Winston-Salem State University has brought Brandi Hopson back to campus as an assistant coach for the Powerhouse cheer squad, marking a significant addition to the program as the Rams prepare for the fall season. Hopson's appointment represents a full-circle moment for someone whose journey has taken her from the WSSU sidelines to professional sports and the national pageant stage.
Hopson's resume reflects the kind of multifaceted excellence that HBCUs have long cultivated in their students and alumni. Her experience includes work with the Carolina Panthers, one of the NFL's most visible platforms, where she performed and represented the organization at the highest levels of professional sports. That credential alone signals the caliber of talent and professionalism she brings to the coaching role. Beyond the gridiron, Hopson earned the Ms. Black USA crown, a distinction that speaks to her poise, intelligence, and ability to represent her community on a national stage.
The decision to bring her into the coaching ranks underscores WSSU's commitment to elevating its cheer program. Assistant coaches play a crucial role in the day-to-day development of student-athletes, working directly with performers on technique, conditioning, choreography, and the mental resilience required to compete at high levels. Hopson's background—having performed at both the collegiate and professional levels—gives her credibility and lived experience that can resonate with current squad members.
For WSSU, the hire also represents a strategic investment in retention and recruitment. When accomplished alumni return to their institutions in leadership roles, it sends a powerful message to current students about the trajectory possible after graduation. It also strengthens the pipeline of mentorship that has always been central to the HBCU experience. Hopson's presence on the sidelines this fall will likely inspire younger performers who see in her a model of what dedication and excellence can achieve.
The Powerhouse cheer squad has long been a source of pride for the WSSU community, representing the university at games, competitions, and community events throughout the academic year. Cheer programs at HBCUs carry particular cultural significance—they are often the visual heartbeat of campus spirit, blending athleticism, artistry, and school pride in ways that resonate deeply with students and alumni alike. Adding a coach with Hopson's professional experience and national recognition elevates the program's profile and sends a signal about the university's ambitions for its student-athletes.
Why this matters: Hopson's return to WSSU exemplifies the cyclical strength of HBCU communities, where accomplished graduates invest their talents back into the institutions that shaped them. Her hire strengthens not just the cheer program but the broader message that WSSU develops leaders and performers capable of competing and excelling at every level—from the collegiate yard to professional sports and national platforms. For current and prospective students, it demonstrates that an HBCU education opens doors that lead far beyond campus.