Elita Perusek started working with FCA in August 2019 as the Head Volleyball Coach for the FCA Girls High School Volleyball Team---Vanguard! During these 4.5 years, she witnessed the Lord work in the lives of the girls on her team and their families. She also observed these girls grow in their love for Christ alongside developing in their volleyball skills. The young women who have graduated from the program blossomed into grounded God-loving young women with a strong concept of their identity and value in Christ. In this same way, two (2) of her three (3) children also greatly benefited from their involvement in FCA and are still involved in it today.
Elita’s heart is to serve Christ! God led her to minister to coaches and athletes through volleyball. After graduating from Ramsay High School (Birmingham, AL) while garnering three 5A state championships and a runner-up title in volleyball, Elita attended the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) and graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and branched into the Quartermaster Corps. During her tenure, Elita was a 4-year NCAA Division I varsity letter winner and led Army to two Patriot League Championship titles (and Two runner-up titles). As a Setter, Right-side Hitter, and Defensive Specialist, Elita still holds many records at USMA. In 2018, the Army Athletic Association at West Point inducted her into their Hall of Fame base on those aforementioned athletic achievements. While a Cadet at USMA, Elita cherished her time in FCA. FCA served as a reprieve from all the stress and hectic life-style of West Point and served as a place of encouragement after the competitive atmosphere at the Academy and on the volleyball court.
Elita is excited to bring that same experience to competitive athletes and use all that God has poured into her to bolster a high level of volleyball in Harford County. Of all her volleyball accomplishments, she prizes seeing the girls’ hearts captured for Christ as the most fulfilling.
Jesus, in the great Commission, called his followers to take the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. In this world of fear and uncertainty, our young generation needs the message of Jesus Christ more than ever. Sports hold an incredible influence over young people. Fittingly, FCA offers an opportunity to take Christ to the athlete to and through the Coach. Elita is excited to join Northern Maryland FCA Staff as the Harford County Club Volleyball Director and take this message to a much larger group.
Lindsey Gutridge began as an Assistant Coach for Vanguard, a Girls High School volleyball team in the fall of 2023. With the opportunity to combine her love of volleyball and desire to be a disciple for Christ, Lindsey wanted to become a part of something greater in the Harford County area. During that time, Lindsey witnessed how God softened her heart and the hearts of the girls she is coaching, as well, through the values/skills being taught and implemented with every practice and game. Throughout her volleyball career, she never stopped in the middle of practice for a devotional to focus on what truly matters, your identity in Christ. Lindsey loves their passion and eagerness to learn about God - it is a continuous reminder to always have that fire for Him.
Lindsey grew up in Santa Claus, Indiana where she went to Heritage Hills High school. She played volleyball as an Outside Hitter. With her cousin alongside her at the net, they took their high school to the only Indiana State Semi-Finals in the history of the program. As an Outside Hitter from 2001-2005, she also led her teams to three (3) Conference Championships and a Sectional title. Lindsey’s passion for the game stemmed from her sister, who also played the sport and attended Murray State University. After playing 6 years of club volleyball (Evansville River City, KIVA, MAVA), Lindsey received a full-ride scholarship to play at Towson University and joined the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). While at Towson, she played as an Outside Hitter and Defensive Specialist where she earned Tiger Athletic Fund Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the Tiger Leadership Award, and the James L. Dunbar Jr. Memorial Scholarship. While attending Towson, Lindsey joined Athletes-In-Action and her relationship with God became stronger than ever. Fellowshipping with other athletes and sharing their love for Christ gave her a sense of community while attending a college so far from home.
Lindsey cannot wait for the volleyball club season to start and work in the hearts of the 16- and 17-year-old girls, who will be joining FCA. The teenage years are some of the hardest and having a coach/friend in Jesus to confide in, can make all the difference. She is excited to watch God’s hand in the FCA volleyball club, and shine the light of Jesus on all the girls.
Megan Laikan as a former right-side hitter and captain at Mount Saint Mary College in NY, Megan cultivated not only a competitive spirit but also a deep understanding of the game's intricacies. After two years as an assistant coach with the NY Elite Volleyball Club in Poughkeepsie, NY, Megan took a brief hiatus upon relocating to Baltimore, MD. However, a profound calling by God propelled her back into the coaching arena. Now with a mission to inspire and guide girls through the avenue of volleyball. Megan's connection with Sovereign Grace Church is a cornerstone of her life. It is within this church community that she found a harmonious convergence of her two passions—volleyball and her Faith. Now, with immense joy and anticipation, Megan embraces her first-year coaching with FCA. On a personal note, Megan doesn't just play volleyball; she lives it! Megan keeps her skills sharp and her coaching insights relevant by actively participating in matches 4-5 times a week, Through coaching, Megan aspires to build not just skilled players but also individuals who embody the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship guided by the principles of Christ, in every aspect of their lives.
Trinity Collier, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, approaches life and volleyball with unwavering faith. Trinity attended Goucher College in Towson, as a right-side hitter. She embarked on her volleyball journey at the age of 12 and, guided by her faith, she prioritized fundamentals and technique, demonstrating significant growth both on and off the court. Trinity's commitment to sound mind and body reflects her strong belief in God's guidance, and this faith has been a driving force throughout her life. Her passion for the game extended into college, and she found fulfillment in coaching middle school girls at St. Paul's School for Girls, where her influence led to remarkable improvements in the team. In her leisure time, she enjoys cooking and finds solace in listening to music, all the while cherishing the values of faith and community.