BREAKING: Kelsea Giantonio Takes Over as Ohio State’s New Head Cheerleading Coach, Ushering in Fresh Era for Buckeye Spirit
In a dynamic shift that underscores Ohio State’s commitment to athletic excellence and student spirit leadership, the university has officially appointed Kelsea Giantonio as its new head cheerleading coach. The announcement, made public Monday, marks a bold new chapter for the Buckeyes’ cheer program, following years of competitive growth and national visibility.
Giantonio, a seasoned coach with an extensive resume in cheerleading at both collegiate and all-star levels, steps into the role with a reputation for discipline, drive, and championship-caliber preparation. Her appointment is expected to revitalize the Buckeyes’ already strong presence in collegiate cheer, particularly in national competitions and community engagement.
Before arriving in Columbus, Giantonio built an impressive track record through her coaching stints across various elite programs. Known for blending technical excellence with motivational leadership, she has guided teams to high placements at national cheerleading championships, including the UCA and NCA events. Her experience includes roles as both a coach and program director, where she successfully implemented athlete development initiatives and elevated team culture.
Ohio State’s athletic department leadership praised Giantonio’s hiring as not just a coaching change, but a strategic investment in one of the university’s most iconic programs. “Kelsea brings a level of professionalism, intensity, and a vision that aligns with our expectations for all athletic teams—spirit or otherwise,” said Gene Smith, Ohio State’s Athletic Director. “She has the ability to develop leaders both on and off the mat.”
Giantonio expressed both gratitude and excitement at the opportunity to lead the Buckeyes’ cheer team into its next phase. “It’s an incredible honor to join a tradition-rich institution like Ohio State,” she stated in the official release. “There’s a deep sense of pride and power behind that Buckeye uniform, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”
While details of her exact plans for the program are still forthcoming, Giantonio hinted at a renewed focus on competitive training, character development, and unifying the cheer squad with the broader goals of Ohio State athletics. “This is more than cheer,” she added. “It’s about representing Ohio State with energy, passion, and respect for the legacy we carry.”
The timing of Giantonio’s appointment is critical, as the Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming cheer season which includes fall football games, major campus events, and national competitions early next year. With preseason training already underway, she’s expected to quickly acclimate with returning athletes and recruit new talent capable of maintaining the program’s high standards.
Ohio State’s cheer program has long been one of the most recognized in the country, known for its high-energy routines, crowd involvement, and precision. Past squads have earned strong placements at national competitions and consistently serve as visual ambassadors of Buckeye pride across media appearances and public functions.
With Giantonio now at the helm, many expect the program to reach even greater heights. Her leadership is anticipated to not only refine performance but also foster stronger academic accountability, mental toughness, and leadership development among cheer athletes.
In the world of collegiate cheerleading—where performance meets pageantry and athleticism balances crowd interaction—the role of head coach is one of tremendous influence. For Ohio State, Kelsea Giantonio’s arrival signals more than just a new name on the roster; it represents the launch of a new vision, rooted in excellence and built for sustainability.
Student-athletes, alumni, and fans alike are already voicing excitement across social platforms, many calling the move “a game-changer” for the Buckeyes’ cheer squad. As fall sports draw closer and stadiums prepare to roar again with scarlet-and-gray pride, all eyes will be on how Giantonio shapes the future of spirit at one of the most storied programs in college athletics.
