For over two decades, Head Coach Kirk Handy has been a leader for the Liberty University Men’s Division I Hockey team, known for his devotion and service to the program. What many do not see, however, is that Handy has had an impactful figure standing alongside him to support him throughout his entire stint at Liberty — his wife.
Though she is not in the spotlight, Jannie Handy has been a faithful pillar for Liberty Hockey throughout much of the organization’s development. Jannie juggles her involvement with the program while working a successful career and raising their four boys: Parker, Preston, Pryce and Porter.
Jannie and Kirk first met when they were both students at Liberty in the late 1990s. They were both studying psychology, and Kirk was playing on the hockey team.
At that time, the hockey program was still in its early years, as the LaHaye Ice Center did not open until 2006. Games were played about an hour away at various ice rinks in Roanoke, Virginia.
All games began at 11:00 p.m. or later, so to popularize the sport, students were given permission to sign out past curfew to attend the games. This involvement helped spark a surge in hockey attendance among students, helping the young program while it was still getting on its feet.
“It was obviously quite exciting to go to the games because you were able to sign out and stay out late past curfew,” Jannie said.
During their time as students in the same degree program, the two grew closer, and after dating for a while throughout their college years and after graduation, the Handys were married.
“We got engaged in 2003 and were married that same year,” Jannie said.
Kirk became the head coach for Liberty in 2001. With the two dating and married not long after, Jannie was quickly immersed in the world of being a hockey coach’s wife.
“In the beginning, I would travel with him all the time. I’d travel with him to all of his games,” Jannie said. “It was such a fun experience, and the players have always been awesome to me.”
Despite her husband’s busy schedule, Jannie still found time to pursue a career of her own, becoming a real estate agent in 2005. Once the Handys began to have children in 2008, however, it became more difficult for Jannie to travel to away games.
“We had four children in five years, but I always managed to go to Kirk’s home games and with all the kids,” Jannie said.
Handy’s passion for hockey transcended onto each of their four sons as they all currently play travel hockey. Jannie now balances going to her sons’ games on top of still supporting Liberty Hockey.
“I would say the most challenging part is just the times when Kirk is not around,” Jannie said.
Though the busy schedule can make things challenging, Jannie finds a way to manage.
“While Kirk is on the road, I try and manage all the other responsibilities at home while still traveling to our sons’ games,” Jannie said.
When there are no Liberty DI games, Kirk makes it to as many of his sons’ games as he is able.
While life as a coach’s wife comes with unique challenges, Jannie has risen to the occasion to support her husband’s passion.
“She is all in,” Kirk said. “She understands what it takes to be a coach, and she understands where she has to fill in some gaps for me.”
Jannie is grateful for the opportunity she has to raise her kids around the players in Liberty’s hockey programs. Amid the pressures of being pulled in so many different directions, Jannie leans on the Lord for guidance, as she finds peace in him.
“I try not to stress with the busyness of life as I know God will provide, and we also have a special supportive community around to help out” Jannie said. “Whether I have one kid or four kids, life is still a challenge. I know God gives you the ability to handle what he puts in front of you.”
As many players come in and out of the five teams in the Liberty Hockey program each year, the Handys treat each one like their own, as Jannie has become like a second mother to many of the players. The Handys have extended their hospitality to dozens of players within the program over the years.
The Handys have always had an open-door policy at their home, as they are consistently taking in players and families who need a place to stay. It is common for them to attend weddings of current and former players, and they even remain in contact with many former players and their families to this day.
The Handys’ devotion to serving players has created a special culture in Liberty Hockey, as they prioritize faith and community among the teams.
“I feel we are fortunate as we never have a dull moment,” Jannie said. “My kids are better off for having the opportunity to be around the Liberty Hockey family.”
Over the past two decades, Jannie has had a front row seat for the evolution of Liberty Hockey, watching the program expand each year. Not only have the Handys built the culture of the program, but they have also seen it through to its transformation into a high-quality athletic institution.
“The program has continued to improve every year,” Jannie said. “Kirk is a connector of people, and we have had so many people join in on this journey. The Liberty program and facilities are top notch.”
Alongside the expansion of resources and quality of play on the ice, Liberty Hockey prioritizes spiritual growth among players. Jannie mentioned a unique opportunity the program offers is regular mission trips for the team.
“I have enjoyed going on the mission trips with the team,” Jannie said. “The mission trips not only demonstrate Liberty’s mission of spreading the gospel of Christ, but it has also been transformative for the players lives and brings them closer as a team.”
She has also enjoyed seeing the spiritual growth in her husband’s program over the years.
“Seeing the players come in as freshmen and watching them mature and grow until they graduate as godly men is very fulfilling,” Jannie said.
Not only has Jannie made a profound impact on many players throughout their time in the program, but she credits them with being positive figures in her children’s lives.
“It is so beneficial for our kids to see the players, not only as hockey players, but also as hockey players who love Jesus,” Jannie said. “… Our kids having these male influences has been so encouraging to Kirk and me.”
During her time as the wife of a Liberty coach, Jannie has proved to be an example of a woman of faith, rising to the occasion where the Lord has placed her.
Alongside her husband, Jannie has made a profound impact on the hockey program at Liberty, showing the love of Christ to the players she has taken in over the years, all while being a supportive wife and mother.
“She’s been the greatest partner for me for 26 years,” Kirk said. “She’s found a way to support me, raise our four sons (and) always be there for us.”
White is the sports editor for the Liberty Champion.