Fellowship of Christian Athletes recently honored Georgia Southern University’s baseball coach Rodney Hennon with this year’s Jerry Kindall Character in Coaching Award.
FCA presents the Kindall Award each year at the ABCA Convention to the college or high school baseball coach who best exemplifies the Christian principles of character, integrity, excellence, teamwork and service.
“Fellowship of Christian Athletes has honored an incredible coach who has impacted numerous players over his successful career,” said FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson. “We congratulate Rodney Hennon for not only his coaching accomplishments but also for the way he has touched the lives of countless young athletes and impacted them for the Kingdom of God.”
FCA Georgia State Director Brad Lane commented, “For over 15 years, Coach Hennon has not only welcomed the ministry of FCA into his baseball program but also actively participated in our opportunities to lead out. From attending FCA Family Camp with his family to joining a mission trip to Brazil alongside his players and sons, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to integrating faith into the realm of baseball. Witnessing his personal growth in faith in Christ and dedication to the spiritual development of his players and coaches makes this well-deserved award. I know he is honored and humbled to receive it.”
Coach Hennon has participated in, and led, a Coaches Huddle with his coaches for the past 15 years. He encourages his players to be a part of bible studies and chapel programs. Coach Hennon has attended Coaches Family camp at Black Mountain, North Carolina, where his daughter Keely began her relationship with Jesus. He recently went on a mission trip with FCA to Brazil, along with his two sons and two players, to do baseball ministry.
Coach Hennon has consistently showcased love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control in his demeanor and actions. His demonstration of these virtues is commendable and reflects his commitment to Christian qualities in various aspects of life.
Lane said, “Coach Hennon is the same guy on and off the field. I have seen him interact with players, coaches, parents, and his family — nothing changes. Coach Hennon works with his coaching staff and players to help them understand they are playing and coaching for each other. He also does all he can to make sure that the entire program is run with excellence.”
A few of Coach Hennon’s coaching accomplishments include his 903-602-1 overall record for 26 seasons, 2000 and 2001 Southern Conference Coach of the Year, and guiding the Georgia Southern Eagles to six NCAA Regionals.
Jesus led by serving those around him. Coach Hennon leads his team and coaches the same way, by serving them. He consistently looks for ways to enhance a coach or player’s life. This is demonstrated by his words of encouragement and by helping players and coaches find their “next steps” in God’s will for their lives.
Hennon said, “God has used FCA to help me personally grow as a husband, father, and coach. FCA has made a powerful impact on my family and our program at Georgia Southern. I am very grateful for Brad Lane and our local FCA ministry and am also blessed to be at an institution in which we are supported in our spiritual growth. I am very humbled and honored to receive this year’s FCA Jerry Kindall Character in Coaching Award.”
FCA’stheme for 2024 is “24/7,” based on Romans 15:13 (CSB): “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” FCA reminds coaches and athletes that their identity and value is found in Christ, rather than their sport.
