Wins, losses, mental battles, and faith. The truth is that balancing sports, academics, and religion is difficult for students. Many Alisal students are involved in sports and even competitive clubs out of school. Beyond their devotion academically and on the field, these dedicated student-athletes are also in search of ways to keep God at the center of their lives.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, or FCA, allows student-athletes to meet every other Tuesday during lunch to empower the gospel and share personal stories on their testimonies with God. Like Crossroad Connections, the other Christian based club on campus, FCA provides a welcoming space for student athletes who are interested in strengthening their faith. Surrounded by teammates and classmates who desire the same goal of stability within religion and excelling performance, both athletically and academically.
FCA was originally founded in 1947 but not officially introduced at Alisal until 2023. “I reached out to FCA representatives and our local chapters to see how we could start our own chapter at Alisal,” Marisol Rasul, lead advisor of FCA, said. Once admitted as an advisor, student leaders went through an application in order to be approved as FCA student leaders.
Despite being a new club at Alisal, vice president Audreyna Ruiz said FCA consists of 50 members, though Rasul said not everyone comes consistently. FCA’s goal is to provide all members support, unmasking difficult topics “We talk about stuff like balancing out school, sports and just life in general,” Ruiz said. “We have speakers that are pastors or former athletes so they know what they’re talking about and it just helps people get through their challenges.”
All members at FCA contribute their own journeys with God and are allowed to see progression in their peers’ walk with God at a distance. “Members often report increased confidence in their faith, a stronger sense of community,” Rasul said. Current FCA president Mercedes Patoc said, “It’s really strengthened my relationship with God and school and my community, especially with Jesus Christ being a vessel for him. I really felt like I was called to do something.”
Now what if you’re not Christian? Rasul said they welcome everyone. “We share a meal to build community and start conversations for fellowship,” she said. “The organization encourages an inclusive environment where non-Christian athletes can participate, learn, and engage in discussions about faith and sports.” The environment within FCA doesn’t necessarily revolve around just athletes, anyone can join. ”They can link with an athlete if they need support, or one of our leaders.”
Beyond the faith and sports, FCA is one of those clubs at Alisal that is centered around building bonds within athletes and coaches. “A lot of my teammates are a part of it too, it keeps us good together,” senior Alexander Loredo said, “The verses and lessons just show me that even though I have tough times in class and outside of school, I’ll prevail, just taking it one at a time.”
