In July 2003 I arrived on the campus of University of Georgia not really knowing what to expect, except I knew that God had definitely opened a huge door for me through FCA. My fondest memories are certainly associated with the many Bible studies, retreats and other various activities we’ve had over the years, but I would have to say that the highlight has been my relationships with the many young women whom I met with for weekly discipleships. It was in those times of sitting in local coffee shops and talking while sipping lattes that I really got to know these young women and their desire to pursue lives that honored God. This blog is a result of my reminiscing, but, I’m hoping that some of these young women will read this and look back and enjoy the memories they made while here at UGA.

Megan Richardson (Wilson) was on the Equestrian team from 2003-07. Megan was one of the first members of a new Bible study with her team her freshman year. We had about 15 girls come each week and we met out at the old facility off Milledge. After practice, we’d gather and eat pizza and brownies while we studied the book of James. 
Megan and I would meet for discipleship at the downtown Starbucks on Thursday mornings. On one occasion, we actually met at Walker’s Pub because Starbucks was too crowded one morning. The look on the bar-tender’s face when we came in and sat down with our Bibles and Beth Moore books was priceless! Megan is now married to Trevor Wilson (also a former Dawg, Tennis) and they are currently living overseas. 
I had the privilege of being in their wedding back in 2007 in Atlanta and it was truly a wonderful celebration of a godly young couple who remained faithful unto covenant marriage. It was a beautiful day!




Yolanda McRae was on the Softball team from 2003-05. “Yo” was probably as plugged into Team United as anyone could be. Yo started coming to a team study her junior year led by, then teammate/TU intern, Michelle Tyree. Soon after she became one of the biggest spokespersons of TU. 
She frequently served as our emcee at our weekly meetings, came to ALL the TU events we had from cookouts to retreats to hospital and community outreaches. If there was something going on in TU, Yo was there! Yolanda was our intern in the year following her “5th lap” at UGA and I was always amazed at the incredible sensitive heart she had for people. When she got the grace of the Gospel, she lived it, and that’s what made it such a joy to be around her. Yo is a college softball coach now up at Maryland and I believe she is still pouring into the lives of college students where God has planted her. 

If there is anyone I’ve ever met with on a weekly basis and walked away thinking, “Now I wonder who was discipling who just now?” ….it was Lauryn McCalley. Lauryn came to Georgia as a grad student in the Pharmacy program in 2005. She did her undergrad at UT and was a diver there. I didn’t get to meet her until a few months after she arrived on Georgia’s campus. One of the men on staff with Athletes in Action at University of Tennessee had given us Lauryn’s name and phone number, so I called her up and we met up for lunch one Spring afternoon at 5 Star Day downtown. As we began to talk, I was amazed at how we had a common network of friends linked through her hometown of Moultrie, GA. Lauryn loves Jesus Christ, and you’ll always notice the glimmer in her eyes when she begins to talk about Him. When Jesus taught about how we should be “salt and light” in Matthew 5, I immediately think about this girl!! Just being around her makes your day brighter and your heart encouraged. Lauryn helped me get a Swim team Bible study going that year, we fasted together, and most importantly, we prayed. I don’t think I’ve had a more powerful prayer partner that Lauryn. 
She is now married to a pretty cool guy, Mark Niday, and they make their home in Moultrie now. Both of them are pharmacists and I’m anxiously waiting the day that Lauryn calls me to tell me they’re having their first child!