Photo and article by Thomas Grant Jr.
A new head coach will lead the White Knoll football team this fall.
After resigning and announcing it to the players, Nick Pelham was named the inaugural head coach of Lake Wylie High School. He will be formally introduced during a Jan. 13 press conference at the school.
Located in the Clover School District in York County, Lake Wylie is scheduled to open in August 2026. It has earned admission into the S.C. High School League and will be eligible for the post-season in Class 4A.
“We were clear from the start- Lake Wylie football is going to be tough, disciplined, and built to compete,” Lake Wylie High School Athletic Director Steven Peeler said. “Nick Pelham is the coach to make that happen. He demands accountability, brings a physical brand of football, and isn’t afraid to set high standards from day one. Coach Pelham knows how to build a program the right way, and he will establish a culture of physicality, toughness, and pride that our players and community can stand behind.”
Pelham spent five seasons at White Knoll, posting a 39-24 record. He took over a program that went winless the previous season and guided it to five straight playoffs.
His most successful season was 2023 when White Knoll went 14-1 and finished state runner-up to Dutch Fork. Pelham came over from the Silver Foxes where he served as defensive coordinator for five state championship seasons.
The Timberwolves also ended Dutch Fork’s region-winning streak that season.
White Knoll advanced to the Lower State finals in 2024 and third round this season. It lost both times to Division II runner-up Irmo.
Up until this year, Pelham was also the White Knoll athletics director. He also previously served as defensive coordinator at Westwood and Richland Northeast high schools.
In a letter released in social media, White Knoll principal Nicholas Pearson announced a prompt coaching search.
“While this marks a transition for the White Knoll Timberwolves, we support Coach Pelham as he takes this next step in his professional journey,” Pearson said. “And, we are thankful for the time, energy and passion he has invested in our school and football program.”
White Knoll is the second Lake Murray school with a head football coaching vacancy. Last week, Chapin announced that Ryan Cole had resigned after accepting the assistant principal position at the school.
