Ladies Luncheon Helps FCA Continue to Make an Impact on the Lives of Ole Miss Athletes
OXFORD, Miss. — The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a dynamic force on the Ole Miss campus, actively working towards its mission of transforming the world for Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. We had the privilege of speaking with Ginnie Ingram, a dedicated member of the Board of Directors, about the upcoming FCA Ladies Luncheon and the organization’s impact on campus.
Ginnie Ingram’s journey with FCA is a testament to the organization’s transformative power. Her involvement began with an excellent high school athlete she taught whose resilience and faith left a profound impact on her. This experience led her to a deeper calling to serve God through FCA. Upon retiring to Oxford with her husband, Glynn, she embraced this calling and has been an integral part of FCA at Ole Miss ever since.
Ingram discussed with us the importance of FCA to coaches, athletes, staff, and others on campus.
“When they go to FCA Huddle, they get to worship and be provided the spiritual support needed to cope with the challenges of competition and life. They find peace. The other students see this. FCA participants are making a difference on this campus.”
Ginnie Ingram, Board of Directors Ole Miss FCA
Fans see signs of faith throughout all Ole Miss athletic sports. Whether football players kneel in the end zone before a game, baseball players circle and kneel in prayer, or basketball, volleyball, softball, and other sports players acknowledge their faith in different forms, faith is seen and on display. It is important to note that players do so by choice, not because they are required to.
FCA Leaders
FCA Leaders serve the athletic programs. What many fans and others do not realize is that Leaders must raise their own salaries. In response to this, FCA holds several fundraisers throughout the year, and proceeds from these fundraisers help financially support the Leaders as well as provide funds for the ministry. In addition to the Ladies Luncheon, other annual fundraisers are the FCA Breakfast, Golf Tournament, and Kessinger Dinner.
The FCA Ladies Luncheon became a fundraiser to support the female Leaders. Ingram explained how this came to be, saying, “We knew there were women that would feel comfortable coming to a women’s event, and if they didn’t already know about FCA, once they found out about it, they would want to know more, and they would probably want to support it.”
And that’s precisely what has happened. Six years ago, Ingram, and fellow Board Member, Laura Webb, developed the Ladies Luncheon into an impactful fundraiser for FCA. “The Leaders for the different women’s teams are spread pretty thin,” Ingram explained. “So, when we started the Luncheon, we asked if they would keep these funds or set some of them aside to hire extra women leaders or help current leaders. You see, they have to raise their own salaries. They are totally donor supported. If we have a woman Leader who is having trouble raising her funds, then some of this money can go to help her,” she added.
‘We’re All in This Together’
As one can imagine, there is much travel involved in college athletics, and this is another area in which support is needed and appreciated.
“In addition, any FCA Leader may need support to travel with his/her team during championship play. Many Leaders are considered a part of their teams and need to be with them to pray, support, and encourage during play-offs. To do such travel, Leaders must pay and provide their own expenses. Funds from the Ladies’ Luncheon can help with this need. We’re all in this together.”
Ginnie Ingram
FCA has become an essential part of Ole Miss athletics. The support the program provides ensures athletes, coaches, and staff there is always someone in their corner willing to listen, help them navigate the difficulties of life, and celebrate victories well. Most importantly, these FCA staff members, Leaders, and supporters bring the love of God and Christ to people who may have never realized the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus Christ and God.
Ole Miss women’s basketball head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, former speaker at the Ladies’ Luncheon, had this to say about FCA,
“To me, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) is more than just an organization—it’s a community where my student-athletes can grow in their faith, strengthen their character, and find purpose beyond the game. It teaches them that true success isn’t just about wins and losses, but about becoming leaders on and off the field, driven by faith and integrity.”
Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin
This year’s Ladies’ Luncheon will be held on September 27th, and Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter will be the guest speaker. Tickets may be purchased HERE. 
Donna Sprabery
Donna Sprabery is a former teacher, graduation coach, and academic coach for boys basketball. She graduated from the University of West Alabama with a major in business education and from Arkansas State University with a MA in Educational Leadership. A native of Meridian, MS, Donna enjoys traveling, gardening, writing, volunteer work, and cheering on the Rebels.
