In 2014, before I knew the Lord, a friend spoke full-time ministry over me. He saw what I didn't see; a call.
My faith has been shaped, largely, by sports ministries. I came to faith because I had a chaplain while playing at UVA - George Morris. I was discipled by him, baptized by him, married by him and now serve in his former role as director to the university I love so much. God is so faithful! He has been kind to reveal Himself to me and patient to teach me His ways.
I have the joy to serve at my alma mater as the FCA director by equipping and empowering staff, coaches and athletes with the transformational message of the gospel of Jesus. In addition, I serve specifically as the football team chaplain. Lastly, I'm here to serve you.. Please reach out and let me know what need FCA can meet in your life.
I attended an FCA sports camp when I was in high school and loved every minute of it. Hearing the stories from the speakers and all that God taught them or brought them through impacted my life to seek the Lord more. The theme of camp that year was Be prepared in season and out of season and that verse in Philippians has stuck with me through these years, to always have an answer for my faith and to seek with all of my heart God and the plans He has for my life. I want to know and be able to explain why I believe what I believe and more importantly the hope and promise that can only be found in Christ.
I am married to the love of my life and we have three kids and a lovable golden retriever named Scout. We are a sports loving family and I am so excited that the Lord has called me to join the team and get to be part of FCA as an administrative assistant.
I have been volunteering in FCA at UVA since 2005, and God called me out of teaching into the ministry in 2020. I serve Behind the Bench to Coach’s wives, and I include their families as well. Often, I am praying and encouraging the children as well as the wives. This can look like various huddles (bible study/prayer groups) of Coach’s Wives on a regular basis. There are one on one times with individuals as well as groups. It’s whatever suits the individuals best. I’m here to serve. There are also times when we have the opportunity to walk with student athletes and their significant other, while they prepare for a very important season of their lives in marriage. George, my husband, and I meet with those individuals for about 8 to 10 weeks and take them through a biblically based marriage preparedness program. I have also been invited to mentor young female coaches who are growing in their position as a coach. I walk alongside them in this season and disciple them. All that I do requires much prayer and the leading of the holy spirit.
My story is one of selfishness and idolatry. Love and mercy. Over and over I put myself before others and things before God. Yet, over and over God pursued me and showed me his unconditional love and mercy. I came to faith my first semester at UVA and was blessed to have many great people around me who have poured into me and helped me grow in my faith. I finished up my time on the wrestling team here this past year and have felt called into full-time ministry. The past few years, God has been working in incredible ways on my team and I feel called to continue in that work.
As I felt the Lord calling me into ministry, going with FCA was a no-brainer. FCA was the reason I came to UVA and a large reason I came to know Jesus. I’ve also been on multiple mission trips with FCA that have been pivotal in my faith journey and there have been many FCA staff who have had a dramatic impact on my life.
God has used wrestling in so many ways to bring me closer to himself and mold me. I’m excited to use the platform of sports to help other athletes experience the same heart and life transformation Jesus has given me. The same way God placed Israel at the crossroads of the earth, sports hold such a high value in our culture that they are a prime way to impact the world.
Address: PO Box 8290
Charlottesville, VA 22906
Phone: 434-218-3217
Email: mhetrick@fca.org