Former Coach Turned Minister Leading the Way for Student Athletes in Sumter County

1.7 min read| Published On: June 28th, 2024|

By Amanda Valderrama

Former Coach Turned Minister Leading the Way for Student Athletes in Sumter County

1.7 min read| Published On: June 28th, 2024|

Michael David Huey

My role: I am a minister and the Sumter County representative for the Florida Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). I am the first and only full-time FCA representative for Sumter County high schools, which includes The Villages, Wildwood and South Sumter. 

My background: I’ve spent 20-plus years coaching in the fitness industry before transitioning to an online coaching space working with athletes and traditional clients. In 2020, I became ordained as a minister at Christian Life School of Theology Global. 

My passion: I discovered my calling to full-time ministry in 2023. After years of experience coaching high school athletes, I missed it. I transitioned from an entrepreneur, business owner, to a full-time minister with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. It’s really become the perfect fit that God called me to do.    

My efforts as a minister are: To support students and give them structure. To pray for them and encourage them to do things that will lead them in the right direction. I organize faith-based meetings, huddles and events for students at all three high schools in Sumter County.  

A typical day for me: Is usually packed starting at 5:30am, from doing devotionals to meeting with pastors – it’s a busy life. I’ve flourished from having more intentionality and knowing what my day looks like as opposed to having a lot of time on my hands. 

Whenever I must make huge decisions in life: I believe in prayer and fasting. I think when God is in the middle of your path, things are a little easier and they just fall into place more. 

A memorable moment for me is: Having coaches and athletes asking me to pray for them. I’ve been able to set up a huddle every Wednesday with The Villages High School boys basketball team and it’s just been so rewarding. It pushes me every morning to get back to these schools and to continue staying engaged with them.  

My interests outside of FCA are: I love spending time with my wife. We are huge movie buffs and love to go to see films in theaters. Before I became a full-time minister, I was an avid golfer. I only play once every other month now, but I’m hoping to change that soon.  

If I could travel anywhere tomorrow: I would go to Israel or the Olympics in Paris to see athletes competing from all over the world.  

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About the Author: Amanda Valderrama

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