SPARTANBURG, S.C. – USC Upstate Director of Athletics and Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Matt Martin has officially announced the addition of competitive cheer as a varsity program within the Spartan Athletics Department. The program will begin competition this fall under the direction of Head Coach Chad Butler.

"Competitive cheer is a powerful addition to our department that will elevate our game day environment and provide new competitive opportunities for student-athletes," said Martin. "Chad Butler has a tremendous reputation in the sport, and we're thrilled to welcome him as the first head coach in program history."

Butler joins USC Upstate after serving as head cheer coach at Limestone University, where he guided the program to a Silver Paid Bid and the program's first-ever Gold Bid to NCA College Cheer Camp. His background includes national championship appearances, zero-deduction routines, and standout experience in recruiting.

"I am so excited and honored to start the competitive cheer program at USC Upstate!" said Butler. "South Carolina and Spartanburg in particular are talent-rich areas, and I'm thrilled to tap into that and show them how amazing this University is. I want to thank Chancellor Harris, Matt Martin, and the Upstate leadership team for this incredible opportunity."

The Spartan cheer program will compete nationally through the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), with tryouts scheduled for August 23rd at 5 pm and August 24th at 2 pm. All interested student-athletes are encouraged to contact Coach Butler directly via email at CB288@uscupstate.edu and for complete information click here. 

Follow @UpstateSpartans on X and Facebook and @Upstate_Cheer on Instagram for more information, and those interested in supporting the new cheer program can contribute by clicking here.