At UNCA a new faith-centered community is taking shape in Asheville Athletics, where sports and fellowship intersect.
“FCA gives athletes a space to connect, reset, and support each other,” said Maleigh Dawson president of FCA and women’s soccer player at UNCA.
Dawson states she wanted to start a community of athletes, to have fellowship, get to know people from other sports and support each other through Christ.
She wants a united community where people come together with a common interest in God.
“Over this past year, I’ve grown a lot closer to God, and I know there are other athletes on campus with a similar journey,” Dawson said.
According to the club’s interest google form, many student-athletes want a sense of a Christian community at Asheville.
“I want to find a welcoming environment on campus that is open to faith,”
“I want to build relationships with people that love Jesus,” said two student-athletes.
Emmie Henderson, vice president of FCA and a member of the women’s soccer team, states UNC Asheville is small and everyone knows everyone. She wants to bring people together to talk about Jesus and hopefully impact even non-athletes.
“I think FCA can unite people, and even though we all play different sports, we can apply what we learn to our lives, whether it’s making friends, being a good role model or staying positive,” Henderson said.
Henderson was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes this year and this made her reflect on the type of person she wants to be and the impact she wants to have.
This new life challenge reminded her to be grateful for every situation and how she is here for a reason.
“I believe God has a bigger plan for me, and I want to use my obstacles for good, to inspire others and show that even on the field, someone with faith can do big things. I hope FCA can help me be that kind of influence for other people,” Henderson said.
Everyone has their own story, Henderson states. Once the club starts learning about each other and really diving into the Word, FCA can impact people in meaningful ways.
Henderson says everyone needs the Lord, and she said she hopes the club helps people see this and grow closer to Him.
Dawson speaks on how college athletics is incredibly stressful, and athletes carry a lot on their shoulders. God wouldn’t give people tests they can’t handle according to Dawson.
“Coming to Him gives us strength for every practice and game,” Dawson said.
She hopes the club never dies and continues to grow in numbers over the next few years.
Dawson has already heard people say they don’t really believe in God, but might come because of the people in the club or just want to check it out.
“I hope that even those who aren’t sure about their faith feel welcome, and that through FCA we can touch the hearts of many athletes here,” Dawson said.
