Morehead State’s powerhouse cheer program isn’t slowing down anytime soon, thanks to the extended leadership of Mark Coleman. This legendary coach has just inked a contract that keeps him at the helm through the 2028 season, continuing his mission to expand the Doan Dynasty.
Coach Coleman, known for his exceptional choreography and game-day strategies, oversees all activities for the 50-plus time national champion MSU cheer programs, including Coed, Small Coed, and All-Girl teams. His contributions extend beyond the mat, as he also coordinates community service projects involving the cheer teams.
As Coleman heads into the 2024-25 season, he stands on the brink of becoming the most decorated cheer coach in MSU history, boasting 19 national championship titles. “Entering my 12th season at Morehead State, I am continually honored to work with the best athletes and uphold the greatest tradition in college cheer,” Coleman remarked. He expressed gratitude to Director of Athletics Kelly Wells and President Dr. Jay Morgan for their ongoing support and trust in his leadership.
Under Coleman’s guidance, the MSU All-Girl squad clinched UCA Division I national championships in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2023, and 2024. The Coed team secured UCA national titles in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. Additionally, MSU has triumphed in UCA Collegiate Partner Stunt competitions in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2022, while the newly formed Small Coed team claimed its first national title in 2023.
Born in Florence, KY, and raised near Memphis, TN, Coleman’s coaching career spans back to 1997. He cheered collegiately at Vanderbilt University, where he captained the nationals team in 1997, and also cheered for the University of Kentucky.
Before Morehead State, Coleman made his mark at Purdue University from 2010-13, where he choreographed and coached the Boilermakers to the finals of the 2013 UCA Championship and the 2011 Division 1A finals.
As the owner of Performance Spirit, LLC, Coleman produced routine music and cheer routines for over 50 cheer and dance teams annually. He has been instrumental in guiding Graves County (KY), McCracken County (KY), and Blackman (TN) High Schools to numerous national championships at the National High School Cheerleading Championships.
Coleman’s impressive track record includes leading the Graves County Large Coed team to national titles in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013, and mentoring partner stunt teams to national victories in 2006, 2008, and 2009. His expertise also led Reidland (KY) High School to the NHSCC Small Coed II title in 2012, and Blackman High School to Small Coed championships from 2012 to 2019.
In the youth all-star circuit, Coleman coached for eight seasons, steering Pep Club All-Stars and Kentucky Elite All-Stars to over 20 national titles across various divisions. His leadership also brought four national titles to West Jessamine (KY) Middle School and back-to-back Mid-South Conference championships to Georgetown College in 2005 and 2006.
Certified by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators and a former National Advisory Board member for the United States All-Star Federation, Coleman has also collaborated extensively with USA Cheer.
A graduate of Vanderbilt with a degree in engineering science/mathematics, Coleman and his wife Shanna, the Dance Coach at MSU, are parents to four children: Sterling, Porter, Harper, and Keaton. The Colemans continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of cheerleading, building a legacy of excellence at Morehead State.
Stay tuned to Cheer Daily for more updates on Mark Coleman’s journey and the incredible achievements of the Morehead State cheer program. Have your own cheer story to share? Submit your articles and opinions through our Contact Us page and join the conversation!