The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) hosted its all-day Daughter of the King softball tournament on June 29, at Putnam County’s Poole Recreation Center.
Local leader Carol-Anne Guthrie and Jason McBay, FCA director for Lake Oconee, organized the event to promote an engaging, empowering, and equipping setting to give the young athletes a deeper relationship with Christ, while also developing stronger connections with their teammates and coaches.
“I believe the key to leading people to Christ is by living the example He set by meeting people where they are and loving them for who they are,” Guthrie said. “I love being part of this community as a parent, a pastor, a community leader … but most of all I am proud to be a friend to so many coaches and players and school staff through the ministry of FCA and other opportunities to serve our schools.”
These events are not only about growing spiritually but about raising up young women as they expand their horizons and follow their athletic paths. Guthrie said Daughter of the King events are meant to help teens who face making daily decisions in a world that suggests “It’s all about you,” or “Do what makes you happy.”
“They struggle with doubt and self-esteem, feeling like they are not good enough or smart enough or pretty enough,” Guthrie said. “The truth is that God says that you are enough. And the only true happiness comes from Jesus and the relationship He wants to share with you.”
Jana Johns, who played softball for Oklahoma University, appeared as a guest speaker at the event. She spoke of how she stayed strong in her faith throughout her softball seasons.
The event hosted six teams from local communities, including Lamar, Lincoln, Morgan, Perry, and Putnam counties, plus Eatonton’s Gatewood Schools. Putnam and Gatewood ultimately played each other in the final game, with Gatewood pulling off a 9-1 victory.
Coaches from all teams appreciated the opportunity for their players as the FCA encourages strong relationships and communication for everyone who participates in its events.
“I am looking forward to this upcoming season. We graduated a large class of seniors, but have some amazing girls coming up,” Putnam County coach Mollie Jones said. “This year will be exciting, too, because we have many who are new to the sport. Watching girls’ sports grow in the community is amazing.”