Leadership
Shaun and Valerie Alexander
Founders of Harvest Covenant
Harvest Covenant is a disruptive educational model founded by former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander and his wife, Valerie. As parents of 13 homeschooled children, Shaun and Valerie understand both the lack of athletic opportunities available, as well as the need for each child to receive an individualized education.
Shaun Alexander
Founder & Head Football Coach, Harvest Covenant
Shaun Alexander was born in Florence, Kentucky, and raised by his mother, Carol, alongside his brother, Durran. A high school football All-American and ESPN’s #1 high school player of the year, he also served as his senior class president. Shaun attended the University of Alabama, graduating in 1999 with a Marketing degree. On the field, he was a two-time All-SEC first team selection, SEC Player of the Year, and NCAA All-American. He left Alabama as their all-time rushing and touchdown leader.
Drafted in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, Shaun became a three-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, NFL MVP in 2005, and led the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl appearance. He remains one of only 10 players with 100+ NFL rushing touchdowns and is a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. In 2022, he was inducted into the Seahawks Ring of Honor.
The FWAA named its NCAA Freshman Player of the Year Award after him in 2018. He was also named to the College Football 150th Anniversary All-Time Bowl Game Players List. Off the field, Shaun is Ambassador for Stand Together, a member of the NFL Players Coalition, and Founder of the Professional Legacy Program (PLP), mentoring leaders to master Fame, Family, Friendships, Finances, and Future. He is the award-winning author of Touchdown Alexander and The Walk. Shaun and his wife, Valerie, have been married for 23 years and have 13 children. They live in Virginia outside Washington, D.C.
Tanner Cross
Dean of Students & Football Coach, Harvest Covenant
Tanner Cross was born and raised in a football family, learning the game from his father, a respected and talented high school head football coach. Growing up, Tanner spent countless hours in the coach’s office drawing up plays and on the field executing them as the quarterback of his high school team. With a deep-rooted passion for football and education, Tanner went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health. He served for 11 years as a PE teacher in Loudoun County Public Schools, where he invested not only in the physical development of his students but also in building their character and confidence.
Tanner’s coaching career includes serving as Head Coach for high school football programs in both Loudoun and Washington Counties. His extensive experience spans roles as a Varsity Defensive and Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks Coach, and Strength and Conditioning Coach. Tanner’s commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics has allowed him to mentor students holistically, shaping them into strong leaders on and off the field.
Tanner’s faith and family is the cornerstone of his life and calling. Tanner is married to his wife, Angela, and blessed with their wonderful son, Josiah. He passionately shares the values and vision of Harvest Covenant and believes deeply in equipping young people to understand their identity in Christ. He is excited to join the Harvest team as Dean of Students, Defensive Coordinator, and Bible Study teacher, raising up warriors for Christ with strength, wisdom, and purpose.
Cliff Russell
Special Teams, Wide Receivers, and Strength & Conditioning Coach, Harvest Covenant
Cliff Russell was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina and raised around the country as his father served in the U.S. Army. He lived in places such as North Carolina, Germany, Maryland, and Hawai'i. As a child he participated in many sports and found a love for the game of football at the age of 11. He was raised in a Christian military household that embodied the practice of faith in God, focus, and hard work. Cliff believes these demonstrations (Colossians 3:23) give the greatest chance to live out your dreams. In keeping with such, football opened many doors, allowing him to receive a full athletic scholarship to the University of Utah where he received his undergraduate degree and was a 3-year starter at wide receiver for the Utes. At Utah, Cliff was recognized as the fastest player in Utah history, running a 4.2 second 40 yard sprint.
After college, Cliff was blessed to be able to live out a childhood dream and participate in professional athletics where he played six years in the National Football League. In 2002, he was a top 3rd round draft pick by the Washington Redskins and as a rookie sustained a devastating season-ending ACL injury. His injury is what God used to draw Cliff closer to Him. His walk began in 2003 with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Cliff discovered a new passion and purpose for life and knew God wanted to use him not only in the locker rooms of the NFL but also in the community, serving in schools, juvenile detention centers, and churches. He also played for the Bengals, Dolphins, and Broncos. Cliff believes his purpose and mission in life is to kill giants of fear, lack of identity, shine light in darkness, and to see transformation in the lives of people through a relationship with Jesus.
Cliff has been a resident of Loudoun County for over 20 years and after leaving the gridiron in 2008 started an athletic development and fitness company. His passion and purpose is to see lives changed for Christ and his training company has allowed him to impact so many lives of athletes, coaches, and parents over the last couple of decades. Cliff now serves as the Area Director for Loudoun Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and is the perfect fit as it allows him to bridge the gap between his passion for sports, athletics, leadership, coaching, and his love for Jesus Christ. Cliff is looking forward to continuing to do so as an assistant football coach and strength, performance, and conditioning coach for Harvest Covenant Football. Cliff, his wife Leah, and three children Ezra, Zion, and Caleb currently reside in Purcellville, Virginia.
Davey de Laura
Defensive Backs Coach and Assistant Offensive Coordinator, Harvest Covenant
Davey de Laura was born and raised in Hawai’i where he excelled as a three-sport high school student-athlete serving as team captains and earning MVP honors in football and basketball. After being told that he was too small to play college football, Davey earned a scholarship to play D1 football for the University of Hawai’i where he climbed the depth chart as a freshman, demonstrating his work ethic, speed, and notable catching ability. Although sidelined with season-ending injuries, he completed his career with a conference championship and a bowl game win. Davey earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Telecommunications and Cybersecurity Policy.
Davey served his community by coaching and inspiring high school football and basketball players to help pave the way for the younger generation of athletes. Due to his character, integrity, and talents, Davey was recruited by the U.S. Secret Service where he graduated at the top of his class, earning the coveted fitness award and a position at the White House. Davey currently serves as a senior expert leading national level initiatives for elite government organizations.
Davey was brought up with a strong foundation of Christian values and his love for God was further elevated after meeting his wife, Jeannie, who helped him discover that anything is possible when we surrender all to God. His passion for football was reignited as he experienced the joy of watching his sons, Josiah and Micah, compete. Davey is honored to serve on the Harvest Covenant team and to nurture the spiritual, mental, and physical development of young men and women to perform at their best in a God-centered environment.