News Summary
The King’s Academy (TKA) has announced it will not compete in the 2025 TSSAA football season, joining Webb School – Bell Buckle in this decision. Interim Athletic Director Matt Crowder emphasized the aim to rebuild and strengthen the football program for future seasons. Although the varsity team will not play, TKA is committed to developing student-athletes through workouts and enhancing its middle school football program. This move comes amid a challenging period for TKA football, including the recent resignation of its former coach.
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – The King’s Academy (TKA) has announced that it will not participate in the 2025 TSSAA football season. The decision, confirmed on July 25 through an email to TKA families, marks significant changes for the school’s athletics program.
TKA’s cancellation of the upcoming season comes as it joins Webb School – Bell Buckle, which is also not fielding a football team for 2025. Interim Athletic Director Matt Crowder stated that the academy is not abandoning football altogether but rather preparing for a stronger comeback in the future. The cancellation is specific to the 2025 season and does not imply that football will be discontinued at TKA.
The reasons behind this decision remain unclear; however, Crowder emphasized a focus on the development of student-athletes, highlighting the importance of growth and learning as part of a long-term strategy for the football program. TKA plans to concentrate on training athletes at lower levels to establish a robust foundation for a revival of the program aimed at returning to field competition by the 2026-2027 season.
While the school’s varsity football program faces this setback, TKA will continue to invest in its current players through organized workouts and personalized athletic development. Furthermore, the middle school football program within the academy is reportedly thriving, creating optimism for the future of the sport at TKA.
The decision comes shortly after the resignation of former football coach and athletic director Jonathan Sellers on June 16. Sellers had been with TKA since 2018 and presided over a period that included three winning seasons and playoff appearances six times, including two trips to the quarterfinals. However, since 2022, the football program has struggled, posting a record of just 6 wins against 26 losses. The team was winless in the 2023 season and recorded a 2-9 finish in the following season, indicating a noticeable decline in performance.
Interim head of school Kelly Sullivan-Connatser expressed optimism regarding the direction in which the school is headed, viewing this moment as an opportunity to strengthen not just the football program, but the entire school community. Sullivan-Connatser envisions future developments that would contribute positively to the student experience.
Prior to the cancellation, TKA had prepared a full schedule for the 2025 season, which included a rivalry game against Webb-Bell Buckle scheduled for October 31. Instead of competing in these games, TKA plans to host community events that will foster community engagement and support for students.
As TKA focuses on its long-term goals and strengthens its athletic programs from the ground up, community members and supporters are encouraged to remain engaged and support current athletes as they navigate this transitional period.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: The King’s Academy Cancels Season
- Tennessean: Tennessee High School Football Schedule – Week 11
- Knox News: John Slaughter Transfer Portal
- Tennessean: Tennessee High School Football All-State Teams
- AOL: Tennessee High School Football Schedule
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