Suni McKelvey, born and raised on James Island, SC has dedicated her life to uplifting her community and creating opportunities for local youth. A 2001 graduate of James Island High School, Suni was an active and well-rounded student, participating in band, step team, color guard, winter guard, ROTC, track and field, UBASA, FBLA, and the Honors Spanish Society.
After high school, she attended both the College of Charleston and Trident Technical College before pausing her studies to embrace motherhood with the birth of her first son, Onterio, in 2003. She and her late husband later welcomed their second son, Xavier, in 2011 and her youngest, DeMarcus, in 2018. From 2004 to 2020, Suni worked at T-Mobile, ultimately stepping away to become a stay-at-home mom and caregiver for her disabled son.
Her journey into youth sports leadership began in 2008 when she volunteered as acting President of the Westchester Bengals while her oldest son played football. Her passion for youth development and cheer led her to become the Bengals’ cheer coach in 2016 after assisting for several years with the Roddy White Football Camp. Committed to her personal growth, she returned to school in 2016 and earned a bachelor’s degree in International Business making the Dean's List and graduating cum laude from Ashford University in 2019
In 2021, Suni played a vital role in bringing together all of the recreational youth football teams on James Island to form the JI Lil Trojans, where she now proudly serves as President. She is also the Head Cheer Coach, continuing to inspire and lead young athletes with the same passion and energy that shaped her own youth. Beyond the field and cheer mat, she assists with various administrative duties that help keep the organization running strong.
In addition to her leadership in youth sports, Suni is a successful entrepreneur. In 2022, she launched two small businesses:
•Priority Solutions, LLC, offering business management services to help clients streamline operations and grow strategically.
•Signatures by Suni, a creative brand that brings custom visions to life through personalized shoes, clothing, event décor, and more.
As President of the JI Lil Trojans, Suni’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in shaping, developing, and growing the organization. She leads with heart, purpose, and a true dedication to serving the youth of James Island. Suni believes deeply in the power of community and being part of the village that helps mold the next generation. Not just as athletes, but as strong, confident, and respectful young people. Her work continues to build a lasting foundation for the future of JI Lil Trojans and the young lives it impacts every day.