CLEVELAND, Ga. (July 11, 2025) – The Truett McConnell University Athletic Department is excited to announce Amanda Hunt as the new Head Cycling Coach. Hunt brings with her over a decade of experience in mountain biking and athlete development, along with a deep passion for discipleship and community-building through sport.
"Cycling is such a unique and rewarding sport," said Hunt. "It not only builds confidence but also encourages healthy habits that last a lifetime. Being part of the cycling community has opened up countless opportunities for me and is where I've met some of my dearest friends. I'm especially grateful for the chance to connect with others through this shared passion, and I look forward to combining my love for the sport with my love for Jesus as we interact with the teams we meet along the way."
A native of Dahlonega, Georgia, Hunt has been immersed in the cycling world for 12 years and has spent the past eight years coaching young athletes throughout North Georgia. She served as head coach and team director for the Forsyth Composite team from 2021–2023 and was named the Georgia Cycling Association Coach of the Year in 2022.
She is an Intermediate/Level 1 certified coach with the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches and holds additional certifications from USA Cycling and the Georgia Cycling Association. Hunt currently serves as a skills trainer for the Georgia Cycling Association and coaches with Lumpkin County High School and the Dirt Shredders Mountain bike club during the off-season.
Hunt is a 2010 graduate of Lumpkin County High School and studied Environmental Spatial Analysis at the University of North Georgia. She and her husband Justin, whom she met while coaching with their local Georgia Cycling team, enjoy camping, gardening, and spending time with their two rescue dogs, Clutch and Oscar.
Hunt is an active member of Browns Bridge Church, where she serves in the elementary age ministry environments.
"We are excited to see Amanda Hunt step into the role of Head Cycling Coach," said Jenni Shepard, Vice President for Athletics. "She has already been an integral part of our cycling program and the TMU athletic family, and we know her leadership will continue to make a lasting impact on our student-athletes. We are also incredibly grateful for Coach Jeff Branyon and the strong foundation he has built for this program. While he is stepping away from coaching, he remains a valued member of the TMU family, continuing to serve as a professor in Criminal Justice and Director of the TMU POST Academy. His ongoing influence and leadership will continue to make a significant impact on our students."
Prospective athletes interested in joining the cycling program may contact Coach Hunt at ahunt@truett.edu.
