Fellowship of Christian Athletes is proud to present Stetson University basketball head coach, Donnie Jones, with the 2026 John Lotz “Barnabas” Coaching Award.

The award is given annually to honor a basketball coach who best exhibits a commitment to Christ, integrity and encouragement to others and lives a balanced life. The award is named after former North Carolina assistant and Florida head coach John Lotz.

“Throughout his involvement with FCA, Coach Jones has been committed to utilizing basketball as a platform for Christ-centered discipleship, character growth and spiritual development,” said Shane Williamson, FCA President and CEO. “Coach Jones lives out FCA’s core values of Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence by being a mentor to other coaches, believing in servant leadership and building faith-focused connections with his players.”

Donnie Jones is a veteran college basketball head coach, culture builder and nationally respected leadership speaker with more than 37 years of experience leading student athletes and teams at the highest levels of collegiate athletics. He has helped build championship programs, most notably serving as a key member of the University of Florida’s back-to-back NCAA Championship teams under Billy Donovan.

As the head coach at Stetson University, Jones led the program to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024, ending a 52-year drought and redefining the culture of Stetson Basketball.

Treyton Thompson, a 2023-2025 Stetson basketball player, remarked, “He was the person that brought me to Christ and showed me the righteous way… I think that you know when it comes to… the balance that he has with Christ, he is very well-rounded, he always puts Christ first, he puts Christ in everything that he does.”

Throughout his coaching career, Jones has been an active FCA supporter, speaker and mentor. He has worked closely with FCA leadership under John Evans during his tenure as head coach at the University of Central Florida. Coach Jones strives to lead with integrity and follow Christ’s example of humility and sacrifice. He sees coaching as an opportunity to disciple, mentor and encourage others to flourish in faith, character and purpose greater than their sport.

“Coach Jones’ leadership philosophy is rooted in his personal relationship with Jesus Christ and aligned with the mission of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes: to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus,” said FCA West Volusia Area Director, Regina Oltorik. “He believes leadership is a calling and a stewardship of influence entrusted by God.”

Mercer University Assistant Coach Men’s Basketball, Jonathan Mitchell, shared, “What stands out most about Coach Jones is his balanced approach to life. He manages the demands of family, faith, work and community with grace and perspective, inspiring those around him to do the same. Whether in moments of victory or challenge, Coach Jones remains grounded, encouraging others to keep their focus on purpose and gratitude.”

“I am truly humbled and deeply grateful to be considered in this way. It means more than I can fully express, and I appreciate the time, thought and generosity behind this recognition,” shared Jones. “I have a deep respect for FCA and the impact it continues to make through coaches and athletes. To be included among the incredible coaches who have received this honor is something I do not take lightly, and I am sincerely grateful.”

-FCA-

Photos courtesy of Steve Simoneau and Frankie Barra