SM-Tn Sports

Keye Matthews, a 2014 Columbia Central graduate, has been named competitive cheer coach at Martin Methodist College. He succeeds Jasmine Martin, recently named director of women’s basketball operations at Tennessee State University, in that role.

The appointment of the three-time NAIA All-American was recently announced by MMC athletics director Brandie Paul.

“We immediately had Keye on our radar because of his outstanding pedigree not only as a member of the cheer squad, but as a true student-athlete,” Paul said. “Keye is one of the most decorated cheer competitors in the history of the NAIA. His experience alone will provide invaluable leadership to an already promising program in 2021.”

Cheering from 2014-18, Matthews helped the RedHawks to win the NAIA national championship in 2016, the first year of the event. He earned all-America honors each of the next three years and was recognized in February as a member of the Martin Methodist All-Sesquicentennial team.

“I can really say it is a true honor to come back to a place I love so much,” Matthews said. “Martin Methodist holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to taking this program to an even higher level.

“I personally want to thank (school president) Dr. Mark La Branche and Brandie Paul for this opportunity and their belief in me. Our season is right around the corner so a lot must be done, but I look forward to the challenge.”

The RedHawks were unable to compete in last year’s nationals in March after they were canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak – providing Matthews with a hungry bunch for the upcoming season.

“I know the squad is ready to get to work and get back to the level they ended in 2020,” Matthews said. “We will work quickly to bring us up to the standards that Martin Methodist Cheer has held over the years.”