High School Athletics

The Academy’s high school basketball programs give student-athletes opportunities to develop their skills and to compete against other high school programs in the region. Practices begin early in the fall semester, and games begin in mid-November. The season typically concludes at the NACA championships in early March. In 2018 the Lady Knights won the NACA Division 6 championship, and in 2021 the Knights won the NACA Division 6 championship. The Academy plays most basketball games in the historic Mars Gym, and the high school teams can expect to play a handful of games in the Tex Turner Arena (varies season to season). Currently, five former Academy players are competing at the collegiate level, and over its history, JFWA’s basketball program sent numerous players into the collegiate ranks.

One of the longest-running sports offered at JFWA, high school cheerleading/dance offers students in grades 9-12 the chance to learn and develop their cheer skills as they support the Academy’s basketball programs. Try-outs are typically held in April/May for the following school year, and a supplemental try-out is usually held in August for new students. Practices begin over the summer prior to the school year and continue through the conclusion of the high school basketball season in early March. Throughout its history, the cheerleading team has produced skilled cheerleaders, and several have gone on to cheer in college including current members of LMU’s cheer squad.

The Academy’s high school cross country program give students in grades 9-12 opportunities to develop their running fitness and to compete against other runners in the surrounding region. Training begins in early August. Competition begins around Labor Day and concludes at the NACA Championships in early November. Over the years, the Academy has fielded numerous teams that were competitive on a regional and championship level, and a number of runners have gone on to compete at the collegiate level.  

The Academy’s high school tennis program offers student-athletes in grades 9-12 the chance to learn and develop their tennis skills. All ability and experience levels are welcome. The high school program provides a full competitive schedule with match play against other high schools in east Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. Historically, the Academy has a winning tradition, and several players have moved onto play at the college level.

The Academy’s track program offers student-athletes in grades 8-12 opportunities to compete in most running events and a limited number of field events. Beginning in mid-February, track athletes will start practice for area competitions which begin in mid-March and conclude by late April.  

New this year, JFWA is proud to offer a girl's volleyball team!