Randolph School is proud to announce Bently Hess as the new Head Cheer Coach, bringing a lifelong passion for spirit and student leadership to the Raider sidelines.

A veteran cheerleader with deep roots in gymnastics and tumbling, Hess brings both experience and infectious energy to the role. Her journey started early, with gymnastics at age three and tumbling by age five, eventually leading her to cheer at two Southeastern Conference (SEC) powerhouses: the University of South Carolina and the University of Alabama.

"Cheering at Carolina was amazing! We ran out onto the field to the song 2001 Odyssey. There was smoke, and Cocky, the mascot, appeared out of nowhere! It still brings me chills," Hess shared. "Cheering at Bama was deeply meaningful. My father played football under Bear Bryant, so wearing that uniform and continuing a family tradition of Bama athletics meant the world to me."

Hess sees cheerleading not just as a sport, but as a powerful extension of school pride and student spirit.

"The Cheerleading Coach at Randolph is a position I have dreamed about for several years," she said. "A cheerleader is someone who brings enthusiasm to the student body and school community, but the coach is the individual who instills that enthusiasm. I am that person—an eternal cheerleader!"

Her goals for the program include creating a culture of pride, respect, and purpose: "I want our Randolph community to be proud of our cheerleaders because they represent who we are and what we stand for!"

Hess’s coaching philosophy is rooted in trust, integrity, and leadership.

"My philosophy on coaching begins with honesty and trustworthiness. I think a coach should exemplify what a role model should look like," she said. "It is my prayer that I build the child up and help create self-confidence and self-assurance."

Director of Athletics, Mike Morris, praised Bently on her experience and excitement for this position. "We are super excited to welcome Bently Hess as our new Cheer Head Coach. Her passion for young people, for cheer and for Randolph Athletics is obvious and contagious. Her experience with cheer at a high level along her knowledge of cheer and the team concept will serve our Raider community very well."

For prospective students or families considering cheer, Hess is eager to connect:
"If someone is considering trying out for cheerleader this year or in years to come, I would love nothing more than to talk to you! Consider cheering for our RAP or Middle School programs, take tumbling lessons, or join an all-star squad. I want to increase the level of athleticism in our program and bring cheer back to its true meaning—leading the fans in cheers with enthusiasm and genuine pride!"

Hess steps into her new role with a clear vision: building a cheer program that radiates school spirit, strengthens character, and rallies the Randolph community. We are excited to see this next chapter of Raider Cheer!

Cheer Evaluations:
May 5-7 | 4:00-6:00ppm in Shields-Jones Athletic Complex

Mandatory Parent Meeting:
May 14 | 6:00-7:00pm in Lecture Hall of Nicholls Academic Building on Garth Campus