A New Era for Ashley Ridge Soccer
Andrew Kephart, a former all‑region standout at Fort Dorchester and a veteran coach with stints at Francis Marion University and club soccer, has been named the new head coach of the Ashley Ridge Boys Soccer program. His appointment follows the departure of Nate Harris, who stepped down after guiding the Patriots to a state‑championship era.
Kephart’s journey in the sport is rooted in the local community. After graduating from Fort Dorchester in 2014, he played at Francis Marion University before returning to the area as an assistant coach with the Patriots. He then spent several years at Francis Marion, honing his tactical acumen while also coaching club teams across the region.
The school is simultaneously reshaping its coaching roster across other sports. Bradyn Benes, a Fort Dorchester alumnus, now leads the Swamp Fox Boys Volleyball program, while Chonsie Eechaute has been elevated to head coach of the AR Girls Volleyball team. Long‑time program builders such as BJ Bellush, who founded the AR Baseball program, and Jeff Plane, the cross‑country mentor, remain in place.
Other seasoned coaches continue to steer their respective teams. Brad Dobbels, with more than two decades of experience, oversees the boys’ basketball squad. Victoria Merritt, the AR Swimming coach for 11 years, has guided multiple region‑championship teams, and Larissa Shannon, the AR Softball coach, once captured six consecutive region titles. Jimmy Brown, entering his fourth year with the AR girls’ basketball team, also brings over 20 years of coaching expertise.
The broader athletic department, anchored by Ashley Ridge’s partnership with institutions like Fort Dorchester and Francis Marion University, reflects a commitment to continuity and growth. With a stable leadership core and a pipeline of experienced coaches, the school aims to sustain its competitive edge across multiple sports.