Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Women's Cheerleading

Biography Embry-Riddle alumnae Mea Felps-Darley returned to her alma mater as the Director of Compliance in January 2014 and took over as the head coach of the Eagles’ cheerleading program in the fall of 2016. For the previous four seasons, Felps-Darley has led her program to an appearance at the National Cheerleaders Association College Nationals, earning a program-best divisional placement of 11th in both 2022 and 2023. Felps-Darley was a four-year member of Embry-Riddle’s cheerleading squad from 1995-99 and began her coaching career as an assistant cheer coach at the University of North Florida. During her two-year (1999-01) tenure with the Ospreys, she assisted with all aspects of the program, including fundraising, tryouts and choreography. In 2002, Felps-Darley took over as the head coach of the Jacksonville University cheer team and was the Spirit Coordinator for the Dolphins' Athletic Department. In 12 seasons at Jacksonville, she coordinated fundraisers, game performances with the Dolphins' band and dance team, mascot performances and all community service events. In her role as the Director of Compliance at Embry-Riddle, Felps-Darley coordinates the University’s effort to comply with all NCAA II, Sunshine State Conference and Embry-Riddle University rules and regulations. She also aids in the development of programs that support student-athletes’ progress toward graduation.   A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Felps-Darley returned to Embry-Riddle following a 12-year career at Jacksonville University. As the Associate Director of Admissions for Athletics/Varsity Sports, she served on the NCAA Compliance and Certification Committee, working closely with other key University departments on NCAA rules education as well as day-to-day operations involving student-athlete compliance. Felps-Darley worked with the registrar’s office on eligibility for incoming transfer students and progress toward degree completion and helped coordinate Grant-in-Aid agreements for student-athletes in conjunction with the JU Financial Aid Department. She was also responsible for overseeing Admissions recruiting policies and procedures for Jacksonville’s 17 athletic programs.   Her work in compliance was not limited to Jacksonville University as Felps-Darley also conducted lectures at the high school level, educating students and their parents on the recruiting process for athletics in both NCAA I and NCAA II. Felps-Darley graduated from Embry-Riddle with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Business Administration with a minor in Psychology in 1999. She earned her master’s degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville in 2007. PERSONAL Hometown New Orleans, Louisiana Education B.S. in Aviation Business Administration (Embry-Riddle); M.S. in Business Administration (Jacksonville) 4    National Championship Appearances