Tonya Deese-Jeter

Tonya Deese-Jeter is a native of Newberry. She lived in Grant Homes with her mother for eight years. Tonya graduated from Newberry High School in 2002 and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Newberry College in 2006. She also earned a Master's degree from the United States Sports Academy in 2015.

Tonya was known for her athletic prowess, playing both volleyball and basketball in high school and college. She was a member of the NHS volleyball team that played in the state title game in 2000. She also helped Newberry College win its first-ever South Atlantic Conference women's basketball tournament title in 2006. Tonya was also afforded the opportunity to compete in the Australian Youth Games in 2004, where she helped her team win a gold medal.

Tonya has dedicated her life to giving back to the community that gave so much to her. She served as a certified nurse's assistant at Newberry County Memorial Hospital from 2006 to 2008 and the associate director of admissions at Newberry College from 2008 to 2011. Tonya is currently employed as the Behavioral Intervention Specialist at Newberry Alternative School. She is also the assistant girls' basketball coach and head track coach at Newberry High School. She is married to Winthrop Jeter, and they have two sons, AJ and Alex.