JUDY FOX, President and Founder
The vision for Ignite International began in 1989 when Coach Judy Fox, a 20-year veteran volleyball coach, had the opportunity to compete in Mexico on a sports missions trip . As a result of that trip, Judy began to realize that true missions can be defined by the words of the prophet Jeremiah (20:9) when he stated, "But if I say, ‘I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name’, His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot." The dream was planted, and her personal endeavor became to apply this statement to such a degree that it would be the foundation behind her coaching philosophy, the motivation for her athletes and the womb out of which Ignite International would be birthed 14 years later.
Judy's coaching career began at her alma mater, Houghton College (NY). As an athlete at Houghton, Judy had been a solid contributor to both the women's volleyball and basketball programs. Having never played volleyball prior to college, the hand of God was clearly on her as she went from being the most inexperienced player on the team her freshman year to an All-American middle blocker just three seasons later. Upon graduation, Judy served as a volunteer assistant coach for 2 years and then stepped into a full-time position for 3 seasons. During her tenure as an assistant coach, Judy helped the Highlanders achieve some outstanding accomplishments such as NAIA District Champions, Regional Runner-up, and a #6 national ranking in team blocking. In 1991, she also helped lead the team to a 34-3 overall record which included a 26-match consecutive win streak, a school record for any team sport.
Following her tenure at Houghton, Judy stepped into a challenging head coaching role at Indiana Wesleyan University, where the favor of God on her was once again proven quickly. In just 2 seasons she led her squad to the best conference finish they had had in 8 years. They also finished with the best record they had achieved in several preceding years.
Judy then accepted the challenge to step up to the highest level of collegiate volleyball as she took on the role of assistant coach at the University of North Texas. With years of success already behind her, Judy enjoyed the opportunity to spend the next four years in the NCAA Division I's prestigious Big West Conference against perennial powers such as Long Beach State, UC Santa Barbara and the University of the Pacific.
Upon leaving the college ranks, Judy took over the reins of a young program at American Heritage Academy in Carrollton, TX. In her 5-year tenure as the head coach, the AHA Stars established themselves as an outstanding program among private schools in Texas. Judy's leadership and a team of dedicated team of young athletes formed a bond of deep love for one another, their sport and the One they played for. In doing so, they elevated the girls' athletic program at AHA with the following accomplishments: First ever girls' team to win a district championship in any sport, first ever girls' team to win a bi-district championship, regional finalist (top 8 in the state), first ever female athletes to be named All-State, every volleyball school record broken for 3 consecutive seasons. Much more important to Judy was the impact that her leadership had on the lives of her athletes and the victories they experienced together off the court. "The banner that now hangs in the AHA gym, while a great accomplishment, is simply a representation of what God has done in each of our lives through this process. The championship is much more than acquiring a banner or a trophy. It is seeing the fullness of the presence of God working in our lives, walking through life's many challenges, persevering to the finish line and then giving Him all the glory."
Judy has also enjoyed the privilege to compete, coach and minister in Russia, Mexico, Ukraine, Lithuania, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, South Africa and the Dominican Republic. Teams that she has participated with have impacted multiplied thousands of lives through service projects in conjunction with local ministries, radio and television interviews and hands-on clinics at schools, and ministry at orphanages, feeding programs and playgrounds.
"I believe that a kid’s life can be totally, radically changed by taking them out of their comfort zone, and out of their daily life in America. They will be challenged beyond anything they have ever experienced. As a result, I believe they will bring home the same zeal and passion to love and impact others in their daily lives." - Judy Fox
Judy is a native of East Stroudsburg, PA, where she was a stand-out athlete in both basketball and softball. Judy holds a B.S. in Physical Education, a Master of Sport Science in Sport Coaching and is a member of the first graduating class of the Ministers Training Institute (now Covenant Training Institute. She resides in Carrollton, TX and is a licensed minister and an active member of Covenant Church, a non-denominational church in Dallas with approximately 12,000 members.
Judy's philosophy of coaching can be best summarized in the words of Paul: "...Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction."
II Timothy 4:2
P.O. Box 110151
Carrollton, TX 75011-0151
972-323-7970 phone
972-323-5929 fax
info@igniteinternational.org