Our Story
Crossway exists to develop well-rounded athletes with the core focus of serving Jesus Christ.
Devon & Tobi moved to Arkadelphia in June of 2022. They fell in love with the Arkadelphia community and prayed for God to use them however He saw fit there.
Shortly after they prayed this prayer, the Lord revealed the dream of Crossway to the Koonces. Devon & Tobi planned to only keep it a dream as they felt too young and unprepared in many ways. However, after continued prayer about this dream, God began to open doors. One door would open and then they would wait. Another would open and then we would wait. Two years later, they have seen the Lord open up Crossway Athletics right in front of their eyes.
Devon & Tobi share a passion for sports and developing athletes into elite-level competitors but more so, they have a passion for sharing the gospel and love of Christ with these young leaders. Their goal is to develop athletes in such a way that they will be leaders for Christ wherever they go, on and off the playing field.
Devon Koonce
• Devon played varsity baseball, football, golf, and basketball at White Hall High School
• In 2018, he played baseball and went to school at Connors State College, where he made an appearance at the NJCAA D1 World Series
• From 2019-2022 played baseball and received his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science from Central Baptist College. Devon made his mark in CBC baseball history with a solo no-hitter
• During his time in college, he played coaching roles for Applied Velocity as well as Elite Sports Vision and Performance Academy
• His most important and proudest decision was made when he was 14 and he accepted Christ as His savior at Bud Creek Baptist Church Camp.
Tobi Koonce
• Tobi played varsity softball, tennis, and cheered at Sheridan High School
• She played softball and attended school at Ouachita Baptist University from 2017-2020, where she earned All-Conference Honorable Mention as an outfielder in 2019
• She played softball and received her Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science at Central Baptist College where she got the Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete 2021-22 Award.
• Tobi currently coaches softball at Ouachita Baptist University and is in the Exercise Science Master’s Program there.
• Her most important and proud decision she ever made was when she accepted Christ as her Savior when she was 14 at Harmony Missionary Baptist Church.
Meet Our Team
Crossway is proud to have some amazing athletes to help build your players skills!
Instructor
Jaylon Otero
Hello, I am Jaylon Otero. I have my Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology sports administration and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Exercise Science. I am now approaching my 5th year as a wrestler at Ouachita Baptist University. I am an All MIAA Wrestler, an All Academic Scholar, and I am currently ranked nationally in the top 15 at the D2 level at 157 lbs.
Instructor
Erin Williams
Hi there! I’m Erin Williams! I graduated this May with my BA in Kinesiology Sports Administration and Exercise Science.
I played softball at Ouachita for four years in that time I am a 2x All GAC team member and All Academic Scholar. I am currently a Graduate Assistant for Ouachita’s Athletic Performance Department and working towards my strength and conditioning certifications as well as my Master’s in Exercise Science!
Instructor
Caleb Miller
Hi there! I am Caleb Miller, a junior Biology and Kinesiology student at Ouachita. I have grown up playing soccer since I could run. I played collegiate soccer for OBU my freshman year. Before that, I played soccer for Bryant High School; receiving 1st-team 6 A All-State and All-Conference my junior and senior year. I love soccer and general fitness, but I am passionate about individual player development! I plan to pursue medicine with a Sports Medicine emphasis.
Instructor
Ashton Inman
Hi there! My name is Ashton Inman. I am a señor at Ouachita and I've played all four years on the Women's Soccer team. I started playing soccer at 4 years old. I have been blessed to be a part of many championship teams from middle school to college, conference to state championships. The Lord has blessed me and I love how soccer allows me to play for His Glory! Soccer has been a huge part of my life, and I cannot wait to share it with others!
Instructor
Ben Stevens
Hello! I'm Ben Stevens, and I'm from Lake Charles, Louisiana. I am a pitcher at Henderson State University and I am pursuing my Bachelors degree in Business Administration. I am a senior and plant to graduate this spring.
I have a lot of baseball experience, as I've played the game since I was 4. I was lucky enough to play for one of the best high school baseball teams in the nation, and have competed at a high level since high school.
I love the Lord, and I love people! One of my biggest passions is giving back and helping others in any way that I can . I love meeting new people & cultivating relationships. I am extremely blessed and thankful to be a part of Crossway, and I am excited to help in any way I can.
Instructor
Eli Livingston
Hi! My name is Eli Livingston. I am a senior at OBU where I will graduate in May with a degree in biology and plan to attend medical school. I just finished my senior season of football as the starting quarterback, where I received All-Conference Honors and All-Conference Elite Scholar Athlete. I am a 2x GAC Conference Champion. Also, I am getting married in May! I'm so excited to get started at Crossway!
Instructor
Beth Jackson
Hello! My name is Beth Jackson. I am currently the Head Softball Coach for Gurdon High School (2020-Present). Before that, I was the Head Softball Coach at Henderson State University (2008-2020) and Assistant Coach at Arkansas Tech University (2006-2007). I am also the former pitcher at University of Alabama, Huntsville. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Kyle, for 17 years. We have three amazing daughters; Claire (13), Presley (11), and Laityn (4).
Instructor
Carter Babb
Hey! My name is Carter Babb. I am a sophomore Environmental Studies major at Ouachita. Sports were my life growing up cup. I played football, baseball, and basketball. I had the opportunity to pursue a collegiate career in football and baseball, but decided to just attend college as a normal student. In High School, I was 1x 4A All-State and 2x All-Conference in baseball, and 2x All-Conference football. Coaching and being involved in the development of young athletes is a huge passion of mine, and I am so excited to do that at Crossway!
Join our
Worship Nights!
Once a quarter, Crossway will close on Tuesday at 6:30 PM and begin a time of worship at 7 PM. All athletes & families are welcome! Follow us on social media to find out when the next one is!
