News & Media
History in the Making: All Four Fall Sports Teams Win the MDCC Championship!
This season marks a historic achievement for Grace Academy as all four fall sports teams—Middle School and Varsity Volleyball, Middle School and Varsity Soccer—have won their MDCC Championship. This is the first time in school history that all four teams have claimed the coveted title in the same year, highlighting the exceptional talent and dedication of our athletes and coaches.
Middle School Volleyball: Undefeated Champions! 🏆
The Middle School girls’ volleyball team capped off an undefeated season by clinching the MDCC Championship with a 2-0 victory over Heritage in the final match.. Congratulations to the MS girls volleyball team on their fantastic season!
Varsity Volleyball: BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONS! 🏆🎉
The varsity girls volleyball team has successfully defended their title as Mason Dixon Christian Conference champions, completing the season undefeated in league play. Their hard work, commitment, and outstanding teamwork have been the key to this back-to-back success.
Additionally, several players received well-deserved recognition for their individual efforts. Erica Long and Avani Vemuri were named to the All-Tournament Team, while Grace Larrivee earned MVP honors.
Grace Larrivee was also named MDCC Player of the Year, with Ella Papa, Ahalya Vemuri, and Izzy Lear earning all-MDCC honors.
Middle School Soccer: MDCC Champions! ⚽🥇
The Middle School boys’ soccer team triumphed in a thrilling 1-0 victory over Shalom in the MDCC Championship match. With an impressive 13-1-1 record, this season will be remembered as one of the best in school history. A special thank you to our dedicated coaches, parents, and volunteers whose support made this victory possible.
Varsity Soccer: CHAMPIONS! 🏆💪
The varsity boys soccer team has claimed the MDCC Championship title, finishing the conference season undefeated. This marks the Knights' first conference tournament title in 15 years. Their performance was nothing short of outstanding, with several players earning All-Tournament honors, including Cole Robins, Landon Downie, and Lucas Storch. Tournament MVP honors went to Carson Feeser, who scored a hat-trick in the final match, leading his team to victory.
Media Coverage
Showe Elevated to Head Coach
Grace Academy found its next head baseball coach close to home, as Jon Showe joins the Knights as the Head Varsity Boys Baseball Coach
"We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jon Showe as the new Head Varsity Boys Baseball Coach," said Zack Morgan, Grace Academy Athletic Director. "Jon's history with Grace Academy, along with his variety of coaching experience and ability to develop young men, makes him the ideal candidate to lead our baseball program."
In 2023, Mr. Showe served as Grace Academy's Assistant Coach, where he demonstrated his commitment to our school's values and athletic program. This experience uniquely positions him to understand the school's culture and community, ensuring a seamless transition to his new role.
Prior to his time at Grace Academy, Mr. Showe spent two successful seasons as the Assistant Baseball Coach at Saint Maria Goretti, where he played a pivotal role in the team's achievements, and was marked by his exceptional ability to develop players and cultivate a winning mindset.
Before joining Grace Academy and Saint Maria Goretti, Mr. Showe gained valuable experience as the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Eastern Nazarene, where he also played collegiately.
Coach Showe and the Knights will open the 2024 season on March 18 in a scrimmage at Clear Spring.
To our Grace Academy Community,
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the resignation of our long time Head Baseball Coach, Mark Koontz Jr.
Coach Koontz has been an integral part of our Grace Academy family for the past ten years and his dedication, passion, and leadership have left an indelible mark on our baseball program and the lives of countless student-athletes.
Coach Koontz has decided to step down from his role as Head Baseball Coach to allow for complete focus on his family and Upper School principal duties. While this news comes with a heavy heart, we want to take this opportunity to celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind!
During his tenure, Coach Koontz has achieved remarkable success on the field, including finishing every season at or above .500 winning percentage, six MDCC titles and many students extending their careers as collegiate players. Coach Koontz was also named the 2018 Private Schools Coach of the Year. Beyond the wins and losses, he has instilled in our players the values of teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and a strong work ethic. His unwavering commitment to nurturing the holistic development of our student-athletes is a testament to his character and dedication.
While Coach Koontz will no longer be our Head Baseball Coach, we are confident that his influence will continue to resonate within our school community. Please join us in expressing our deepest gratitude to Coach Koontz for his remarkable contributions to our baseball program and for being an extraordinary mentor and friend to our student-athletes.
A search for Grace Academy's next head baseball coach is now underway. Applicants are encouraged to apply via the link below.
In appreciation and admiration,
Zack Morgan // Athletic Director
Recent graduate, Amanda Sweeney, is awarded Waynesburg's Founders Scholarship
Amanda Sweeney, a 2023 graduate of Grace Academy, was awarded the Founders Scholarship from Waynesburg University. Amanda attended Grace Academy from K4 through 12th grade and was a three sport athlete throughout her high school career. She will be attending Waynesburg University in the fall and will be playing on the women's soccer team. To read Amanda's full story click the link below.
