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Grace Academy finally ready for return to region football competition | Chattanooga Times Free Press

Grace Academy Poised for Triumphant Return to Regional Competition After Years of Rebuilding

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — After a prolonged absence from the regional spotlight, Grace Academy is gearing up for a much-anticipated comeback, signaling a new chapter for the private Christian school's athletic programs. The Golden Eagles, long a fixture in Chattanooga's high school sports scene, have spent the past several years navigating challenges that sidelined them from full participation in TSSAA-sanctioned regional events. Now, with renewed resources, a bolstered roster, and a wave of community enthusiasm, the school is finally ready to reclaim its place among the area's competitive elite.

The journey back hasn't been easy. Grace Academy, founded in 1970 as a ministry of Grace Baptist Church, has historically prided itself on fostering not just academic excellence but also character-building through athletics. However, a combination of factors—including fluctuating enrollment numbers, financial strains from the economic fallout of the early 2020s pandemic, and a temporary shift in TSSAA classifications—forced the school to scale back its involvement in regional tournaments. For the 2023-2024 seasons, the Golden Eagles competed primarily in independent leagues or limited invitational events, missing out on the high-stakes drama of district and regional playoffs that define Tennessee high school sports.

School administrators point to 2022 as a pivotal low point. That year, amid statewide debates over private school funding and athletic equity, Grace Academy's enrollment dipped below the threshold for its traditional Class A classification, prompting a reevaluation of its programs. "We had to make tough decisions," recalls Principal Dr. Emily Hargrove in an exclusive interview. "Our focus shifted to sustainability—ensuring we could provide a quality education without overextending our athletic commitments. But we never lost sight of the goal: getting back to where we belong, competing at the regional level."

The turnaround began in earnest last fall, when a successful fundraising campaign, dubbed "Eagles Soar Again," raised over $500,000 from alumni, local businesses, and church partners. These funds were earmarked for facility upgrades, including a revamped gymnasium with state-of-the-art lighting and seating, as well as new training equipment for the school's flagship sports: basketball, volleyball, and soccer. The campaign's success was bolstered by high-profile endorsements from former Grace Academy standouts, such as NBA G-League player Marcus Thornton, who graduated in 2010 and has often credited the school with instilling his work ethic.

Athletically, the return is headlined by the boys' basketball team, which has been the heart of Grace Academy's sports identity since the 1980s. Under new head coach Jamal Richardson, a former collegiate player at Lee University with a reputation for developing young talent, the team is rebuilding with a mix of seasoned upperclassmen and promising freshmen. Richardson, who took the helm in 2024 after a stint coaching at nearby Silverdale Baptist Academy, emphasizes a philosophy of "grit and grace." "We're not just playing for wins; we're playing for something bigger," he says. "These kids have been through a lot—virtual practices during the pandemic, limited games, uncertainty about the program's future. Now, they're hungry to prove themselves."

Key to the team's resurgence is senior point guard Elijah Thompson, a 6-foot-2 standout who averaged 18 points and 7 assists per game in last year's independent schedule. Thompson, who has drawn interest from Division II colleges like Covenant College, speaks passionately about the school's return. "Grace Academy is more than a school; it's a family," he shares. "Being away from regionals felt like we were missing a piece of our identity. This year, we're coming back stronger, ready to show what we're made of." Joining Thompson is a talented supporting cast, including junior forward Mia Reynolds on the girls' side, whose sharpshooting helped the Lady Eagles secure a tournament title in a preseason scrimmage league.

Beyond basketball, the volleyball program is also eyeing a strong regional debut. Coach Sarah Jenkins, a Grace alumna herself, has transformed the team through intensive summer camps and partnerships with local clubs. "We've focused on fundamentals and team chemistry," Jenkins explains. "Many of our players come from homeschool backgrounds or smaller programs, so building that cohesion has been key." The soccer teams, both boys and girls, are similarly optimistic, with new turf fields allowing for year-round training despite Chattanooga's variable weather.

Community support has been instrumental in this revival. Local businesses, including Chattanooga-based Unum Group and EPB Fiber Optics, have sponsored uniforms and travel expenses, while Grace Baptist Church has integrated athletic fundraisers into its community outreach events. "It's about more than sports," says church pastor Rev. Michael Brandt. "Athletics at Grace Academy teach biblical principles like perseverance and teamwork. Seeing the school return to regionals is a testament to God's faithfulness and our community's resilience."

Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 season, Grace Academy has been reinstated in TSSAA's Region 3-A, pitting them against familiar rivals like Boyd-Buchanan, Silverdale Baptist, and Chattanooga Christian School. The schedule kicks off in late August with non-region games to build momentum, followed by district play in September. Expectations are tempered but hopeful; Richardson predicts a playoff berth for the boys' basketball team, while Jenkins aims for a top-three finish in volleyball districts.

Challenges remain, of course. Enrollment, while rebounding to around 350 students, is still below pre-pandemic levels, and the school must navigate ongoing TSSAA regulations on recruiting and scholarships to maintain its private status. Additionally, the broader landscape of high school athletics in Tennessee is evolving, with debates over name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals for student-athletes and potential shifts in classification systems. Grace Academy's leadership is proactive, participating in TSSAA advisory committees to ensure their voice is heard.

Yet, the overriding sentiment is one of optimism. Alumni like Thornton, who returned for a recent pep rally, see this as a full-circle moment. "Grace gave me my start," he reflects. "Now, watching these kids step back into the arena—it's inspiring. They're not just returning; they're ready to soar."

As the school year begins, the halls of Grace Academy buzz with anticipation. Banners proclaiming "Back in the Game" adorn the gymnasium walls, and practice sessions echo with the sounds of dribbling balls and motivational cheers. For a community that has weathered storms of uncertainty, this return to regional competition represents more than athletic achievement—it's a symbol of renewal, faith, and the enduring spirit of the Golden Eagles.

The path forward won't be without hurdles, but with a dedicated staff, talented athletes, and unwavering support, Grace Academy is positioned not just to compete, but to thrive. As Dr. Hargrove puts it, "We've been preparing for this moment. Now, it's time to let our light shine on the regional stage."

In the broader context of Chattanooga's educational landscape, Grace Academy's story resonates with other private institutions facing similar pressures. Schools like McCallie and Baylor have long dominated headlines, but smaller programs like Grace offer a unique blend of faith-based education and competitive sports. This return could inspire others, proving that with strategic planning and community buy-in, even the underdogs can make a comeback.

Parents and students alike are excited about the holistic benefits. "Sports teach life lessons," says parent Lisa Thompson, Elijah's mother. "Seeing my son lead this team back—it's about growth, not just games." Indeed, the academy's motto, "Excellence in Education, Excellence in Life," extends to the field, where character development is as crucial as skill-building.

As the first games approach, the air is thick with possibility. Will the Golden Eagles capture regional titles? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Grace Academy is back, and they're ready to make their mark. (Word count: 1,048)

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