Coy Hollinshead has been a resident of Baldwin County for 42 years. He is a proud father to his three kids and will be celebrating his 17th wedding anniversary with his wife, Danielle Hollinshead, this July. Hollinshead grew up along a dirt road in south Baldwin County and his childhood was filled with memories of camping, playing sports with his brothers, and spending time with loved ones.
“My favorite memories of growing up in Baldwin are with my family,” said Hollinshead. “I loved checking crawdad traps with my grandfather, riding with my mama in her Bronco to the corner store to get grape soda and watching my sister perform in ‘The Nutcracker’ every year at Georgia College.
“The joys of celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with my aunts and uncles that lived down the road are fond memories too,” added Hollinshead. “These people made the place for me, and I thank God for a blessed childhood. I hope to pass that on to my children Sadie, Scout, and Flint.”
Hollinshead works as a connections pastor at Church Central and as an area representative for the Sinclair division of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In his role, he facilitates huddles at local school, and leads discipleship with coaches.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes provides students and coaches with the opportunity to participate in a Bible study before or after school, and to find a sense of faith-based community in athletic programs. Hollinshead has been with Fellowship of Christian Athletes since 2022 and has seen the program flourish in Baldwin County.
“I had been doing student ministry for 12 years with my church, but once I started with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, I was able to minister students in a new setting,” said Hollinshead. “As well as getting to disciple coaches and being able to spiritually support them has shown me what work can be done outside of the church, physically.
“To be the church in the schools here, not pushing the Bible onto kids, but facilitating other’s discipleship is incredible. For the students who may not be able to go to church, they have the opportunity to study the Bible with their peers. It’s a great opportunity for students who seek that,” said Hollinshead.
Additionally, Hollinshead enjoys the role because of the unique way he supports local middle and high school coaches. He believes that getting to work with them gives him the opportunity to ensure they are feeling supported while they are going the extra mile for their athletes.
In his free time Hollinshead enjoys supporting his kids at their sporting events, spending time at the Oconee River, or watching a Georgia College baseball game. Hollinshead stated he wanted to raise a family in the same town he grew up in, so that his children could grow up in the same supportive community he did.
“I believe part of the passion I have for what I do comes from the men and women that spoke into my life as a boy and helped to point me to Jesus,” said Hollinshead. “Many coaches and family members took the time to see me and pass along strength and kindness to me. I hope to see that passed along to both my own kids, and the students I get to work with.”