Ryan Andrews Arrives as James Madison Cheerleading Head Coach

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison Director of Athletics Matt Roan announced Monday the addition of Ryan Andrews as head coach of the department's cheerleading program and spirit squads.

"Ryan comes to JMU with two decades of experience in the competitive cheer and spirit groups environment," Roan said. "He has an extensive background both as a collegiate coach at Florida and as a consultant and other involvements. Cheer is a critical component of our game day experience and in creating the best home environment in college football and college basketball at JMU. We're glad to have Ryan in the JMU family!"

"I am very thankful and feel extremely fortunate to be a part of the JMU family," Andrews said. "Everyone I have encountered since day one has been so kind and welcoming, which has made the transition from my hometown in Florida so refreshing. JMU already feels like my new home. I am excited to work alongside our JMU staff, student-athletes and community, and I can't wait to help bring positivity, enthusiasm and an unrivaled school spirit to James Madison University. Game on and go Dukes!"

Andrews first joined the department as an assistant coach in the spring before earning the head coach role. His duties include oversight of all aspects of the cheer and spirit programs, including game day cheer, competitive cheer and the Duke Dog mascot program.

Prior to JMU, Andrews held a variety of roles in the cheer community. For over 20 years while based in Florida, he has coached individual and group athletes at the middle school, high school and intercollegiate levels via clinics, consultations, training sessions and workshops. He has also hosted coaching clinics across a variety of age ranges and has aided aspiring collegiate cheer athletes to train for college recruitment.

Andrews also worked five years as a spirit program assistant at the University of Florida. He contributed to all aspects of program coordination, including game day activities, practices and training, spirit campus and community appearances, academic advising, individual coaching and mentorship, marketing/fan engagement and more.

Most recently, he spent the last year as general manager for SPARC Athletics in St. Augustine, Fla. The position focused on opportunities to refine cheerleader skills, spirit and team unity for a middle school athletic association comprising over 400 athletes. He also worked four years in human resources and recruiting for TRC Staffing Services in Jacksonville from 2012 to 2016.

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