Ridge View High School in Columbia, SC announces the hiring of Kelsey Cantey as its next Head Cheerleading Coach.
There will be a Cheer Interest meeting for all student-athletes and their parents on Monday, March 17 at 6pm in the Main Gym at Ridge View to meet Coach Kelsey Cantey and learn more about Open Season as well as Tryouts.
Coach Kelsey is a proud alum of the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2021 and was a member of the Cheerleading team. She is currently on track to graduate in December with a Master of Social Work degree. Additionally, Coach Kelsey works as a student intern for the City of Columbia's Homeless Services Department, where she is dedicated to providing resources and support to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Cheerleading has been a part of Coach Kelsey's life since she was five years old. She began competing with local All-Star programs like Carolina Crossfire and ACX Irmo, while also participating in sideline cheerleading at Kelly Mill Middle School and Westwood High School, where she made the varsity team as a freshman.
Coach Kelsey continued her cheer career at the University of South Carolina Columbia, both on the sidelines and competitively. After completing her collegiate cheer career, she transitioned into coaching, specializing in tumbling and stunting instruction. With four years of coaching experience, she is now entering her fifth year.
Brian Rosefield, Ridge View Athletic Director, says, “We are beyond excited to bring Coach Kelsey Cantey on as our next Head Cheerleading Coach at Ridge View. She has done an incredible job as assistant coach here, and all of us can’t wait to see all of the amazing things she will do as our Head Coach!”
Coach Kelsey has been supported every step of the way by her parents, Georgette and Steven Cantey, as well as her younger sister, Kaitlyn, who now cheers at the collegiate level for North Carolina A&T State University, and her youngest sister, Karter. Coach Kelsey and her family are excited to embark on her fifth year as Head Cheerleading Coach of the Next Level Ridge View Cheerleading Program.