Tennessee Valley Defenders

Community Christian College-Tennessee Valley and the Defenders extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family of Qadir Lyle, as well as the Austin High School and Faulkner University football families.

The loss of a young life is felt far beyond one family, one team, or one community. During this incredibly difficult time, we join so many others in lifting Qadir’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones in prayer.

May God surround each of you with His comfort, give you strength for the days ahead, and grant you peace that surpasses all understanding.

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart…” Psalm 34:18

Mondays are set aside for Called to Lead: "Faith and Purpose Bible Study" with our Defenders. Each week, we look forward to the engaging and interactive lessons led by our Team Chaplain, Dr. Floyd Rodgers

Through powerful teachings on faith, purpose, teamwork, leadership, and “iron sharpening iron,” our student-athletes are learning lessons that extend far beyond their respective sports. The impact is evident in how they encourage one another, communicate, practice, compete, and carry themselves in their daily interactions.

Weekly Bible study is helping our Defenders grow not only as athletes, but also as disciplined, compassionate, and purpose-driven young men. We are truly grateful for Dr. Rodgers and the positive spiritual foundation he continues to build within our program. We are not only developing athletes....we are developing leaders!

A GREAT DAY TO BE A DEFENDER!

Today, our Tennessee Valley Defenders hit the field for a scrimmage against the Bethel University Wildcats, and our guys looked GREAT!

There was a lot to be excited about.... energy, effort, physicality, teamwork, and guys competing from start to finish. We saw some really good things on both sides of the ball, and we also saw areas where we can continue to grow.

This was another opportunity to get better, come together as a team, and prepare for what’s ahead. And after seeing these young men compete today, we are EXCITED about this season!

The work continues. The standard stays high. And we’re just getting started.

FROM DEFENDER QUARTERBACK TO DEFENDERS COACH!

Coach Stephon Tullis knows firsthand what it means to wear the Tennessee Valley uniform. A graduate of Dothan High School, he played quarterback and wide receiver before joining Tennessee Valley in 2019 and completing his playing career in 2021.

After leaving the field as a player, Coach Tullis chose to remain with the program and begin his coaching journey. For the past four years, he has helped develop our student-athletes both on and off the field.

Defender Nation, make some noise for one of our own-Quarterbacks Coach Stephon Tullis! He has put in the work, poured into our young men, and now it is time to watch his quarterbacks take command and light up the field this season!

MEET THE COACH LEADING THE DEFENDERS’ OFFENSE!

Coach John Lennartz has been helping build our football program since joining the CCC-Tennessee Valley Defenders this past Spring as our Offensive Coordinator.

He brings more than 30 years of coaching experience, including 28 years of high school football across Virginia, Maryland, and Tennessee. His extensive background includes serving as a varsity position coach, defensive coordinator, offensive coordinator, and head coach.

Coach Lennartz also spent four years coaching NCAA Division III football at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where he served as quarterbacks coach and pass game coordinator.

He and his wife, Kimberly, live in Fayetteville, Tennessee. They have four children and three grandchildren.

Defender Nation, help us recognize Football Offensive Coordinator John Lennartz!

LET'S MAKE SOME NOISE THIS SEASON, COACH!

“IT’S TIME!”

Our Beyond the Shiled: "Called to Lead" presentation yesterday with former Ole Miss football player Deano Orr was AWESOME! His message was powerful, timely, and exactly what our student-athletes needed to hear.

Mr. Orr challenged us to focus on three key areas:

1. Work ethic
2. Effort
3. Discipline

What you do in the dark...when no one is watching...is what prepares you for the big things that happen in the light. Success is not accidental. It is built through the work, effort, and discipline you demonstrate every single day.

Thank you, Mr. Orr, for pouring into our student-athletes and reminding us that the time to prepare, grow, and lead is NOW.

Defenders…IT’S TIME!

HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE AT COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE–TENNESSEE VALLEY!

Today, we proudly celebrate a milestone that will forever be part of the Tennessee Valley Defenders legacy.... our FIRST FOUR GRADUATES!

Please help us congratulate the Class of 2026:

Kintre Jackson | Football
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts
Sports Management Emphasis
Dean’s List

Cornelius Washington | Football
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts
Business Administration Emphasis
Six-time Dean’s List honoree

Noah Thompson | Football
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts
Sports Management Emphasis
Five-time Dean’s List honoree

Javonte Nickles | Basketball
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts
Five-time Dean’s List honoree

When we began this journey, the vision was always bigger than athletics. We wanted to create opportunities for young men to grow, compete, earn their degrees, and leave prepared for what comes next. Today, we get to see that vision come full circle.

