BELMONT, N.C. -- Kaylan Puckett, Belmont Abbey's Interim Head Cheerleading Coach since February, has been elevated to the position on a permanent basis, Vice President and Director of Athletics Stephen Miss announced today.

"Since arriving on campus this past Spring, Kaylan Puckett has wasted no time making a significant impact – perhaps made most evident by the students with whom she worked directly, only weeks after having been introduced to her, campaigning for her elevation in role to permanent Head Competitive Cheer Coach," Miss said. "Her work ethic, her resourcefulness, her passion for and background in Competitive Cheer and Spirit, and her alignment with the College's mission and identity inspire confidence, and Coach Puckett's unwavering commitment to and conviction in our students formation and development through a holistic, whole-person approach - body, mind, and soul - will enable us to achieve continued success."

Puckett helped direct the program last spring, including at the Conference Carolinas Spirit Championship and at the Atlantic Casualty Insurance Men's and Women's Basketball Championship.

She arrived at The Abbey after two years as an assistant cheerleading coach at Davidson College. She has over 20 years of cheerleading experience, including four as a student at  Western Carolina University (WCU). She helped the Catamount squad to a fifth-place finish in the Small College CoEd Cheer Division I at the NCA College Nationals. She also served as the team's representative to the WCU Student-Athlete Committee.

"I am so excited to be back in an atmosphere that feels like home and I want to thank Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., President Dr. Thierfelder and Stephen Miss for this opportunity," Puckett said. "Having personally performed in the collegiate cheer world, I can't wait to use my knowledge and experience to train the athletes here in the cheerleading program at Belmont Abbey. The cheerleading team is an integral part of the college game day experience. They are not only the bridge between the fans in the crowd and the student-athletes on the court, but also serve as important representatives of the University and its deeply-rooted traditions. I am honored for the opportunity and fully committed to the growth and development of these amazing ladies."

Puckett earned a bachelor's degree from WCU in 2018 and is currently pursuing a Master of Health Science degree through the WCU Online program.