Flames DI men's hockey Head Coach Kirk Handy stands on the bench between Assistant Coach Ben Hughes and senior forward Aidan Carney (16) during a game against Adrian College at the LaHaye Ice Center. (Photo by Grace Greer)
Handy receives FCA Hockey Character Coach Award
5/6/2026 8:21:00 AM | Men's D1 Hockey
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The 2019-20 ACHA Division I Coach of the Year, who was inducted into the ACCHL Hall of Fame as both a player and coach in 2015, embodies FCA’s core values.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes presented Liberty University ACHA Division I men's hockey Head CoachKirk Handy with its FCA Hockey Character Coach Award during its conference last week in Florida. The award is presented annually to a hockey coach who exemplifies FCA's values of integrity, serving, teamwork and excellence, both on and off the ice.
"FCA is pleased to recognize Kirk Handy for his years of sharing the love of Jesus with young athletes," FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson said. "His servant leadership and Christ-centered coaching continue to leave a powerful legacy for God's Kingdom."
Kirk Handy, with his wife, Jannie, is presented the award from FCA Hockey Director Rick Randazzo (left) and Representative and Lead On-Ice Instructor Tim Jackman at last week's ceremony in Florida.
"Receiving the FCA Hockey Coach of the Year award is incredibly humbling," Handy said. "After 26 years of coaching here at Liberty University, I've poured my heart into building not just a competitive hockey program, but a program where young men grow in character, faith, and excellence on and off the ice."
"This recognition from FCA means a great deal because it affirms that the things we've prioritized — integrity, serving others, teamwork and pursuing excellence as unto the Lord — are making an impact," he added. "I am absolutely honored, and I am awed that people see Jesus in me. All glory to Him. I am thankful to my family and the university. It's not about personal achievement. It's a testament to God's faithfulness over more than two decades. I've been blessed to coach hundreds of players, many of whom have gone on to impact their families, communities and even the hockey world for Christ."
FCA Metro Director for Greater Lynchburg Tim Hill, who has worked in partnership with FCA Hockey since it moved its headquarters to Lynchburg in 2024, said Handy is a model coach to represent Liberty in every facet of life.
"Coach Handy is an amazing man of God," he said. "He truly loves Jesus and lives out the Fruit of the Spirit. He loves his players and cares for them as much off the ice as on the ice. He is a super successful coach in terms of wins and losses, but more importantly, he loves his players with the love of Jesus."
Flames senior forward and head captain Sam Feamster said Handy is a model of consistency and humility with an unsurpassed work ethic and positive attitude.
"Kirk brings energy to the rink each day regardless of what is going on in the season," Feamster said. "In four years of playing on his team, I have never seen him stray away from his main mission of developing disciples through the game of hockey. He keeps spiritual growth as the priority for each player. Kirk has helped grow me into a leader and a man with a Christ-centered identity."
"Kirk has been used greatly by God to build an incredible college hockey program at Liberty University," said former Flames forward and former head captain Andrew McCombe ('14). "However great that achievement is, it is Kirk's passion to influence the lives of young men that sets him apart. My life was forever changed by meeting Kirk as he helped set the trajectory for the rest of my life — to honor Christ, lead my family purposefully, and to follow his example in Training Champions for Christ."
Handy has been involved in FCA for the past 16 years, serving over the years as an FCA Camp clinician and coach as well as hosting FCA Hockey camps in the LaHaye Ice Center.
"Coaching in a way that honors God means viewing my role as a platform for discipleship first and winning second," Handy said. "At Liberty University, we have the unique opportunity to integrate faith into every aspect of our program. FCA Hockey has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. Through FCA Hockey, we've seen our Liberty team form prayer circles after games and see our players learn how to live out their faith in the hockey world. The eternal impact we're seeing in young men's lives is what keeps me going. Partnering with FCA has increased that impact in so many ways and I'm grateful to FCA Hockey and (Director) Rick Randazzo (who founded it in 2008) for it."
"Kirk Handy is a remarkable servant leader who continually pours into his players and staff with encouragement and purpose," Liberty Vice President and Director of Athletics Ian McCaw said. "He leads with Christ at the center of his life and exemplifies true integrity in all he does. Congratulations to Kirk on being named FCA Hockey's Character Coach of the Year. (It is) well deserved,"
Handy, who also serves as Club Sports Vice President and Athletic Director, guided the Flames to their 10th consecutive ACHA DI National Championships tournament this past March near St. Louis. He was named ACHA DI Coach of the Year for the 2019-2020 season, the year the national tournament was canceled due to COVID-19.
"For over 25 years, Kirk has poured himself into coaching with unwavering commitment, building a legacy of transformation that continues to bear fruit today," added Liberty first-year Assistant Coach Ben Hughes, a former forward and three-year captain for the Flames before Handy tapped him to take on head coaching duties with the Division II men's squad for the previous eight seasons. "He exemplifies the Christian principles of service, excellence, dedication and love both on and off the ice. He is a transformational coach who places the condition of a player's heart and their relationship with the Lord above all else. Rather than focusing solely on athletic performance, Kirk leverages the vehicle of hockey — and the inevitable hurdles that arise in competition and life — to instill godliness in those he mentors. His approach consistently produces young men who grow not only as athletes but as disciples of Christ, reflecting integrity, humility and purpose in every arena."
"Kirk has proven over the years that he cares deeply about people and desires to honor God in all he does, whether as a coach on the ice, within his family, or working to be the servant-leader God has called him to be," added Liberty Club Sports Deputy Athletic Director Jeff Boettger, who previously served as Handy's longtime associate head coach. "He desires to see others succeed and works to encourage growth in athletes and staff alike by sharing responsibility and giving new opportunities."
As a former player on the Liberty University hockey team from 1996-2000, Handy earned the ACCHL Forward of the Year and Tournament MVP honors before being inducted into that conference's Hall of Fame in 2015.
"There aren't many coaches like Kirk," said former Flames goalie Cary Byron, who graduated in 2016. "He is not only a coach, but a friend that is always there for you. He is family. He challenges his players, as men, pushes us to dig in and lead better on and off the ice. I've always admired his competitiveness. Kirk has not wavered in his focus. God is at the center of it all. He has a fierce focus on a mission that is greater than a national championship. The program wouldn't be what it is today without Kirk Handy. I and thousands more wouldn't be who we are today without Kirk."
"I had the absolute privilege to play for Kirk for five seasons, and they were the best years of my life," added former Flames forward Quinn Ryan ('21). "The way he connects with people and makes them feel valued is second to none. I've never witnessed someone touch so many lives, and I'm so thankful for the impact he has on my life still to this day as a life-long friend and mentor."
"Kirk (is) the definition of a Champion for Christ," added former Liberty defenseman Jackson Kuhn ('14).
Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has used the powerful medium of sports and building relationships to reach the world for Jesus Christ. Its vision is to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. FCA is cultivating Christian principles by engaging, equipping and empowering coaches and athletes to know and grow in Christ and lead others to do the same so that lives are changed for current and future generations.
