HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College is pleased to announce the hiring of Kevin Kelley as the Cobras new head men’s and women’s cross country coach. Kelley takes over for Keith Solverson who led the Cobra men and women for the past two seasons.

No stranger to the Hartsville area, Kelley has spent the past two years serving as the head track coach at Hartsville High School and prior to the was the head track and cross country coach at Darlington High School.

“We are excited to have Kevin join the Coker family,” said Director of Athletics Lynn Griffin. “I think the he is going to be a great addition to our staff that can really help take our cross country teams to the next level.”

A native of Seneca, S.C., Kelley was a Top 25 performer in the Big South Conference for cross country at Charleston Southern University. His best times were 4:08 in the 1500 meter, 27:02 in the 8k and 33:25 in the 10k.  During his time at Seneca High School, Kelley was the South Carolina State Cross Country Champion (’88) and a two-time All-State selection.

"I look forward to this great opportunity and am honored to be a part of Coker College Athletics,” said Kelley.   “Coker cross country has a rich tradition and I look forward to bringing that competitiveness out in all of our runners.  With a lot of hard work and dedication, I expect to see a strong team in by the time we finish the season in November."

Kelley holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from East Carolina University. He is also pursuing a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with a Physical Education Minor from Salem International University. In addition to his coaching duties, Kelley will continue to teach physical education at St. John’s Elementary School in Darlington.