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 12 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.