Khalil Tucker, known as “Coach Tuck,” is a former athlete and FCA member who is using sports as a platform to share the Gospel and support student-athletes spiritually and relationally.

Coach Tuck, director for Lake & Sumter Fellowship of Christian Athletes, has a deep passion for FCA. His own faith was significantly influenced by his involvement with the organization, and that experience now drives his ministry leadership and commitment to helping others connect with Christ.

“Strategy is how we do it,” Coach Tuck says. “The E3 discipleship strategy engages coaches and athletes with the Good News, equips them with God’s Word and empowers them to live out the Great Commission as disciple-makers, generation after generation.”

Lake & Sumter County FCA serves seven high schools, six middle schools and one college/university with the mission of leading every coach and every athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. Its vision is to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes was founded in 1954 by Coach Don McLanen, who was the head basketball coach at Eastern Oklahoma A&M at the time but later resigned to become the full-time director of FCA. Since its founding, professional athletes and coaches have participated in FCA through ministry events, speaking engagements, camps, volunteer opportunities and leadership roles across the country.

FCA ministries work alongside local coaches, athletes and schools to offer Bible studies, leadership development, character training and other Christ-centered activities.

The local chapter hosts events such as Team Leadership Camp and Christian leadership development programs. Students gather weekly during Sunrise Huddle to encourage one another in faith and fellowship.

At the Lake-Sumter State College Huddle, student Hermione Castro recently shared her testimony about how God brought her family closer together during a difficult season.

“We welcome all athletes to get plugged in with FCA on their campus,” Coach Tuck says.

For more information, visit LakesumterFCA.org or follow Lake Sumter FCA on Facebook. Those interested in supporting the ministry or bringing FCA to their campus are encouraged to connect and learn how they can be involved.