YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Young Harris College Director of Athletics Jennifer Rushton has named Brett Lothridge the next head coach of the competitive cheerleading program.

"We are excited to have Brett Lothridge join our staff and serve as our head cheer coach," said Rushton. "Brett brings tremendous knowledge and experience to our program and we are fortunate to have him lead our team." 

Lothridge, who is the owner and founder of GXA Cheer and the co-owner of GX Skillz Camps, began his journey with the sport at the age of 18. Lothridge cheered at Mississippi College, Georgia College and Clemson University during his collegiate career. While with Clemson, Lothridge was named a three-time NCA Collegiate All-American in Division I Large Coed Division.

"I'm so excited and feel very privileged to take the head coaching position at Young Harris College," said Lothridge. "I look forward to working with the school, athletics department and cheer team to better the Young Harris cheer program."
 
At the all-star level, Lothridge won Cheersport Open Championship titles twice - in 2003 with the Georgia All-Stars and again in 2007 with the Carolina All-Stars. Lothridge has 16 years coaching experience in tumbling and all-stars. He has coached at the school, college and all-star levels. 

The Mountain Lions recently earned a silver bid in the large coed division to the 2020 NCA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship April 8-12 in Daytona Beach, Florida.  It will be the eighth consecutive year that Young Harris has made the trip to nationals and the sixth time the Mountain Lions have earned a silver bid. The large coed team finished second at the 2019 championship.