Spartanburg Day Athletic Director Mike Cerino Cites Four New Varsity Coaches, While Also Excited About The Return Of Varsity Football To The School

Spartanburg Day Athletic Director Mike Cerino Cites Four New Varsity Coaches, While Also Excited About The Return Of Varsity Football To The School 



By Billy G. Baker

Publisher

Spartanburg—The late textile magnate Roger Milliken helped parents and business leaders establish the Spartanburg Day School in 1957, and if Mr. Milliken were alive today, he would be very pleased with the growth and focus the school has maintained in helping prepare students for the real world after high school, both in academics and athletics.

The school has been on a mission the past two years to reestablish a varsity football program that last represented the school 40-plus years ago. In 2024 a “B” team was established and last season a junior varsity program was introduced. The football program is under the capable hands of head coach Patrick Moffitt.

The school’s athletic director is Mike Cerino, and he recently shared some of his thoughts about the Griffins athletic program with the HSSR. “We as a staff and school administration are busy building the future of SDS athletics,” said Coach Cerino. “As Spartanburg Day School prepares for the 2026-27 school year, there is real momentum within our athletic program.

“Much of that excitement comes from the return of our varsity football program after a 40-year absence,” said Coach Cerino. “Varsity football’s return is an important step for the school and the athletic department, but the vision is bigger than one sport. It is about creating opportunities for our students to grow, compete, lead and represent Spartanburg Day with pride.

“That excitement is matched by the addition of our four new outstanding varsity coaches, who bring experience, energy, and a shared commitment to student development,” said Coach Cerino. “While each coach comes from a different background, they all believe in one core idea: “Athletics Should Help Shape Young People, First and Foremost.”

“At SDS, our athletic philosophy is centered on the development of the whole student athlete,” said Coach Cerino. “We want students to be challenged, supported, and known by their coaches. Strong programs are built on relationships, accountability, and trust.

“Winning matters, but so does the process of building confidence, resilience, and character,” said Coach Cerino.  “From the athletic department’s perspective, a big part of our job is making sure coaches have what they need to lead well. That means giving them support, encouraging collaboration, and creating a culture where they can build meaningful connections with students.

“We want our coaches to communicate clearly, lead authentically, and set high standards while helping student-athletes reach them as well,” said Coach Cerino. “Athletics at Spartanburg Day are an extension of the school’s mission. Practice teaches discipline and leadership. Competition teaches composure, resilience, and teamwork. Every season gives student athletes a chance to grow into confident young men and women who will make an impact well beyond campus.”

Coach Cerino went in-depth talking to the HSSS about all four new varsity coaches for the upcoming school year.

Michael Herring will be the head varsity girls’ basketball coach. Coach Herring, who teaches middle school Social Studies, brings 35 years of teaching experience in education, including 31 years in independent schools. Herring spent 20 years at the Noble and Greenough School, outside Boston where he built one of the strongest high school girls’ basketball programs in the New England area, winning more than 300 games and one Independent School League State championship.

Coach Herring helped many student athletes continue their careers at Ivy League and NESCAC schools in the region. “In addition to be a successful coach, Michael has taught US History and Economics and served in college counseling and school leadership roles,” said Coach Cerino. “His approach emphasizes character, sportsmanship, and servant leadership, making him an ideal fit for the Spartanburg Day School. He has a passion for mentoring students in both the classroom and on the basketball court,”

Kaitlin Holman has joined the SDS athletic program as the new Director of the Griffins volleyball program.  Coach Holman will be a pre-school Physical education teacher as well. “She has a strong background in athletic performance, coaching, and student development,” said Coach Cerino. “She currently serves as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at D-1 Training in Spartanburg. She has previous experience in the field of athletic training both at Limestone University and as interim director of strength and conditioning at the University of Detroit Mercy.

Holman has a Master’s degree from Arkansas Tech University and a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and athletic training from Baldwin Wallace University. She is also a certified Conditioning Specialist with Distinction and a USA Weightlifting Level 2 coach. Holman is a former member of the USA Under-18 national volleyball team and went on to become a three-letter winner at Baldwin-Wallace.

“For nearly 15 years she has coached elite club volleyball and helped athletes grow in confidence, discipline, and teamwork,” said Coach Cerino. “Her energy and commitment to young people make her an outstanding addition to the SDS community.”

Maggie Cubitt Watson is the new boy’s and girl’s Tennis Head at the SDS. 

“Maggie brings D-1 playing experience and a passion for developing the next generation of tennis players,” said Coach Cerino. “She competed at both LSU and the College of Charleston, earning four varsity letters during her collegiate career. Her experience reflects the discipline and commitment required to compete at a high level, both academically and athletically.

“Maggie currently serves as an assistant tennis pro at Mountain Brook Swim and Racquet Club where she works with players of all ages through private lessons, clinics, camps and group programs. She focuses on helping athletes build confidence, improve technically, and develop a lifelong love for the game.”

Coach Watson holds a Master’s degree from the C of C, and a degree in Digital Marketing from LSU. “We are excited for the positivity, energy, and competitive spirit she brings to SDS tennis,” said Coach Cerino.

Barrett Rowe is the new Lacrosse Program Head at the SDS school. “Barrett Rowe represents a new generation of coaches and leaders in high school athletics,” said Coach Cerino. “A standout defender at Wofford College, she built one of the most accomplished defensive careers in program history while excelling academically.”

Rowe is a psychology major with a minor in Education and Medicine and Liberal Arts. In college Rowe was a member of the Presidential Honor roll, Dean’s list, including the IWLCA Academic honor roll. On the field she has been named first team all-conference, Preseason Defensive POY, and has set multiple records in caused turnovers and ground balls.

“Just as important, Barrett has already shown a strong commitment to mentoring young athletes,” said Coach Cerino. “She has coached youth Lacrosse through private training and club programs all while gaining classroom experience as a teaching assistant in elementary education.”

Barrett also serves as President and Ambassador for Morgan’s Message, supporting student-athlete mental health, and is active in SAAC, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and community service work.

“We are excited to see her build a girl’s Lacrosse program at SDS, grounded in excellence, character, and opportunity,” said Coach Cerino.

Other outstanding coaches at SDS who all return for the 2026-27 school year include: Golf Program Head Todd White, Soccer Program Athletic Coordinator, Graham Brewer, Cross Country Program Head, Joel Sansbury, Swimming Program Head, Molly Duesterhaus, Baseball Program Head, Travis Dawkins, Track & Field Program Head Isaiah Michl, and Cheerleading Program Head, Jennifer Spearman.

Coach Cerino concluded his comments by saying: “Looking ahead to the 2026-27 school year, as we begin this next chapter, our focus is clear,” he said. “Whether on the football field, volleyball court, basketball court, tennis court, baseball field, or Lacrosse field our goal is to provide meaningful experiences for every student athlete.

“At Spartanburg Day success is measured by more than championships,” said Coach Cerino. “It is also seen in the confidence students gain, the relationships they build, the resilience they develop, and the character they carry with them with long after graduation.

“With the return of football and this outstanding group of new coaches, the future of SDS athletics is full of energy and opportunity,” said Coach Cerino.