News Summary
The King’s Academy has announced the cancellation of its football season, marking a significant shift in the school’s athletic program. Following a decline in performance, the decision is focused on player development and revitalizing the program for future seasons. TKA aims to engage with the community and develop younger athletes during this hiatus while planning to return to competitive play in the coming years.
KNOXVILLE, TN – The King’s Academy (TKA) has announced the cancellation of its football season for the 2025 Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) season. This news was confirmed on July 25 through an email sent to TKA families, marking a significant shift within the school’s athletic program.
TKA is now the second school in the TSSAA’s Division II-A East Region to cancel its upcoming football season, following the Webb School – Bell Buckle. Despite this cancellation, TKA’s Interim Athletic Director, Matt Crowder, emphasized that the school is not stepping away from the sport. Instead, it intends to use this time to prepare for a stronger comeback, focusing on the development of its football program.
This cancellation, however, is limited to the 2025 season, and the decision seemed to have been made without specific reasons provided. TKA is pivoting its efforts towards player development, committing to invest in current student-athletes through structured workouts and personalized athletic training. TKA’s Middle School football program is reportedly experiencing growth each year, which aligns with the school’s objective to revive its football program by the 2026-2027 season.
Recent Performance and Coaching Changes
The decision to suspend the football program comes on the heels of a recent leadership change. Former football coach and athletic director Jonathan Sellers resigned on June 16. Sellers had been with TKA since 2018, after taking over from coach Matt Lowe. Under Sellers, TKA enjoyed some success, achieving three winning seasons and reaching the playoffs six times, including two quarterfinal appearances.
Though there were periods of triumph, TKA’s football program has struggled in recent years, marked by a poor performance record of 6-26 since 2022. The team finished without a win in the 2023 season and recorded a 2-9 mark the following year. The decline in win totals has prompted a reevaluation of the program’s structure and future direction.
Future Plans and Community Engagement
In lieu of scheduled games during the 2025 season, TKA plans to organize community events to maintain engagement among students and families. A full schedule had been prepared, including a rivalry game against Webb-Bell Buckle on October 31, which now will not take place.
Interim head of school Kelly Sullivan-Connatser referred to this period as an opportunity for the entire school community to strengthen. Although the cancellation reflects recent challenges in team performance, the administration expresses hopes for revitalization and growth within both the athletic program and overall school spirit.
Conclusion
The King’s Academy’s cancellation of the 2025 football season marks a pivotal moment for the school’s athletic program. By focusing on player development and investing in younger athletes, TKA aims to lay a strong foundation for future success in football, with the goal of returning to competitive play by the 2026-2027 season.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
