The journey of faith is a path many Christians accept when given that title, so Woodland formed a club based on this passion: the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. While the club is run by baseball coach Steve Bainer, the student in charge—junior Savannah Joles—takes her passion to the next level, seeing the club as a place where she can be herself, grow, and nurture her connection with her religion.

“FCA is the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. It is a club that helps empower student athletes, coaches, and teachers in their relationship with the Lord and then in the aspect of both school and sports,” Joles discussed.

The FCA offers a lot to athletes of faith, so it is easy to assume there are requirements associated with participating in what the club has to offer; however, there is nothing necessary for students, where the only requirement is to open yourself up to take in the gifts the club has to give. They are gifts of faith, acceptance, and mutual respect.

“There’s no requirement at all to be a part of it, so we encourage students to come as they are. Our purpose is to encourage Christians at Woodland in their walk with the Lord as well as in their education and sports.”

The club has a lot to offer at no cost for the students, but to many the club does not seem to be a sensical reason to join, nor a reason the club would take a place of priority in their lives. Luckily, in a faith that is built on connection, being in a club that makes conversation and collaboration the core of its purpose makes it a captivating choice.

“The community aspect of it is super important. I know it’s encouraging for me and hopefully it’s inspiring for other people that are of the Christian faith and are following Christ. It tends to be so hard to try and find friends that are of the same faith and other than church or youth group. It is so hard to find people that relate to you on that level so here we create that relationship and connection.”

Thanks to the club’s appealing qualities, the club has made a stable increase in attendance, but there is still much to do due to its recent nature. Despite this, Joles is certain that the favorable club will continue to see growth as the club progresses.

“I hope to have roughly 50 people coming to each meeting along with weekly meetings. Right now we have them every other week, but I want to grow and develop.”

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a new club, but as Woodland ages, it is undeniable that the club will accomplish great things in the walk of faith each student makes. In these student athletes, faith stands in the heart of who they are not just because of their devotion to their religion, but also what their religion stands for. Being Christian, there are core values that they hold especially dear, and in the future, the club serves as a perfect place to not just share their faith, but also live it.

“The main values are to love and respect each other as we are. There’s no judgement. We’re all here to encounter the Lord and create a community that wants to reflect what he has for us.”