The DeFatta’s

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…” These are some of the first words that come to mind for the DeFatta family when reflecting on their journey of being a part Grace Christian Academy.

In 2010, Laura DeFatta began teaching 2nd grade at GCA, where she continued teaching for the next four years. She recalls the sweetest of memories in the classroom and will always be grateful to Mr. Mason and the administration for taking a chance and hiring her as a brand new teacher. It was a season she will always treasure.

The school was small and fairly new at the time, thus still beginning new programs. Mr. Mason approached David DeFatta about starting a coed soccer

program at the school. A bit uncertain of what that would look like, but excited for the opportunity, David accepted and, along with Laura on the sidelines, began GCA’ s soccer program. Over the next few years while Laura taught in second grade, David built houses during the days and coached soccer in the afternoons. Each new season brought growth, changing of divisions, and eventually establishing both girls and boys individual teams. More importantly, however, as each season progressed David began to realize how called he truly felt to coaching soccer, not as much for the sport aspect- however he loves to compete, but for the importance in establishing authentic relationships with his players, walking with them through their lives, pouring into and loving them well. David grasped that the Lord had given him an incredible opportunity and one he had to take very seriously.

Laura stepped out of the classroom a few years later as the DeFattas became parents to their girls, Mary Bennett and Ady, (both current & future lions). David continued coaching and began focusing more specifically on developing the high school boys program.

With each season, David strives to be more intentional with his players and pour God’s truth into them. His prayer is that the players walk away from the program with wisdom that will remain with them far outside of the soccer field- knowing they are loved by God, created with a purpose, and dedicated to His calling on their lives. David mentions that his task of instilling these boys with Truth isn’t a solo effort. The Lord has brought together an incredible coaching staff over the years. David says these coaches are crucial to the program ’s success and each brings important giftings to the team. He is deeply grateful for this group of coaches, all they have invested in both him and the players over the years, and considers them lifelong friends.

This is David’s 11th season coaching GCA soccer, and the DeFattas are blown away by all that the Lord has done in and through the ministry of this school, and are so grateful that He knew all those years ago they were meant to be a part of Grace Christian Academy.