Sunbird Family,
As we turn the page into a new academic year, I am filled with gratitude for the ways God continues to provide for Fresno Pacific Athletics. Campus is alive again as students have returned. The energy of welcome week, move-in day, and the first practices of the year remind us of the privilege of serving our student-athletes. Their joy, laughter, and excitement breathe life into this place, and we are grateful for the community God has called us to build here at Fresno Pacific.
We are excited to welcome several new leaders to our coaching staff. Landon Miller takes the helm in cross country, bringing passion and experience to guide our runners this fall. Alumni Ray Eggert returns to campus to lead our men's and women's swim and dive programs. Ray was a member of our national championship teams and knows firsthand what it means to compete at the highest level as a Sunbird. Also in the pool, we welcome former California Baptist head coach and Fresno native Jon Miller as head coach for men's water polo.
On the pitch, we've strengthened our soccer programs with Cameron Shahrokhi (men's soccer) and Roberto Hernandez (women's soccer) moving into head coaching roles. Both faithfully served as associate head coaches last year and will continue to build on the rich legacy of FPU soccer alongside legendary coach Jaime Ramirez, who continues to serve as director of soccer.
We are also thrilled to share that coach Alyssa Troutt has done a tremendous job building our brand-new STUNT program. Twenty-six student-athletes are now on campus as part of this exciting addition to our department. This is yet another opportunity for young women to compete, grow, and glorify God through athletics at FPU.
To complete this launch, we are seeking support for the STUNT team room, a space that will give our student-athletes a true home. Your investment will provide not just lockers and facilities, but a daily reminder to our team that they are valued, supported, and sent out as representatives of Christ.
In that same spirit, I am excited to announce our upcoming Week of Giving for FPU Athletics. This will be our main fundraising effort going forward—a time for alumni, families, and friends to come together in support of our teams. Every dollar raised will go directly toward enhancing the student-athlete experience, from facilities and team rooms to spiritual growth opportunities. This is not just an investment in athletics...it is an investment in kingdom work. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9:23, "I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings." When you give, you are helping us create spaces and experiences where student-athletes can thrive spiritually, academically, and athletically.
It is a privilege to watch the Lord raise up new leaders and expand our reach through athletics. Please continue to keep our coaches and student-athletes in your prayers as we begin this year with hopeful anticipation. As Colossians 3:17 reminds us: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
We press on together, by God's grace and for God's glory.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Kyle Ferguson
