Cindy Elder graduated from Winthrop College with a BS degree in Physical Education
in 1981 and an MS degree in 1989. Her first teaching position was at Kershaw and Heath
Springs Elementary Schools in 1981. She moved to Castle Heights Middle School in 1984
and in 1997 she began teaching at Rock Hill High School. She became the chair of the
Physical Education Department at Rock Hill High School in 1998 and moved to Assistant
Athletic Director in 2005. She achieved National Board Certification in Physical Education
in 2003.
Ms. Elder has coached golf, soccer, track, and softball, but her primary coaching experience is in volleyball. She has been the head volleyball coach at Rock Hill High School since 1991. She was named North/South Coach of the Year in 1995, Region 2 Coach of the Year in 1996, 2007, and 2008. She is a 22 year member of the South Carolina Coaches Association and Coaches Association of Women's Sports.
Cindy Elder has served as a role model and mentor for numerous girls and boys that she has taught and coached in her 29 year career. She has also served as a mentor to numerous interns from Winthrop University as a supervising teacher. The Department is indebted to her for her willingness to work with beginner teachers in both their field work and internship experiences. She has been active in the Core of Mentor Teachers for Winthrop University since 2003 and she continues to guide and direct Winthrop students as they develop their teaching skills.