Tennessee Valley Defenders

“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

Last night's Beyond the Shield: Called to Lead session was nothing short of POWERFUL!

Our student-athletes had the privilege of hearing from three men whose lives have been transformed after incarceration.... Mr. Maurice Russell-Owner of G's Country Kitchen, Mr. Demarco Stewart-Founder of Voices of Change, Alabama, and Mr. Gregory Caudle-Former National Champion and Student-Athlete, Lipscomb University Men's Basketball.

Their stories of pain, consequences, redemption, resilience, and purpose were raw, real, and impactful. They didn't just share their past....they shared hope, wisdom, and the importance of making decisions today that shape tomorrow.

The honesty, transparency, and genuine care they poured into our students created a conversation that will not soon be forgotten. We believe that leadership is built by learning from every experience, and last night was a reminder that your past does not have to define your future.

To our guest speakers, THANK YOU for your courage, your vulnerability, and for investing in the next generation. Your words challenged, encouraged, and inspired our student-athletes to lead with character, make wise choices, and embrace the opportunities before them.

Beyond the Shield isn't just about athletics....it's about preparing today's student-athletes to become tomorrow's leaders.

Leading the Way: Coaches Spotlight continues....

Today, we proudly feature Coach Kelvis White, Head Football Coach and Athletic Director here at Community Christian College-Tennessee Valley.

A former University of Alabama football player, Coach White understands firsthand the commitment, discipline, and championship mindset required to compete at the highest level.

Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, where he has spent years developing successful football programs and mentoring student-athletes at both the high school and collegiate level. His experience as both a player and coach has earned him a reputation as a respected leader, teacher, and program builder.

Coach White's leadership is helping shape the future of Tennessee Valley Defenders Athletics. With a commitment to excellence, discipline, and student-athlete development, he is building a culture that prepares our athletes to compete at a high level while growing as leaders in the classroom, in the community, and in life.

We are excited for the future of Tennessee Valley Defenders Football under Coach White's leadership and look forward to an outstanding 2026 season.

One Team....One Mission....Building Champions

The Standard Continues.....

The Tennessee Valley Defenders are proud to spotlight Head Men's Basketball-Gold Coach JP Fletcher as he enters his second season leading the Community Christian College-Tennessee Valley men's basketball program.

Coach Fletcher has earned a reputation as an outstanding recruiter, player developer, and mentor who is committed to helping student-athletes reach the next level...both on the court and in the classroom. Before joining Tennessee Valley, he served as an assistant coach at Calhoun Community College, where he helped lead the program to its first conference tournament appearance while developing ACCC All-Conference standout Carson Muse.

Throughout his coaching career, Fletcher has helped numerous student-athletes continue their careers at four-year institutions, reflecting his passion for developing talent and creating opportunities.

An Alabama native, Coach Fletcher is a graduate of Sparkman High School and Alabama A&M University, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees while also serving in Game Day Operations for Bulldogs basketball, football, and baseball.

We are excited about the future of Tennessee Valley Defenders Basketball- Gold and look forward to another successful season under Coach Fletcher's leadership.

As we continue to spotlight the outstanding coaches who are leading the Tennessee Valley Defenders into the 2026 season, today we proudly recognize Coach Jacob Borden, our Head Track & Field Coach and Director of Track Operations.

A native of Landersville, Alabama, Coach Borden brings a wealth of experience as both a championship athlete and coach. A former football student-athlete at Faulkner University and Union College, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Applied Physiology from the University of North Alabama, where he also interned with the Strength & Conditioning program. He is an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Coach Borden's résumé speaks for itself....25 years as a football player, six championships as an athlete, and three championships during his nine-year coaching career. Throughout his coaching journey, he has helped more than 50 student-athletes earn opportunities to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.

For Coach Borden, Track & Field is about much more than medals and records. It is about discipline, accountability, and competing against the person you were yesterday. His passion is helping student-athletes achieve personal bests, reach their goals, and prepare for success beyond competition.

His commitment to faith, mentorship, and developing young people aligns perfectly with the mission of the Tennessee Valley Defenders. We are excited to watch our Track & Field program continue to grow under his leadership as we pursue excellence in competition, the classroom, and life.

Leading the Way in 2026. One athlete. One team. One purpose.

Leading the Way in 2026.... Back to Business!

Today we proudly spotlight Coach Troy Ragland, Director of Basketball Operations and Head Basketball Coach of Defenders Blue.

Coach Ragland enters the 2026 season with over 20 years of coaching experience, bringing a championship pedigree, proven leadership, and a relentless commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the court.

A Huntsville native and graduate of J.O. Johnson High School, Coach Ragland attended Alabama A&M University, where he played football while majoring in Physical Education. His coaching career has included stops at J.O. Johnson High School, Mae Jemison High School, Tennessee Valley Prep Sports Academy, and Calhoun Community College.

Throughout his career, Coach Ragland has helped lead teams to three Alabama High School State Championships (2015, 2016, and 2017), coached in the prestigious 2016 McDonald's All-American Game alongside some of the nation's top high school talent, and played an instrumental role in developing countless student-athletes. He also guided Tennessee Valley Prep Sports Academy to its first Prep National Championship Game appearance, further establishing his reputation as a leader capable of building successful programs.

As one of the cornerstones of the Tennessee Valley Defenders basketball program, Coach Ragland continues to set the standard through his passion, discipline, basketball knowledge, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

We are excited for another season of growth, competition, and success as Defenders Basketball Blue continues its pursuit of excellence under Coach Ragland's leadership.

The standard remains the standard and the legacy continues. Let's get to work, Coach!