The Athletic Department welcomed two new Cross Country coaches for grades 3 – 8, Cindy Atkinson and Eric Bronkala. We are thrilled to have them join our Knoxville Christian family!

Meet Cindy Atkinson
Which sport and grade level(s) will you be coaching?
Cindy: I will be coaching Elementary Cross Country.
What led you to KCS / what made you feel compelled to coach at KCS?
Cindy: Our family came to KCS in February of 2021. We were brought here by the Griffin family, they are good friends of ours. We loved that it is Christ-Centered and small. We knew that it would be a great fit for 4 of our children. I am mom to Silas (8th grade), Cheyenne (5th grade), Collin (3rd grade) and Alexa (2nd grade). My other son, Caleb, has special needs and is in the 9th grade at Farragut. All of my children are gifts straight from the Lord. I am so excited to get the opportunity to coach cross country. I love to run so much! I find that it energizes me for life. I love racing as well. My favorites are 5K’s and half-marathons.
How long have you coached? Where have you previously coached?
Cindy: I coached track for 3 years at Bearden Middle many years ago. It is so rewarding to help others reach their potential and hopefully encourage them toward a more active lifestyle.
What excites you the most about being at KCS?
Cindy: I am so looking forward to this cross country season. We will have all the fun! And we will build our endurance and speed.

Meet Eric Bronkala
Which sport and grade level(s) will you be coaching?
Eric: I will be coaching this year’s middle school cross country team.
What led you to KCS / what made you feel compelled to coach at KCS?
Eric: I love coaching and as a former youth leader and now pastor, I seek to serve others. Knoxville Christian School’s dedication to gospel of Jesus Christ and to their students is the perfect place to coach!
How long have you coached? Where have you previously coached?
Eric: As a runner myself, I have been coached most of my life, even now running competitively with two total hip replacements. I have also had the pleasure to coach cross country at Hardin Valley Middle School in 2018 and 2019.
What excites you the most about being at KCS?
Eric: I’m excited for the opportunity to not only encourage these young people in cross country, but also their race of faith!