Belmont University Athletics announced Monday, Aug. 21, 2023 the promotion of Jessica ‘Jessi’ Woody to the position of head cheerleading coach.
 
Woody spent the previous two seasons at Belmont as assistant cheerleading coach.
 
“Throughout the interview process, it became clear that with her previous experience as a head cheer coach, her familiarity with the squad, and her passion for Belmont, Jessi was the right candidate,” said Josh Ward, Belmont senior associate athletic director for external engagement.

“I’m very excited to start leading this well-established program,” Woody said. “Belmont cheer has had a great reputation for gameday excellence and traditions. Over the past two years, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our athletes and appreciate the trust Belmont athletic leadership has given me in this new role. Go Bruins!”
 
Prior to Belmont, Woody spent five seasons as the head cheerleading and dance coach at UT Martin.
 
Woody helped revolutionize the Skyhawk cheer program and start the Skyhawk dance team; after earning a Superior ranking at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College Camp – and third-place standing – UT Martin started competing at Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) College Nationals in 2017.  
 
With nearly two decades of competitive cheerleading experience, Woody Competed at NCA Nationals all four years of her cheerleading career as an undergraduate student at Martin Methodist College. 
 
She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology in 2015.
 
A native of Newport, Tennessee, Woody lives in Columbia with her husband, James. The couple has one daughter, Everleigh.