"The Lord has called me to serve coaches and athletes in McMinn County.

As the ministry of FCA has given me the opportunity to step foot in the local schools to engage, equip, and empower coaches and athletes the power of the gospel is radically changing lives. Without your support, this ministry is not possible. I greatly appreciate your commitment to not only give financially, but also your devotion to pray for those this ministry is reaching."

Daysha Saunders is a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who has a genuine heart for this generation. As an FCA Character coach, she plans to make popular a lasting relationship with God !  A relationship beyond just going to church, through teaching the fundamentals of The Word of God ! Creating a firm foundation for spiritual growth in Him !  Daysha believes that the Holy Bible is at the very center of helping all athletes, and coaching staff to live out the principles, and values of a Godly life. Utilizing her Christian training, Daysha will be a resource ! She will help to develop the moral, and spiritual character of players, and members of the athletic department. Daysha’s goals are to offer Christ to athletes by meeting them where they are, empowering them to be complete, and whole in Christ ! Her desire is to be available  spiritually, and present physically! Being of encouragement when, and where needed. 

Ric began working with students in 1979 and has always had a love and desire for them to not only come to know the Lord but to also grow in the Lord. He enjoys small group studies as well as one on one discipling. He retired last year from the McMinn County Department of Juvenile Services and six years ago from the Tennessee Baptist Convention. He considers himself extremely blessed to be able to continue to minister to TWU students in his retirement. 

Joe grew up in Northeast TN playing sports year round. It was through sports where he met Christ and started helping others do the same. Since that time, Joe has been most often found working with young people that desire to know God and make Him known. Sports is one of many ways he is able to build relationships with others and help students take their next steps with Christ. You will also find him teaching and mentoring students to help them get where the Lord leads them quicker. Finally, Joe really enjoys coffee, College  basketball, College football, his family, the Bible, and books that challenge people to think. Joe has been married to his wife, Amber, for almost twenty years. They have three children that keep them busy having fun! 

Heather Kirkland is the Campus Representative for Tennessee Wesleyan University. Heather is passionate about College Athletes finding their identity in what the Father says about them and not what the world says. She believes strongly in connecting athletes and coaches to healthy Godly community and equipping them in the word of God. Her passion is to see broken down athletes and coaches be healed and restored by the power of the Holy Spirit. The mission is to Engage, Equip and Empower this particular group of individuals. To truly make disciples that will make disciples.

Nick + Kyla Martin are natives to Athens, TN. Actively serving in their church, Hillcrest, they have committed their time to youth ministry, missions and worship. After graduating ministry training through Veritas School of Ministry, the Lord began to pull their hearts toward college ministry. The strong desire to show the love of Christ to the tennis team developed organically through relationships with some of the players at TWU. After prayer, confirmation, and commission, they said “yes!” to the Lord’s leading to become character coaches for Tennessee Wesleyan University’s men and women’s tennis team. 

Asheigh is a passionate discicple of Jesus. She has a bakcground in softball and is so exicted to work with the TWU Ladies Softball Team