From the sidelines to the spotlight, UCPS honors Cantey and Deese

On Feb. 12, Union County Public Schools (UCPS) surprised two of its top athletic leaders. Jammie Deese of Forest Hills High School was named UCPS Coach of the Year, and Kim Cantey of Piedmont High School earned UCPS Athletic Director of the Year. Both were recognized in ceremonies with student-athletes, coaches, and administrators, celebrating their leadership and impact on students on and off the field. 

Forest Hills High: Leadership on and off the field  

In the Forest Hills auditorium, football players and other student-athletes filled the seats, buzzing with anticipation. Administrators whispered final instructions. Moments later, the door opened, and the room erupted.  

Deese had just been named UCPS Coach of the Year. 

Principal Adrien Porter praised the team and students. 

“What makes me more excited about Mr. Desse receiving this,” Porter said, “is the work you’ve all done. You carry yourselves with high character on and off the field.” 

Deese stepped to the microphone. 

“I’m surprised, but feel valued,” he said. “It makes you appreciate what it takes to build the culture in a program. It doesn’t happen with one coach; it happens through everyone doing their part.” 

He emphasized that coaching is about more than wins. 

“It’s about preparing students for the next stage of life, where they can rise to challenges and become champions in their own right," said Deese. "I was inspired to become a coach because athletics gave me hope, resources and opportunities I might not have had otherwise.” 

Senior and football player Curtivion Williams added, “He pushed me to be my best from day one, making me determined to improve every day.” 

As teammates crowded Deese for photos, the surprise turned into a celebration honoring relationships, leadership and dedication. 

Piedmont High: Guiding students behind the scenes 

In the Piedmont cafeteria, excitement erupted among student-athletes, coaches, and administrators as they waited to surprise Cantey. Applause and hugs greeted her as she learned she was being named UCPS Athletic Director of the Year. 

Principal Dylan Stamey said, “Your job is an endless, thankless responsibility, balancing student-athletes, coaches, administration, and parents. It often goes unnoticed. We want to make sure you know how grateful we are.” 

UCPS Director of Athletics John Sullivan added, “Much of what she does happens behind the scenes. It doesn’t go unnoticed. Congratulations.” 

Cantey, who spent over 20 years coaching and teaching before stepping into administration, said, “This is an incredible honor. I could not do it without our administration, coaches, and student athletes. This award goes out to all of you.” 

She recalled how the role found her. 

“Dr. Jonathan Tyson, now the Chief of School Performance, asked me one day how I felt about it. I said, ‘I don’t know.’ He gave me a week to decide. I thought, if he has faith in me, I’ll give it a try. And here I am 10 years later.” 

Senior and volleyball player Ella Talley said, “She’s inspired me to pursue a career in athletic administration. I’ve been able to shadow her and see everything she does behind the scenes. She’s an amazing person.” 

As student-athletes lined up for photos and hugs, the cafeteria felt transformed into a celebration of a leader who helps students thrive on and off the field.