Nissona Hounshell begins her first season as an Assistant Coach with the UPIKE cheer program in 2021-2022. However, she has been an integral part of UPIKE cheerleading, volunteering in several capacities dating back to the 2016 season.
Originally from Scott County, Hounshell graduated high school in 2011 and spent two years at the University of Kentucky before transferring to UPIKE in 2013. For three seasons, Hounshell competed with UPIKE Cheer, aiding the team to a pair of Mid-South Conference Championships and an appearance at the NCA College Nationals in Daytona, FL.
Graduating with a bachelor's degree in communications in 2016, Hounshell began working with the Bears as a volunteer and has been a part of the Bears MSC championship performances as well as last season's UCA National Championship.
Hounshell has maintained a heavy presence in the community, teaching gymnastics at Flip Flop Gymnastics since 2013 and has co-coached elementary cheer at Mullins for three years. In 2019, Hounshell graduated from UPIKE's M.B.A program with an emphasis in Healthcare.
"Nissona has a love and extensive knowledge of cheerleading," said UPIKE Head Coach
Jeannie Stone, "she has already had an impact on the success of our program and I am extremely proud to have her join UPIKE Cheer as an assistant coach."
Along with her duties at Pikeville, Nissona currently works at Mullins Elementary where she teaches the fifth grade and has a 19 month old daughter, Blakelynn.
