Our Team 

Dr. Rebecca (Becky) Crandall is a higher education leader, consultant, and scholar with over two decades of experience helping create educational environments wherein students thrive. Before her current role as Project Director with Rankin Climate, she held faculty positions at Oregon State University and The Ohio State University and worked in student affairs, including serving as a campus minister at institutions in across the Southeast.

Fun fact: When she’s not being a professional nerd, Becky enjoys watching women's soccer, adventuring with friends, and eating her way through whatever town she's in.

Why did you join the board? “I deeply believe in the organization's leadership, mission, and vision, and I am eager to see God use it to disrupt traditional notions of who belongs.”

Favorite quote: "When you ask people to give up hate, you have to be there for them when they do." - Rev. C.T. Vivian

James is a “spiritual being having a human experience.” Wake Forest University is his home base where he have the privilege of working with students and peers in higher ed. As an Episcopal priest and campus minister, he makes space for ALL to discover their own belovedness. As a mindfulness practitioner, he makes space for all to discover they already have everything they need and he gets to help unlock and nurture it. Forests, trees, water, his spouse, his two kids, faith, and the love that connects it all, ground him in this work.

Favorite sports: women's/men's college soccer & basketball, and women's professional soccer (Go Courage!). 

Why did you join the board? “I've seen the harm that non-inclusive theology does to queer people of faith and to athletes. I believe in CAC's vision and dream of athletes and student athletes living wholeheartedly, fully integrated, and living into their God-given, beloved identities.”

Favorite Bible verse:  Luke 15 - the whole chapter! 

Deborah currently serves as the Executive Director of The WEST Project and Restoration Sports—two nonprofit organizations committed to serving coaches and athletes while impacting communities through sport. As a certified Executive Coach and Enneagram teacher, she is passionate about helping coaches and teams grow in communication, performance, self-awareness, and life skills.

Fun fact: Coach John Wooden was like a grandfather to me during my years as an athlete at UCLA and later as a coach. To this day, I’m still the Bruin-est Bruin you’ll ever meet!

Why did you join the board? “I am inspired and encouraged by the vision and mission of CAC and want to do my part in growing this work to reach more people. Joining the board gives me more connection and understanding of how to do that, and it also provides a place of healing for me in my own spiritual journey.”

Favorite Bible verse: ``“Impossible” to choose just one—but today it’s Matthew 12:18–21, especially verse 20:

“He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory.”

Lexi Hastings is a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Institutional Equity & Title IX at the University of Connecticut. A former captain of the UConn softball team, Lexi brings leadership, discipline, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion to her role.

Over the past four years, she has balanced her athletic and academic responsibilities while gaining valuable professional experience. Her undergraduate involvement includes an internship with UConn’s Husky Advantage: Personal and Professional Development program, serving as a Team Impact Fellow, and working as a student assistant for game day operations.

Fun fact: “Softball is my favorite sport to play and I recently joined the US Virgin Island National Team, love to support women’s basketball, I enjoy journaling, traveling, outdoor activities, connecting with natures hobby, and trying new coffee shops.”

Why did you join the board? “Sport and the mentors throughout my life have helped shape me in many ways. The intersection of faith, sport, and community have always been a significant part of my life. Working with the youth has also inspired me to continue to help cultivate spaces were all can grow personally, spiritually, and athletically - which stems from being able to show up as our authentic selves.”

Favorite Bible verse: Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good days and glorify your father in heaven.”

During her tenure in the business world, Connally focused on marketing and operations for financial institutions, then took those skills to non-profit institutions working in operations and development. In retirement, she is a part-time bookseller. Connally is an active volunteer and has served on over 10 non-profit boards serving youth, The Episcopal Church, and social justice enterprises.

Fun fact: Connally is a whitewater enthusiast, and her favorite river of all is the Colorado river through the Grand Canyon.  

Why did you join the board? “I am drawn to the work of Christian Athlete Circles because I believe strongly in community and the ministry of hospitality, welcoming all into the circle of our Creator's love.”

Favorite Bible verse: Matthew 22:37-49   "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  This is the greatest and first commandment.  And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

“I'm proud to support CAC because sports impact all of us—whether as fans or athletes, their influence is unmatched. CAC offers a much-needed intervention for athletes and for those who care about them. The advice is practical, the prayers are timely, and the educational mission is deeply thought-provoking.

At a time when the United States is in critical need of inclusive Christian spaces that recognize and affirm the full humanity of every person, CAC stands out as one of those essential spaces. It's imperative not only to ensure that CAC exists, but that it thrives. I'm proud to do my part to make sure the CAC legacy is strong.”

“Christianity is a team sport. We follow Christ best when we do so together. CAC cultivates a spiritual community based on inclusive welcome and disciplined faith. That’s the winning formula!”

“I am excited to support Christian Athlete Circles because of their inclusive approach that welcomes all in the manner that shares Christ’s love and affirms the individual's identity and dignity.”

Co-Founder, Co-Director

Co-Founder, Co-Director

Director of Community Relations & Development