The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has been present on campus since 2022 but has been a very large ministry through campuses all over the United States since the 1950s.
FCA started back up in fall of 2022 at Rollins, after what FCA’s current Rollins director said had been a 30 year pause of it being a part of campus. Rollins Baseball coach Chuck Schall has been the director of the organization since its return. Schall has been a baseball coach at Rollins for 13 years.
Schall’s passion for growing a faith community started back in 1997. The baseball team organized “Baseball Chapels” on Sunday, where guest speakers came and the baseball team participated in the religious community gathering.
In 2022 Schall met with the former Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life Rev. Katrina Jenkins to start the organization. “We started with a small group of kids 20-30 for the first huddle, and from that point on we have grown tremendously and gained momentum,” he said.
“FCA has a mission to provide a community of faith where athletes and students share their faith with each other and know they are cared for and loved,” Schall said. “Spiritual life is going to carry over to one’s whole life, and FCA believes in creating good teammates and playing for and focusing on a true sense of purpose other than just themselves, glorifying God and helping students grow together.”
FCA’s Vice President Mary Morgan Howell (‘25) said, “[FCA] has given me the opportunity to grow in my faith, build an amazing community, and serve others in a meaningful way.”
Rollins FCA currently has twelve leaders and around 75 to 120 students who are actively engaged in the organization. One of the key events that the organization hosts is Monday Night Huddles. During the huddles, food is provided to the students by Haystax Restaurant , who donates the meals to the students. Students gather to participate in any of the activities offered by FCA, including ice breakers, guest speakers, and student led Bible studies for the Rollins community. FCA also offers coaches Bible studies once a week.
Schall explained that FCA provides leadership and development opportunities for students by giving them the chance to run the organization. These leadership positions are vital for the prosperity of the organization as well as for engaging with fellow like-minded students in leading Bible studies, reaching out for support, or worship teams.
“It’s incredible to be part of a group where everyone contributes in their own way to help others experience God’s love,” Howell said.
Schall “[feels proud to have] put together an organization that the students get excited to come and provide a connection for students with similar faiths and grow in faith together.”
Although FCA was initially meant for athletes, all students on campus can be a part of the organization regardless of whether they are a part of a Rollins sports team. FCA’s current treasurer and soccer player Briyah Drayton (‘26) encourages the whole student body to attend a huddle. “They are life changing and an opportunity to meet some great people!” she said.
Rollins College does not follow any particular religious affiliation. FCA welcomes any student who wants to partake in their activities. While the messages are Christian based, everybody is welcome to come, learn, and engage with the community regardless of religious background.
There are two huddles left for the rest of the spring 2025 semester. April’s huddle will be a senior night to congratulate all the graduating seniors. FCA will also welcome NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins as a guest speaker on April 14.
Schall organized the event after reaching out friends he has at Discovery Church, where Cousins’s father Don is the pastor. Schall said that the event “will host a night of celebration and encouragement in which Cousins will be able to share how faith has guided him throughout his life.” This will be a reserved seat event open to the Rollins community, and invitations will be extended to UCF and local Church communities.
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