Nicole DeSantis joins the Panthers staff as the head coach of the spirit team on Aug. 14, 2025.
DeSantis brings a wealth of performance, leadership and coaching experience to the Panthers, highlighted by her current role as captain of the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders. Since joining the Falcons in 2020, she has performed at home games, represented the team in media appearances, led community outreach initiatives and served as a liaison between team members and coaching staff.
Before her time in Atlanta, DeSantis spent four years with the Carolina Dance Team at the University of South Carolina, performing at football and basketball games and competing annually at the NDA College Dance Team Nationals. She was an active ambassador for Gamecock Athletics, participating in community outreach and university events.
DeSantis' roots in dance trace back to her 15-year tenure with Backstage Dance Studio in Columbia, Md., where she trained in multiple disciplines including jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical and hip hop. She later served as an instructor and assistant at the studio, teaching classes across all levels, choreographing routines, and mentoring competitive dancers.
With a career that spans high-level performance, national competition, and youth instruction, DeSantis is poised to lead the Panthers spirit programs to new heights both on the sidelines and in competition.
