love for something that I will continue to pursue past high school. Tearing my ACL and taking me out of sports has really been one of the greatest things God has ever done to me,” Cosgrove said.
The concept of FCA’s faith-led community expands past the world of athletics. The group of high schoolers involved use their spirituality to get them through their day-to-day lives; helping one another grow as Christians, and inspiring students outside of the club to become the best versions of themselves. “I love that these students continue replicating what they represent. I want them to grow in the excitement of knowing there’s a school ready for them, there’s a world ready for them, where they can embrace their faith,” Holmes said.
