Photo courtesy of the South Carolina High School League
The South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) has announced the hiring of longtime Midlands athletics administrator and coach John Combs as an assistant commissioner, along with Cindy Robarge-Esposito as the league’s new director of technology.
Interim Commissioner Amy Boozer announced the appointments on July 27.
Combs joins the SCHSL after serving the past three years as athletic director at Spring Valley High School. He previously worked at Spring Valley from 2001-04 as a teacher and assistant basketball coach.
“We are excited to welcome John to the League and are confident that his extensive experience in athletic leadership throughout our state will make an immediate and lasting impact,” Boozer said. “Throughout his career, John has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and service. His depth of knowledge, professionalism and dedication to supporting others make him an exceptional addition to our staff.”
A veteran Midlands basketball coach and administrator, Combs has also served at Ben Lippen School, Ridge View High School and Silver Bluff High School.
During his coaching career, Combs led teams to multiple South Carolina High School League and South Carolina Independent School Association state playoff appearances. In 2011, he guided Ridge View to the Class 4A Lower State Championship and a state runner-up finish, marking the school’s first appearance in a state championship game.
Since 2006, Combs has served on the executive board of the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association and currently serves as the organization’s executive director and secretary-treasurer.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Combs earned bachelor’s degrees in marketing and management and a master’s degree in hotel, restaurant and tourism management. Before entering coaching, he worked as a student manager and later as a special assistant to then-Gamecocks men’s basketball coach Eddie Fogler.
Combs’ connection to basketball began at Irmo High School, where he served as a student manager under legendary coach Tim Whipple during the Yellow Jackets’ 1993-94 Class 4A state championship season.
Robarge-Esposito joins the SCHSL after serving the past five years as a computer science teacher at Beechwood Middle School. She brings more than two decades of experience in technology, media production, athletics and education.
“Cindy brings a unique blend of knowledge and experience to her role as Director of Technology,” Boozer said. “Her extensive background in technology, combined with her passion for teaching and supporting others, will be a tremendous asset to our membership.”
A Columbia native and Spring Valley High School graduate, Robarge-Esposito was a four-year starter for the University of South Carolina volleyball team. She became the first Columbia-area volleyball player to compete for the Gamecocks and the first South Carolina native to earn All-SEC honors in volleyball.
During her collegiate career, South Carolina made three NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2023, she was inducted into the Spring Valley High School Athletics Hall of Fame.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in media arts from the University of South Carolina, Robarge-Esposito began her career in broadcast media before transitioning into coaching and education. She has coached volleyball at the collegiate, high school and club levels for more than 20 years, earning multiple Region Coach of the Year honors while helping numerous student-athletes advance to the collegiate level.
She has also served as a volleyball color commentator for University of South Carolina broadcasts and the SCHSL Volleyball State Championships.
Robarge-Esposito and her husband, Scott, live in Gilbert. Their son, Vinny, plays golf at North Greenville University, while their daughter, Gabby, a senior at Gilbert High School, has committed to continue her academic and volleyball career at the University of South Carolina Aiken.
