COLUMBUS, Ga. – Columbus State University Director of Athletics Justin Hay has announced the hiring of Payton Shea as the Cougars' next Head Cheer Coach. Shea brings nearly a decade of experience coaching school and all-star programs, along with expertise in skills instruction, choreography, program operations, and student-athlete development.
"We are excited to welcome Payton to Columbus State Athletics," said Hay. "She brings extensive experience developing athletes across school and all-star cheer, along with a strong background in skills instruction, choreography, and program operations. Her energy, technical knowledge, and commitment to the gameday experience and competitive cheer make her an outstanding fit to lead CSU Cheer and build on the well-established and successful program."
Shea has spent seven years at Tribe Cheer in Moore, Oklahoma, coaching multiple teams, developing practice plans, teaching tumbling classes, and working with choreography. She has also held leadership roles in social media, staff management, and program administration.
"I am incredibly grateful to be joining the storied cheer program that is Columbus State," said Shea. "I hope to bring my passion and excitement for the sport into this program. I am excited to not only enhance the traditions of the program but to bring different strengths and energy! I am extremely appreciative of Justin and Leah for the opportunity to step into this role and for welcoming me into the Cougar family! I cannot wait to step into the Cougar community and get started!"
Shea also brings experience from United Cheerleading here in Columbus, Ga., where she coaches five school teams and three all-star teams.
Her additional experience includes skills coaching roles with Mustang High School, Mustang Middle School, Carl Albert Middle School, and Carl Albert High School. She also spent five years as an instructor with the National Cheerleaders Association.
Shea succeeds longtime CSU Head Cheer Coach Jimbo Davis, who retired in May after leading the Cougars to seven national championships and a record 25 Peach Belt Conference titles during his 32-year career.
A native of Lawton, Oklahoma, Shea earned bachelor's degrees in sport management and marketing from Oklahoma State University in 2021 before receiving her Master of Arts in Sport Management from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 2023.
