Cumberland coaching legend facing new challenges, both professionally and personally

Former Cumberland coach and longtime Harlan County educator John Bond begins a new job next month at Harlan County Christian School.
July 21, 2022
As one of the all-time coaching greats in Kentucky girls basketball history, John Bond is accustomed to taking on big challenges and finding a way to succeed.
He won just under 500 games in his coaching career, mainly at Cumberland High School, and led the Lady Skins to the only two 13th Region championships in program history in 1984 and 1986 and the first two girls All “A” Classic state titles in 1991 and 1992.
Bond is facing two challenges this summer.
The first was a new job as a teacher at Harlan County Christian School, which will conduct its opening ceremonies on Saturday at 2 p.m. The school will also admit high school students, starting this year.
I’ve had an interesting, diverse, and rewarding career in education over the past 56 years,” Bond said. “Now, I will be taking on the privilege and honor of teaching both middle school and high school English at Harlan County Christian School. I’m humbled and honored to be a part of God’s ministry and am excited to begin this journey on Aug. 8.
The second challenge was not nearly as pleasant and caught him by surprise. He will have surgery in August after doctors diagnosed him with skin cancer.
“I am now facing another huge life challenge called cancer. I must have surgery on Aug. 23. However, my life has been blessed beyond measure and, as the song goes, ‘through it all’ I’ve learned to trust in God and His word. Hopefully, I’ve blessed someone else’s life along the way and I plan to have an impact on the lives of the kids at HCCS. I’m not though yet and I know God is not through with me.”
Bond has encouraged his friends to pray for him in recent social media posts.
Anonymous • Nov 29, 2022 at 6:39 pm
Hi! Just wanted to say-
You’re one of the wisest guys I know. You always have some idea of how to help or give courage to someone in need! You inspire me everyday Mr.Bond! I am so thankful to have you in my life. You are always checking up on your students and making sure we are okay! You help lead me spiritually and mentally with the word of God. You truly are a great blessing to people’s lives.
From- Anonymous student-HCCS
Dwain Darnell Lester • Jul 22, 2022 at 9:25 pm
Excellent !!
Judith Creech • Jul 22, 2022 at 4:15 pm
I am sending up prayers for successful surgery for you John. You are a legend as a coach and I think you are a good person. My best wishes !
Judi Williams Creech
Molly Lewis • Jul 22, 2022 at 2:42 pm
I will be praying for you! Love and God’s blessings for all of your endeavors this year.