University of Tennessee Athletics
Dance Coach Tafazzoli Named Spirit Program Director
August 17, 2021 | Cheer, Dance & Mascots
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Dance Coach Kelley Tafazzoli, who has led the dance team to seven national championships during her 15-year tenure, has been promoted to oversee the entire Spirit Program—comprised of the cheer, dance, and mascot teams—as the Spirit Program Director.
Tafazzoli, who was a four-year member of the Tennessee dance team as a student, takes over one of the most storied spirit programs in the nation. Tennessee Spirit has garnered a total of 12 national championships in its history and is the only Division I program in the nation to have won national championships with all three of its squads: cheer (2020, 2021), dance (2007, 2008, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021) and mascot (2000, 2001, 2008).
Tafazzoli's impact is already being felt, as she is transitioning the cheer and dance teams to a recruiting model for selecting members of each squad rather than the traditional tryout model from years past.
"I am beyond honored to be given this opportunity to lead such a successful program of incredible student-athletes and coaches," Tafazzoli said. "I am committed to recruiting the best student-athletes we can find, who will carry on UT's great tradition of success while also reflecting the diversity of our university community."
Tafazzoli will continue serving as the head dance coach and will keep the current staff, including a director of operations, cheer coach, and mascot coach, in their current roles as well.
"We have an incredible staff that has worked together for the past three years to elevate the program to new heights," Tafazzoli said. "We have seen both the diversity and talent level of our teams increase during that time, while navigating the challenges of the pandemic. I have no doubt we have the staff in place to see this continue while also succeeding competitively on a national level."
The unique ability to build on the past while also modernizing the program and the fan experience at games helped set Tafazzoli apart.
"Coach Tafazzoli brings the balance of understanding Tennessee's traditions along with a vision for new ways to enhance fan involvement and engagement in creative ways," Senior Associate AD for External Operations Alicia Longworth said. "Her commitment to seeing student-athletes excel first in the classroom while also on the field and court, combined with her love for Tennessee and its passionate fans, will provide great leadership for our Spirit Program."
Tafazzoli earned her degree in Nutrition from UT in 2004.
Tennessee's Spirit Program is made up of more than 75 student-athletes from 15 states. Its three teams compete annually at the UCA and UDA College National Championship and appear at more than 300 athletic and community events each year. For more information, visit www.utsports.com/spirit.