Kintre, Cornelius, Noah, and Javonte.... you will ALWAYS hold a special place in our history. You didn't just graduate. You became the FIRST. You have set the standard and paved the way for every Defender who will walk across that stage after you.

We are beyond proud of each of you! Your hard work, perseverance, and commitment have paid off.

FOUR GRADUATES. FOUR STORIES. ONE LEGACY.
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2026!!!

The Tennessee Valley Defenders are proud to congratulate our leader, Ms. Mirael Parker, on her appointment as the Vice President of Athletic Operations for Community Christian College!

Since founding Tennessee Valley Prep Sports Academy in 2018, Ms. Parker has remained committed to one mission....creating opportunities for student-athletes to succeed academically, athletically, spiritually, and personally. That vision led to our transition into becoming a remote location of Community Christian College (CCC). Now God has opened yet another incredible door.

As Vice President of Athletic Operations, Ms. Parker will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Community Christian College's remote athletic locations across the United States. She will work alongside Athletic Directors nationwide to strengthen athletic operations, support student-athlete success, ensure compliance, and advance the mission of Community Christian College.

The best part? She isn't going anywhere!

Ms. Parker will continue serving as the leader of Community Christian College-Tennessee Valley and the Tennessee Valley Defenders, continuing to pour into the lives of our student-athletes while also serving the broader CCC athletic family.

This appointment is a testament to her unwavering faith, servant leadership, tireless work ethic, and commitment to excellence.

Please join us in congratulating Vice President Mirael Parker on this well-deserved appointment!

The future is bright, and we're just getting started.

CONGRATULATIONS, Ms. Parker! We are proud to call you our leader.

This past weekend's Beyond the Shield Impact Weekend was nothing short of outstanding!

We were honored to welcome Gloria W. Greene, M.A., CRA, Assistant Vice President for Research Administration and Compliance at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), as one of our featured presenters. With decades of experience in research administration, contracts and grants management, compliance, and higher education leadership, Gloria has become one of the most respected professionals in her field. Her expertise and passion for developing others were evident from the moment she began speaking.

She challenged our Tennessee Valley Defenders student-athletes to think beyond the game and recognize that success is built through preparation, discipline, integrity, and leadership. She reminded them that the same commitment they bring to athletics must also be applied to their education, careers, and everyday decisions.

At Tennessee Valley Defenders, we believe our responsibility extends far beyond the playing field. Through Beyond the Shield, we are committed to preparing today's student-athletes to become tomorrow's leaders, professionals, and difference-makers in their communities.

Thank you, Gloria, for investing your time, knowledge, and heart into our program. Your wisdom, authenticity, and encouragement left a lasting impression on our students, and we are grateful for your willingness to help shape the next generation of leaders.

Beyond the Shield: Staff Professional Development

Investing in our people is one of the greatest investments we can make. Strong programs are built by strong leaders, and strong leaders never stop learning.

This past weekend, the Tennessee Valley Defenders coaches and staff had the privilege of participating in an outstanding professional development session led by Coach Derrick Burroughs, Former NFL Player, Buffalo Bills; Former Head Coach, Lane College; Former Athletic Director, Lane College.
Drawing from his experiences as an NFL first-round draft pick, collegiate head coach, and athletic director, Coach Burroughs challenged our staff to think beyond X's and O's and embrace the true responsibility of developing young people.

He shared invaluable insight on building culture, leading with integrity, creating accountability, mentoring student-athletes, and establishing a program that leaves a lasting legacy. His message reminded us that great coaches don't simply build winning teams....they build successful people.

Coach Burroughs also spent time pouring into our student-athletes, encouraging them to embrace discipline, make sacrifices, lead with character, and prepare for success long after their playing days are over. His ability to connect with both our staff and students made for a truly impactful weekend.

Thank you, Coach Burroughs, for your willingness to invest in the Tennessee Valley Defenders family. Your leadership, wisdom, and passion for developing others will have a lasting impact on our coaches, staff, and student-athletes.

"A year from now, very few people will remember the score, budgets, schedules, or championships. They will remember how you led them, how you treated them, and how you helped them become a better version of themselves." Coach Derrick Burroughs