
SPORTS FOR TENNESSEE STUDENTS
1. Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA)​​​​​
Homeschoolers in Tennessee have a legal right to participate in sports at TSSAA schools. TSSAA classifies students of Gateway’s Homeschool and Extension programs as “non-traditional students.”
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For more information about TSSAA click HERE.
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2. Athens, TN Area
The Mid East Tennessee Home Education Association (METHEA) organizes the Strikes and Spares Homeschool Bowling League for its members.
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For more information, visit their website HERE and scroll down to the Yearly Events section.
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3. Chattanooga, TN Area
The Chattanooga Southeast Tennessee Home Education Association (CSTHEA) has many sports programs for its members.
"The purpose of CSTHEA Athletics is to provide positive and constructive opportunities for the social, physical, and educational growth of home-educated students in our community through competitive sports and to teach Christian leadership and character through participation in such activities to the glory of Jesus Christ."
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Current CSTHEA sports programs:​
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Baseball
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Basketball
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Cheer
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Cross Country
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Football
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Soccer
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Swim
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Tennis
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Track
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Volleyball
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For more information, visit the sports page on their website HERE.
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4. Jackson, TN Area
The West Tennessee Home Education Association (WTHEA) Athletics has several sports programs for its members.
"WTHEA Athletics program strives to be a Christ-centered athletic organization for homeschooled children. We accomplish this by offering competitive sports opportunities, while developing both their athletic abilities and Christian character."
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Current WTHEA sports programs:
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Basketball
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Volleyball
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For more information, visit the sports page on their Facebook page HERE or email them at sportsinfo@wthea.org.
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5. Johnson City/Kingsport, TN Area
The Kingsport Area Christian Home Education Association (KACHEA) Wildcats offer several sports programs for their members.
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Current KACHEA Wildcats sports programs:
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Basketball
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Running Club
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Track Team
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Volleyball
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For more information about the KACHEA Wildcats, visit their page HERE.
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6. Knoxville, TN Area
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The Smokey Mountain Home Education Association’s (SMHEA) Knoxville Ambassadors has many sports programs for its members.
"Our mission is to nurture and develop Christian athletes through a competitive sports program designed specifically for homeschoolers in Knoxville, TN. We believe in fostering teamwork, discipline, and faith while providing a supportive environment for our athletes to thrive. Join us as we embark on this exciting journey of growth and achievement together!"
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Current SMHEA sports programs:
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Baseball
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Basketball
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Cross Country & Track
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Soccer
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Ultimate Frisbee
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Volleyball
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For more information about the Ambassadors, visit their website HERE or email them at knoxvilleambassadorsad@gmail.com.
SMHEA also lists many other local athletic opportunities on their website including gymnastics, martial arts, and swimming lessons, and a rock climbing academy. See their page HERE for more details.
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7. Memphis, TN Area
The Memphis-area Home Education Association (MHEA) has many sports programs for its members. The MHEA basketball team has won the national championship for the last five years (2021 through 2025).
"MHEA’s goal is to provide a school-level athletic program that is high quality and Christ-honoring for our homeschool students. The participants finance MHEA Sports, although many fundraising projects are available to offset the cost."
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Current MHEA sports programs:
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Baseball
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Basketball
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Cross Country
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Golf
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Soccer
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Softball
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Swim & Dive
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Tennis
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Track & Field
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Volleyball
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Water Polo
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For more information, visit the sports page on their website HERE, or email them at info@mymhea.org.
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8. Nashville, TN Area
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A. Legacy Lions
The Legacy Homeschool Resource Center, a subchapter of the Middle Tennessee Home Education Association (MTHEA), offers Legacy Lions Athletics for homeschooled students.
"At Legacy Lions, athletics is more than just competition—it’s a platform to teach kingdom concepts and Biblical principles. Our coaches model these values to help our athletes live them out in every game, practice, and moment of their lives."
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Current Legacy Lions sports programs:
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Baseball
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Basketball
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Football
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Softball
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Volleyball
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For more information about the Legacy Lions Athletics, visit their website HERE or email them at sports@legacyhrc.org.
B. Tennessee Heat
The Tennessee Heat also serves Middle Tennessee and the surrounding areas. It is “a Christian organization of homeschooled families prayerfully established to encourage and support the teaching of Christian values and the building of Christian character through participation in Christ-centered extracurricular activities related to athletics.”
Their mission is “To offer a competitive athletic experience that instills Biblical values in our athletes, creating champions for Christ for the sake of His Kingdom.”
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Current Tennessee Heat sports programs:
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Archery
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Baseball
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Basketball (boys and girls)
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Cheer - Dance - Pom
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Cross Country
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Football
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Soccer (boys)
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Softball
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Tennis
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Track and Field
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Volleyball
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For more information about the Tennessee Heat, visit their website HERE or email the head coach of the sport of interest from the page HERE.​
