As the most exciting time in NCAA college basketball comes to a close for the year, FCA proudly awards Grant McCasland, head basketball coach for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, with the John Lotz “Barnabas” Coaching Award.

The award is given annually to honor a basketball coach who best exhibits a commitment to Christ, integrity and encouragement to others, and lives a balanced life. The award is named after former North Carolina assistant and Florida head coach John Lotz.

“Fellowship of Christian Athletes has honored a coach whose influence has made not just a positive, but eternal, impact on his players over his successful career,” said FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson. “We congratulate Grant McCasland for not only his coaching talent but for the way he has invested his time and effort into the lives of his players for God’s Kingdom.”

Coach McCasland is in his first year at Texas Tech and currently has the Red Raiders competing at a high level in the Big 12. As a coach, McCasland leads with his faith at the forefront of every task on and off the court. The way he treats his players, staff, media, and fans around his program is with kindness and respect that honors the Lord. The core values his program culture is built on are all biblically based and modeled in his own life. Coach McCasland also has a Nation of Coaches Chaplain who serves his program.

As a member of FCA, every coaching stop McCasland has made along his journey, he has won the right way with character and toughness and has always been available and more than willing to share his testimony and speak at local FCA Huddles and banquets. McCasland recently spoke to a couple of thousand college students at an on-campus outreach event FCA and several local churches partnered together to host at Texas Tech’s basketball arena. Preaching and ministry are in his blood, because McCasland's Dad and Grandad were both Baptist Preachers.

“I am thankful for this honor, and there’s no better journey than to live a life of sacrifice to Christ,” said Coach McCasland. “This honor is a huge blessing, but, ultimately, all of our hearts must point to Christ and give Him the glory for what He does in and through us.”

Throughout his coaching career, McCasland has held three straight C-USA championship titles, was awarded the 2020 C-USA Coach of the Year, and currently has 211 career wins with a 70.3 career win percentage.

As seen by the players he coaches, and those around him, McCasland is a follower of Jesus who is competing at the highest level in college basketball with integrity and excellence as a platform to impact all those he leads and influences to know and grow in Christ.

“Grant McCasland deserves this honor, because he's truly a follower of Jesus who is competing at the highest level in college basketball with integrity and excellence as a platform to impact all those he leads and influences to know and grow in Christ,” said Corbin Young, FCA Texas Regional Director of Ministry Advancement.



-FCA-

Photos courtesy of Texas Tech Athletics