Fellowship of Christian Athletes proudly presents Liberty University Hockey Coach Kirk Handy with the FCA Hockey Character Coach Award.
This award is presented annually to a hockey coach who exemplifies the FCA Values of Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence — both on and off the ice.
“FCA is pleased to recognize Kirk Handy for his years of sharing the love of Jesus with young athletes,” said FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson. “His servant leadership and Christ-centered coaching continue to leave a powerful legacy for God’s Kingdom.”
“Coach Handy is an amazing man of God. He truly loves Jesus and lives out the Fruits of the Spirit. He loves his players and cares for them as much off the ice as on the ice,” remarked FCA’s Tim Hill, Metro Director for Greater Lynchburg, VA. “[He is a] super successful coach in terms of wins and losses, but more importantly, he loves his players with the love of Jesus!”
Handy has been the head coach for Liberty University hockey for over two decades. He was named ACHA Division 1 Coach of the Year for the 2019-2020 season. He has been involved in FCA for the past 16 years, embodying the FCA values of Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence in everything he does for the ministry. Handy has served as an FCA Camp clinician, coached FCA teams and hosted FCA Camps in his arena.
“Kirk Handy is a remarkable servant leader who continually pours into his players and staff with encouragement and purpose. He leads with Christ at the center of his life and exemplifies true integrity in all he does. Congratulations to Kirk on being named FCA Hockey’s Character Coach of the Year — well deserved,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Ian McCaw.
Liberty University Hockey Assistant Coach Ben Hughes shared, “For over 25 years, Kirk has poured himself into coaching with unwavering commitment, building a legacy of transformation that continues to bear fruit today. He exemplifies the Christian principles of Service, Excellence, Dedication and Love both on and off the ice. He is a transformational coach who places the condition of a player’s heart and their relationship with the Lord above all else. Rather than focusing solely on athletic performance, Kirk leverages the vehicle of hockey — and the inevitable hurdles that arise in competition and life — to instill Godliness in those he mentors. His approach consistently produces young men who grow not only as athletes but as disciples of Christ, reflecting integrity, humility and purpose in every arena.”
“Receiving the FCA Hockey Coach of the Year award is incredibly humbling,” Handy remarked. “After 26 years of coaching here at Liberty University, I’ve poured my heart into building not just a competitive hockey program, but a program where young men grow in character, faith, and excellence on and off the ice.
“This recognition from FCA means a great deal because it affirms that the things we’ve prioritized — integrity, serving others, teamwork and pursuing excellence as unto the Lord — are making an impact. It’s not about personal achievement; it’s a testament to God’s faithfulness over more than two decades. I’ve been blessed to coach hundreds of players, many of whom have gone on to impact their families, communities and even the hockey world for Christ.”
Throughout his career, Handy has always put the needs of his players and staff above his own, making him a truly transformational coach.
“Kirk has proven over the years that he cares deeply about people and desires to honor God in all he does, whether as a coach on the ice, within his family, or working to be the servant-leader God has called him to be… He desires to see others succeed and works to encourage growth in athletes and staff alike by sharing responsibility and giving new opportunities,” said Jeff Boettger, Liberty University Deputy Athletic Director.
As a former player on the Liberty University hockey team from 1996-2000, Handy earned the ACCHL Forward of the Year and Tournament MVP honors before being inducted into that conference’s Hall of Fame in 2015.
“Coaching in a way that honors God means viewing my role as a platform for discipleship first and winning second. At Liberty University, we have the unique opportunity to integrate faith into every aspect of our program,” said Handy. “FCA Hockey has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. Through FCA Hockey, we’ve seen our Liberty team form prayer circles after games and see our players learn how to live out their faith in the hockey world. The eternal impact we’re seeing in young men’s lives is what keeps me going. Partnering with FCA has increased that impact in so many ways and I’m grateful to FCA Hockey and Rick Randazzo for it.”
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Photos courtesy of Liberty University