FBCA Announces New Director of Athletics

Richard Lazarou has been named Fort Bend Christian Academy’s Director of Athletics, beginning this month. Coach Lazarou brings proven experience as a former 5A High School Campus Athletic Coordinator and over 20 years of coaching experience. He has a passion for athletics and a vision for FBCA that will impact the continued growth and success of both our Middle and Upper School programs. Coach Lazarou will work closely with FBCA’s Executive Leadership team, Athletic Booster Club, and families to enhance the athletic student experience and programming.

Prior to joining FBCA, Coach Lazarou began his education career in Fort Bend ISD at Austin High School as a teacher, football and soccer coach, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, and Recruiting and Video Coordinator. He then went on to work at B.F. Terry High School in Lamar CISD as a teacher, Head Boys Soccer Coach, Summer Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, and Varsity Football Running Back Coach/JV Head Coach. In August of 2012, he moved to Willowridge High School in Fort Bend ISD, where he held the role of Head Boys Track Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, and Assistant Head Football Coach. A year later, he stepped into the Head Football Coach and Campus Athletic Coordinator role, a position he held for eight years. During that time, Coach Lazarou saw a great deal of success under his leadership.  He managed over 36 coaches, led the team to the playoffs, managed major athletic renovations on campus, and oversaw a large amount of growth among team numbers and players that the school had not seen in over a decade.  In 2020, he ventured into restaurant management as the General Manager and Senior Director at Chick-fil-a in Pearland. 

“This experience strengthened my trust in the Lord, that He is sovereign and providential and blessed me with a passion for entrepreneurship and that will serve me well here at Fort Bend Christian going forward,” Lazarou said.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to join the Fort Bend Christian family.  Anyone who has spent any time around me over the last 20 years knows that I am passionate about Jesus, athletics and leadership development, and this position allows me to live out my passion for all three on a daily basis without compromise,” Coach Lazarou said. “My vision for the FBCA Athletic Department is to glorify God by discipling our athletes off the field so they can play with excellence on the field, love our neighbors on the field, and be equipped to do the same out in the world.”

Coach Lazarou has been awarded and nominated for a Touchdown Club Award, Positive Coaching Alliance Double Gold Coach Award, Fort Bend Playbook Coach of the Year, Texas A&M Inspiration Award for Exceptional Secondary Education, Austin High School Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year, and numerous other coaching and education recognitions. He is passionate about community service and actively volunteers at his church and many other faith-based organizations in the area. 

Coach Lazarou received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Houston. A member of Grand Parkway Baptist Church, he is passionate about his relationship with the Lord and helping young people grow in their faith. He and his wife, Susan, reside in Pearland and love working out and visiting different restaurants around the city of Houston together.