Kelsey Hornack Named Head Cheerleading Coach

The University of Tampa has announced that Kelsey Hornack will be its head cheerleading coach.

"We're really happy to have Kelsey join the Spartan family as Head Cheerleading Coach," says associate athletic director Gil Swalls. We were fortunate to have a strong pool of candidates. Kelsey's background in cheer, gymnastics, leadership and community outreach is an excellent fit. Her broad experience as a cheer member with USF, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the TB Lightning and competition cheerleading will attract highly motivated students to our cheer program. We thank our former coach, Mannie D'Amico for building a competitive cheer program that led to attracting excellent candidates like Kelsey."

Hornack recently worked as a cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2015-16, performing at all home games and accounting for over 50 pieces of choreography. She contributed over 50 community appearance hours and more than 20 hours per week for rehearsals, games, conditioning, and appearances.

"Our cheerleading program has seen a tremendous amount of growth in recent years and I am honored UT has trusted me to build upon this legacy," says Hornack. "I look forward to continuing to grow a program of bright and energetic athletes that will be ambassadors of our University and spread Spartan pride throughout Tampa Bay and beyond."

As a Lightning Girl from 2013-17, she served as an ambassador for the Tampa Bay Lightning organizations for three seasons. She contributed over 70 annual appearance hours during those seasons, also devoting more than 20 hours per week for rehearsals, games, conditioning and appearances.

She has also worked as a performer at Busch Gardens from 2009-17, working seasonal events including Summer Nights and Howl-O-Scream. Her responsibilities at the local theme park also include jazz and hip-hop performances along with freestyle choreography. She was also selected as the brand ambassador for special events, media previews, and corporate photo shoots.

An assistant coach at Cat's Gymnastics from 2004-13, she served as the summer recreational cheerleading coach while assisting with tumbling, motions/choreography, and stunting. She also assisted the gymnastics head coach on compulsory team training with vault, bars, beam, and floor. Leading stretches, conditioning, drills and spotting, Hornack also conducted private tumbling lessons.

A 2010 graduate from the University of South Florida with a degree in mass communications and public relations, Hornack was also a cheerleader for the Bulls from 2006-09. As a flyer, she was top and mid in pyramid stunts and cheered at all home football and men's and women's basketball games. She was also a member of the travel and competition squad from 2006-09.

She has also participated in multiple fundraisers and community events, including Super Bowl XLIII.