Kephart Takes Charge Of AR Boys Soccer Program

By Roger Lee

Contributing Writer

Summerville – Ashley Ridge faces two head coaching changes for Fall sports next school year and one for Spring sports.



Nate Harris, one of the “OGs” of the school’s coaching staff, stepped down as the head coach for the Swamp Fox Boys Soccer program after last season. One of the few coaches who helped open the school for its first year in 2008 who remained on staff through 2025-26, Harris built the soccer program into a state-championship program.

Taking over for Harris is someone familiar to many on the local soccer scene, Andrew Kephart. A former all-region soccer player for Fort Dorchester who has served as an assistant soccer coach for the Patriots the past few years, has been named the new head coach for the AR Boys.

“We are excited for Coach Kephart to join the Ashley Ridge staff,” said Ashley Ridge Athletic Director Kelly Lewis. “He has many years of experience and is familiar with many of our returning players. We feel he will keep our men’s soccer program competing for the region championship on a regular basis.”

After graduating from Fort Dorchester in 2014, Kephart played for Francis Marion University. He earned his college degree and then served as an assistant soccer coach for the university before returning to the Fort to coach. He also has extensive experience coaching club soccer.

“I’m incredibly grateful for everyone at Fort Dorchester who helped shape me both as a coach and a person,” Kephart posted online. “The relationships, memories and lessons I’ve gained will always stay with me. I’m excited for this new opportunity and can’t wait to get to work building something special with the Swamp Foxes.”

Bradyn Benes, also a Fort Dorchester graduate, has been named the new head coach for the Swamp Fox Boys Volleyball program. He served as an assistant coach for the Patriots last year.

Chonsie Eechaute served as an AR assistant Girls Volleyball coach last season. She has been promoted and will handle head coaching responsibilities leading into the new school year.

BJ Bellush founded the AR Baseball program and has been its head coach for all but five seasons when co-founder Brian Givens held the “skipper” position. Bellush is also the strength and conditioning coach.

Jeff Plane came to the school in 2008 as an assistant football coach and now serves as the head coach for the Cross Country teams.

Boys’ basketball coach Brad Dobbels has more than 20 years of overall coaching experience. Under his leadership, the Swamp Foxes finished as the 5A, Division 1 state runner-up last season and set a new school record for wins. He also coaches the Boys’ Golf team.

Victoria Merritt has been the AR Swimming coach for 11 years and led multiple teams to region championships. Larissa Shannon is another long-termer. As the AR Softball coach she once won six straight region titles.

Jimmy Brown, who is entering his fourth year with the AR girls’ basketball team, has more than 20 years of total experience. Others returning include Jeff Tate (football), Shane Calvert (Girls Soccer), Noelle Hauck (Girls Tennis), Taea Fonkert (cheer), Alan Aponte (wrestling), Ron McNally (girls golf), Alyx Sisofo (Sports Medicine) and Saeed Jones (track and field).