In May 2024, the University of Tennessee community and the broader college football world mourned the passing of Cynthia Lou Kelly Heupel, the mother of Tennessee Volunteers head football coach Josh Heupel. Cindy, as she was affectionately known, passed away on May 14 at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma, at the age of 69.
Born in Fargo, North Dakota, Cindy’s life was marked by a deep commitment to education and family. She attended Marshfield High School in Coos Bay, Oregon, before pursuing higher education at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where she earned a degree in education. Her passion for learning led her to obtain a master’s degree in education from the same institution.
Cindy’s career in education was both impactful and distinguished. In 1988, she became the vice principal of Aberdeen Central High School and was promoted to principal in 1990. Under her leadership, the school achieved the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools Award, a testament to her dedication and effective administration. In 2000, her contributions were further recognized when she received the Administrator of the Year Award from the South Dakota Association of Educational Office Professionals.
In 2007, after relocating to Oklahoma to be closer to her family, Cindy joined Barlow Education Management Services as an educational consultant. Over the next 17 years, she played a crucial role in assisting numerous public schools in Oklahoma to achieve success, leaving an indelible mark on the state’s educational landscape.
Beyond her professional achievements, Cindy was a devoted mother who took immense pride in the accomplishments of her children. She celebrated her son Josh’s successes, from his days as a college quarterback leading the Oklahoma Sooners to a national championship in 2000, to his subsequent coaching career, including his tenure as the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers. Her support and encouragement were unwavering, and she rejoiced in the character and leadership qualities that Josh exhibited both on and off the field.
Josh Heupel’s journey in football has been significantly influenced by his family’s support, particularly his mother’s. As a player, he led the Oklahoma Sooners to an undefeated season and a national championship in 2000, finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up. Transitioning into coaching, Josh served in various capacities, including as a graduate assistant and quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma, before taking on offensive coordinator roles at institutions like Utah State and Missouri. In 2018, he became the head coach at the University of Central Florida, and in 2021, he assumed the head coaching position at the University of Tennessee, where he has been instrumental in revitalizing the Volunteers’ football program.
Cindy’s passing was a profound loss for the Heupel family. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Ken, her son Josh, and her daughter Andrea Boren. Her legacy lives on through her family’s continued dedication to education and sports, as well as through the countless lives she touched during her esteemed career in education.
The outpouring of condolences from the college football community and beyond reflects the high regard in which the Heupel family is held. Colleagues, former students, and athletes have expressed their sympathies, highlighting Cindy’s contributions to education and her role in supporting and nurturing talent both in the classroom and on the football field.
In remembering Cindy Heupel, one is reminded of the profound impact that educators have on their communities and the enduring influence of familial support in the realm of sports. Her life serves as an inspiration, exemplifying dedication, leadership, and the importance of nurturing the potential in others.
As the Tennessee Volunteers continue their endeavors on the football field, the memory of Cindy’s unwavering support and her belief in the values of character and leadership undoubtedly continue to inspire Coach Josh Heupel and his team. Her legacy is a testament to the significant role that family and educators play in shaping the lives of those who lead and inspire others.
