Laurens District 55 High School Coach Graduates from Prestigious Coaching Program

Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) educator and coach Erin Patterson graduated from the prestigious Tomorrow’s 25 Coaching Fellowship on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, marking a significant milestone in her career as a leader within the district. With eight years of teaching experience and seven years of coaching expertise, Patterson is leveraging the insights gained from this program to elevate student-athlete development as she transitioned into her new role as a Project SEARCH Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year.

Patterson, the 2023 Region Coach of the Year and a former Laurens District 55 High School Teacher of the Year, previously served the district in Health Science, Sports Medicine, and Unified PE. She earned an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Surgical Technology from Brown Mackie College and is currently earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Southern Wesleyan University.

Patterson’s vision for the cheer program is rooted in the belief that a “champion mindset” must be developed before a title is ever won. Since stepping into her leadership role, she has prioritized a structured environment as the essential foundation for long-term success, leading the strategic transition of the program into a competitive format designed to challenge athletes with higher levels of skill and commitment. Under her direction, the team has already achieved “history-making” milestones, qualifying for the 4A State Cheer Competition in only their second year and repeating the feat this past season. Patterson now sets her sights on securing a Region title and expanding the competitive format to the Junior Varsity level.

Central to Patterson’s philosophy is the requirement that athletes remain students first, maintaining a culture of excellence both in the classroom and on the mat. Academic performance is monitored bi-weekly, and any student-athlete with a grade below a “C” must collaborate with their teacher on a formal improvement plan to ensure they reach their full potential. This accountability is balanced by a deeply “family-oriented” team culture. Through mentorship programs like “Bigs/Littles” and unique bonding activities—such as “color war” practices and athlete-led weekly FCA Huddles—Patterson fosters an inclusive environment where every athlete feels valued and confident.

The Tomorrow’s 25 Coaching Fellowship is offered by the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association (SCACA) and the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL), in partnership with the Excellence in Coaching Project. The program has provided Patterson with a broader perspective on leadership, reinforcing her belief that true success is a product of consistency rather than just talent. “I have grown as a coach and have become more confident in who I am,” Patterson stated, noting that she intends to apply these new strategies to create even greater opportunities for athlete leadership. Supported by Assistant Coach Lauryn Turner and the guidance of school administration, including Coach Spires, Patterson remains dedicated to building not just better athletes, but better people who carry a strong work ethic into every aspect of their lives.

LCSD 55 administrators are incredibly proud of Coach Patterson’s graduation from this fellowship and are deeply thankful for her continued dedication to the district family. Her professionalism and collaborative spirit have left a lasting impression on the school community, and her work exemplifies the district’s mission of providing impactful, real-world growth for all students. Having a leader of her caliber within the district ensures that students are not only equipped with knowledge but are empowered to make safe, responsible, and life-altering positive decisions.