Spartanburg Day School

Spartanburg Day School is pleased to announce that Mike Cerino has been appointed as interim athletic director.

Cerino brings 15 years of experience in athletics administration to Griffin Athletics. He comes to SDS after spending a total of 27 years at Limestone College in Gaffney, primarily as vice president of intercollegiate athletics at the Division II level. While at Limestone, Cerino, in partnership with the National Center for Performance Health, oversaw implementation of the Game Changer Program to assist with student athlete mental health. He led multi-million-dollar athletic facility fundraising efforts, and in 2018 was named Under Armour Division II Athletic Director of the Year.

“From a field of highly qualified and experienced candidates, Mike Cerino has been selected to lead the next era of Griffin Athletics,” said Head of School Rachel Deems. “He will bring his considerable experience to bear on the development of athletes and supporting coaches as the athletics program continues to evolve and grow.”

Incoming Head of School Dave Skeen, who will begin in his new leadership role at SDS July 1, added he is excited to begin at Spartanburg Day School with Cerino in athletics. 

“Mike clearly places the student-athlete at the front of all he does as an educational leader, and I am certain Spartanburg Day School will benefit from his experience in thoughtfully developing a mission aligned athletics program,” Skeen said. “As a school focused on preparing students for lives well lived, I look forward to working with Mike to further grow and evolve athletics to meet that mission.”

Cerino also has extensive experience as a lacrosse coach and in physical education, both at the college level, previously working at Washington and Lee University, and in independent schools including Charlotte Latin School. Outside of his administrative and coaching responsibilities, Cerino has served on various councils and committees in NCAA Division II. He earned a Master of Arts in physical education from Garner Webb University and a Bachelor of Science from Pfeiffer University.

“At Spartanburg Day School there is a tradition of empowering students to excel academically and make significant contributions to society,” Cerino said. “I am thrilled to be joining the dedicated Griffin community and skilled athletic staff while working alongside the SDS leadership team.”

Cerino replaces Athletic Director Joy Couch who announced her retirement earlier this year after five years at SDS. He begins in his new role on July 1.