Erin Patterson joined Newberry College Athletics in 2026 as the Head Cheerleading Coach, bringing more than eight years of coaching experience and nearly a decade in education. A native of Laurens, South Carolina, Patterson has built a reputation for developing student-athletes into confident leaders while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and excellence.
Before arriving at Newberry, Patterson served as the Head Varsity Cheerleading Coach at Laurens District High School, where she transformed the program from a sideline-only team into a competitive powerhouse. Under her leadership, Laurens earned multiple SCHSL State Finals appearances and established a standard of discipline and success both on and off the mat. She was named Region II-4A Coach of the Year (2023) and Teacher of the Year (2024–25) for her outstanding contributions to student development and athletics.
Patterson’s commitment to professional growth is reflected in her selection to the Tomorrow’s 25 Coaching Fellowship (2025–26), a statewide program recognizing emerging leaders in South Carolina’s coaching community. Through this fellowship, she honed her skills in culture building, servant leadership, and program management.
In addition to her coaching career, Patterson has served as a Health Science Teacher, Unified Physical Education Teacher, and Project SEARCH Instructor, experiences that have shaped her holistic approach to athlete mentorship and education. She holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science of Surgical Technology from Brown Mackie College and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Southern Wesleyan University.
Patterson’s vision for Newberry Cheerleading centers on developing high-character student-athletes, promoting school spirit, and building a program that competes with excellence while representing Newberry College with pride and professionalism.
