Matt McGinnis

Matt McGinnis of Salisbury, Md., a longtime local athletic director, recently made a career switch to a different aspect of athletic training – sports ministry. His goal is to see athletes and coaches reach their full potential through a focus on faith as the foundation of their sports careers and lives.

It was a welcome surprise to see you help open the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in Ocean City recently. For the last 15 years, you have been an athletic director. You’ve also worked with college athletes. Tell us more about both things.
I started my career as a college lacrosse coach assisting Coach Berkman here at Salisubury University, then went on to Gettysburg College for a season before heading to Denison University (Granville, OH) where I served as their Head Coach. I moved back to the Shore to accept the position of Associate Athletic Director at Salisbury University in 2008, then I served as the AD at Worcester Prep and Delmarva Christian high schools. In all, I’ve spent 20 plus years working with and developing coaches and athletes.

What has been your own sports involvement? 
I’ve played sports all my life. Football and Lacrosse ruled my life through college, then I got into triathlons and marathons. I also love playing golf. These days my choice of working out is power walking or cycling.

Congratulations on your move to Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Your first official day was June 1, the day of the Torch Run, correct? What does this new role entail?
I’ve recently joined Fellowship of Christian Athletes as the Director for the Lower Shore, serving Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties. My primary responsibility is to grow the ministry by building relationships, expanding our outreach, and helping more coaches and athletes experience the impact of FCA.

Because FCA is a donor-supported ministry, we rely entirely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, churches, and community partners who believe in our mission. Right now, a major focus of mine is connecting with people across the community who share our vision of using sports as a platform to develop faith and leadership in young people.

I’m also recruiting and equipping volunteers, as well as identifying men and women who feel called to sports ministry and may be interested in serving as FCA Area Representatives. My goal is to build a strong team that can positively impact coaches and athletes throughout the Lower Shore for years to come.

Is FCA new on the shore? Is it for both high school and college athletes?
No, FCA has been impacting coaches and athletes here on the Lower Shore since early 1990s. 

What kinds of activities does FCA do? 
We support athletes and coaches growing in their faith by sports ministry in the form of “huddles” a.k.a. Bible studies. We look for coaches to connect with their players and support them to start a student FCA club at their school.

You opened the Torch Run in OC with a prayer. Will you be at more local events? 
Absolutely! Our first-year ministry plan is to be an influence and presence at all Lower Shore athletic events and activities. Look for us at the upcoming Faith and Family night with the Shorebirds in August. (Friday, Aug. 14) You will also find us at a lot of high school and college events this school year.

You’ve worked with student-athletes a long time. What do you enjoy most about working with this age? Have you noticed changes in this group over the years?
What I’ve always loved about working with student-athletes is that you’re helping shape future leaders. Sports teaches lessons that go far beyond wins and losses – things like discipline, teamwork, resilience, and character. Throughout my career, whether as a coach, athletic director, or now with FCA, my passion has been helping coaches and athletes reach their full potential.

Over the years, I’ve seen increased pressure on young people from social media, technology, and the constant need for comparison. But I’ve also found that they’re looking for purpose, encouragement, and authentic relationships more than ever. That’s why I believe sports ministry is so important. It gives us an opportunity to meet coaches and athletes where they are and help them grow not only as competitors, but as leaders and people of faith.

Is FCA limited to students or do you have programs for adults? Can anyone be involved?
Absolutely anyone is welcome. While many people know FCA for our work with students, athletes, and coaches, FCA is truly an all-encompassing ministry that depends on adults serving in a variety of important roles.

FCA’s mission is to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. Our vision is to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. To accomplish that mission, we need people of all ages and backgrounds to be involved.

One of the greatest needs we have is for adult volunteers. We rely on volunteers to help with camps, clinics, events, team outreach, and mentoring opportunities throughout the year. Whether someone has a coaching background or simply a heart for ministry, there are many ways to serve.

A unique opportunity within FCA is serving as a Character Coach. Character Coaches are trusted adult mentors who build relationships with local coaches and teams. They often attend practices, games, and team huddles, helping encourage athletes and support coaches as they develop not only athletic skills but also character, leadership, and faith. Many Character Coaches become some of the most influential people in a young athlete’s life.

We’re also excited about exploring new ministry opportunities through Church Connected Sports, including youth and adult sports leagues that create natural opportunities for community, discipleship, and outreach. As these programs grow, we’ll need coaches, volunteers, league leaders, referees, mentors, and ministry-minded individuals who want to use sports as a platform to impact lives.

The beauty of FCA is that there is a place for everyone. Whether you’re a student-athlete, a coach, a parent, a business leader, a retiree, a church member, or someone simply looking to make a difference, you can play a role in helping us reach the next generation. FCA isn’t just for athletes—it’s for anyone who wants to use the influence of sports to share faith, build relationships, and help others grow in their walk with Christ.

To learn more about FCA check out this video.

To connect with me and learn more about anything discussed above or to become a financial supporter, email me at mmcginnis@fca.org

Matt McGinnis is pictured with his wife Lauren, who runs many local races, and their son Kyle.