Melissa Crossman has always loved sports. And since 1991, she’s loved Christ even more. That year, as a freshman track and field and cross country athlete at the University of Delaware, she came to Christ through the witness of friends. Two years later, she attended an FCA event and heard pro lacrosse player and UD graduate Dan Britton share a message that sparked her faith to a new level. That was the beginning of her quest to bring Christ to life through sports. Now as an FCA staff member, she is focusing full time on that goal.

“FCA provides this amazing forum to communicate the love of Christ with people through sports,” Crossman said. “FCA is the real deal, and the people I have met on staff are serious about their commitment to serving God.”

While competing for the Blue Hens, Crossman worked to earn her degree in exercise science. After graduating she began a career in health, fitness and athletics, serving as a Health and Physical Education teacher, fitness consultant and a coach of multiple sports. Before joining FCA staff full-time she served as cross country coach at Castleton University.

In her role with FCA, Crossman is working to develop and expand the FCA ministry in the state of Vermont by engaging, equipping, and empowering coaches and athletes. Says Crossman, “My hope is to encourage and influence coaches and athletes in Vermont to live a life for Christ. The Bible verse that I find most impacting is Isaiah 40:8, which says, “The grass fades and the flowers wither, but the word of The Lord stands forever.” This verse encourages and reminds me that one can achieve great accomplishments as an athlete, but it is God and His eternal love that lasts forever.”

Crossman and her husband, Robin, have six children, one son-in-law and two grandsons. They reside in North Chittenden where she enjoys hiking, snowshoe racing, nordic and alpine skiing, swimming, biking, healthy cooking and spending time in the outdoors with her family.