Melissa Knepshield is in her third year as Head Cheerleading Coach at Stetson University. The cheer team has the privilege to be apart of every home Football game, home Men's and Women's Basketball game, every Sports Senior Day Celebration, multiple University events, community appearances, and they compete at the UCA National Cheerleading Championship.
Knepshield carries a wealth of knowledge and experience in physical education and academic administration. She arrived at Stetson from Galaxy Middle School in Deltona where she served as a Physical Education teacher. She also served as Dean of Students and Competitive Cheer Coach at Father Lopez Catholic High School in Daytona Beach from 2017-19.
From 2013-17, Knepshield served as Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Student Activities at Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Mich. She also spent four years as a varsity competitive Cheerleading Coach at Canton High School from 2009-13.
In 2008, Knepshield was the Senior Woman's Athletic Director Graduate Assistant at Marshall University, where she worked for the ticket office, game day operations, and as a volunteer to the Herds' Co-Ed Cheer team.
Knepshield has earned two Masters Degrees - one in Educational Leadership and Administration from Madonna University in 2017, and one in Athletic Administration from Western Kentucky in 2015. She previously earned a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from Grand Valley State University in 2008.
Knepshield holds numerous certifications including an Educator Certificate from the State of Florida and a Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA) certificate from the NIAAA. She also has a National Safety Certification through USA cheer. She is in her six year as a Florida resident, and now calls Daytona Beach her home. Knepshield also works with Varisty Spirit as a Head Camp Manager (VEA) primarily at UCA summer camps, and as an All Star Judge (VAS) focusing on building. She is a huge country music fan, enjoys challenging herself in HITT and CrossFit classes, and spends her free team with her dog Lambeau.
Knepshield and our Stetson Cheerleaders pride themselves in being ambassadors for the University. Our athletes are honored to represent the Hatters on the field, court, around campus, in the community, and during competition - GO HATS!
