Sierra Vanzant-Cheek enters her first year with the Royals as an associate head coach, and her fourth year overall with the program.
In her first season with Queens, Vanzant-Cheek laid the foundation for Queens' pitching staff at the Division I level, and notably in her second season, she guided standout pitcher Autumn Courtney to a historic 2024 campaign. Under Vanzant-Cheek's mentorship, Courtney made 38 appearances with 29 starts, posting a 2.98 ERA and a 15-10 record while striking out 191 batters. She earned ASUN All-Second Team and All-Freshman First Team honors, further establishing the Royals' presence in the league. The Royals earned their first-ever bid to the ASUN Championship that same year, and followed with another appearance in 2025.
Prior to Queens, Vanzant-Cheek served as pitching, catching, and infield coach at Belmont Abbey College from 2018-2023, where her staff decreased walks by 50-percent, lowered opponent on-base percentages, and increased strikeouts per season. Her bullpen achievements included multiple all-tournament pitchers and program records in team ERA and shutouts. She also played a significant role in facility enhancements and program development.
She brings additional experience as a private pitching, catching, and hitting instructor, along with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Health and Wellness, and Athletic Coaching from High Point University.
Prior to joining the Belmont Abbey staff, Vanzant-Cheek coached at Wesleyan Christian Academy and served as a head coach in the Lady Blues' highly competitive travel ball organization. She also served as a private pitching and catching instructor at the Sanbill Pitching Academy working with Billy “Chief” Gerald.
She currently resides in Lexington, N.C. with her husband Chris Cheek and three dogs, Bella, Diesel, and Malibu.
