Marshall University Athletics
Kourtney Sandefur Named Marshall's Head Cheer Coach
8/4/2023 11:58:00 AM | Cheer, Dance and Marco
Former Western Carolina assistant coach excited to build community pride
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University Athletics has named Kourtney Sandefur as the new Cheer Coach for the Thundering Herd.
Sandefur, who also serves as assistant director of student financial assistance at Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, came to Marshall University in October 2022.
"I am incredibly honored about the opportunity to join Marshall University's Cheer program," Sandefur said. "This opportunity allows me to lead and inspire a very talented program. Together, we will strive for excellence, foster teamwork and bring boundless energy and spirit to enhance Marshall's Gameday environment across all sports."
Sandefur served as an assistant cheer coach at Western Carolina – her alma mater – from June 2015-17 and then again from Aug. 2018-22, training student-athletes on how to provide a great gameday atmosphere for fans while also ensuring that the program adhered to National Cheerleading Association and NCAA rules and regulations.
In addition to the day-to-day organizational lead for the program, Sandefur also worked with athletic and university initiatives involving the cheer program to enhance fundraising opportunities at Western Carolina.
Prior to her time coaching with the Catamounts, Sandefur was a four-year member of the WCU cheerleading squad.
She also served as Western Carolina's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative in 2014-15 before transitioning to her role as an assistant coach in June 2015.
Much like what she did in Cullowhee, North Carolina, Sandefur said her goal is to lead a program that brings pride and joy to Marshall University and the Huntington community.
Sandefur takes over a Marshall cheer squad that is coming off being named Overall Grand Champion at a recent camp, meaning the future is bright for the program.
"Thank you to everyone who has paved the way for Marshall cheerleading," Sandefur said. "We will continue to be a program of excellence and pillars of the community. These are exciting times for the Marshall community and I look forward to the exciting journey ahead as we make a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes. Go Herd!
Kourtney is married to Taylor Sandefur, who serves as pitching coach for Marshall's baseball team. The couple have a son, Tate.
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