Grace Academy Celebrates Student-Athletes Signing National Letters of Intent
Grace Academy is proud to announce that three exceptional student-athletes—Grace Larrivee, Jaeden Peterson, and Hudson Walls—have officially signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.
Grace Larrivee
Grace Larrivee will be continuing her volleyball career at Saint Francis University. Known for her leadership and outstanding performance on the court, Grace has been a key player for the Knights. Her dedication, work ethic, and passion for the sport have earned her this well-deserved opportunity to play NCAA D1 volleyball!
Jaeden Peterson
Jaeden Peterson has signed with University of Charleston (WV) to play baseball. A standout athlete for the Knights, Jaeden has demonstrated exceptional talent as the reigning MDCC Player of the Year. Jaeden will join his brother Ryan, (player) and father Dean (Head Coach) at UofC!
Hudson Walls
Hudson Walls will continue his baseball career at the University of Charleston (WV). Throughout his time at Grace, Hudson has proven to be a dedicated and versatile player for the Knights. We are excited to see what he will accomplish next.
These three student-athletes have set a remarkable example of excellence, dedication, and sportsmanship. We congratulate Grace, Jaeden, and Hudson on this significant milestone and look forward to following their continued success in college sports.
Dig Pink/Kick Cancer Night: Grace Academy Stands with the Kretzer Family
On October 7, the Grace Academy Knights soccer and volleyball teams came together for a powerful evening of sports and solidarity during their "Dig Pink/Kick Cancer" event. This special night was held to
show support for one of their own, Braeden Kretzer, and his family. Braeden is not just a student at Grace
Academy, but also a dedicated member of the Knights soccer team. His mother, Danielle Kretzer, was
recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Inflammatory Breast Cancer in July, and the event aimed to raise both
awareness and financial assistance for her ongoing medical expenses.
Danielle’s battle has been intense and immediate, as she is currently undergoing weekly chemotherapy at the John R. Marsh Cancer Center. If the chemotherapy treatments go as planned, they will conclude by December, after which Danielle will face surgery and radiation. It’s a long road ahead for the Kretzer family, but they are facing it with courage, faith, and the unwavering support of the Grace Academy community.
The primary goal of the evening was to honor Danielle and raise funds to help the Kretzers manage the mounting medical bills that accompany such an aggressive illness. The Grace Academy community raised over $5,100 to assist with these expenses, and the family is deeply touched by the outpouring of
generosity. As they continue to navigate through the unknowns of billing and insurance, Danielle and her family are hopeful that insurance will cover much of the cost, but they remain thankful for any and all
support they receive.
Danielle’s message to the Grace community is one of profound gratitude: “Thank you for your desire to step in to offer your love, prayers, and support as we battle this disease. Your kindness means more than
words can express.” She also asked for prayers not just for her, but for her husband Eric and son Braeden, who are supporting her through this trying time. The family is leaning on their faith, trusting that with God, all things are possible, and they invite the community to join them in continued prayer for Danielle’s healing.
The Dig Pink/Kick Cancer event was not only a night to rally around the Kretzer family but also a testament to the strength of the Grace Academy community. Through acts of service, giving, and prayer, they have demonstrated the power of coming together in times of need. Praise God for the generous hearts that made this night possible, and for the hope and healing to come.
Athletics celebrates the 2022-23 academic year with the annual Sports Awards
On May 23, the Grace Academy athletic department hosted its annual Sports Award ceremony. During the program, players, coaches, and teams were awarded for their accomplishments throughout the season via peer nomination and voting. Athletes we also honored for making the MDCC all-conference teams and being awarded for recieving the "KNIGHT Award" which is for athletes for "representing Leadership, Character, Integrity, Athleticism, and the Christian spirit of Grace Academy." The evenings winners include:
Landon Downie - Male Athlete of the Year
Amanda Sweeney - Female Athlete of the Year
Andrew Ingram - Male Rookie of the Year
Erica Long - Female Rookie of the Year
Girls Basketball - Team of the Year
Susanna Barnhart - Coach of the Year
Jilliann Brown - Fellowship of Christian Athletes Award
Alden Tso - Male Scholar Athlete of the Year
Marlie Snyder - Female Scholar Athlete of the Year
Cole Helman, Class of 2014
While at Grace Academy, Cole played Varsity Baseball and Basketball. After graduation he attended Grace College where he studied Sports Business. Cole is currently the Director of Athletic Communications at Palm Beach Atlantic University Athletics.
Cole was recently awarded the College Sports Communicators President's Award. This is Cole's second award in the past 8 months. Read more about Cole's award!