STUDENT COACH
University of Northern Iowa Cheerleading
As a Student Coach (2026-2027), Team Captain (2025–2026), and Cheerleader for the University of Northern Iowa Cheer Team, I contribute to both the program's leadership and performance. As a coach, I mentor athletes, assist with practices, oversee team operations, and continue managing the program's social media strategy to increase visibility and engagement. As team captain, I focused on strengthening team unity by organizing team-building initiatives and fostering a positive, supportive team culture. As an athlete, I represent the university through stunts, sidelines, game day performances, competitions, and community appearances that enhance the fan experience and promote the university.
In my leadership role, I oversee all team communications, serving as the primary point of contact between team members, university departments, athletic staff, and community organizations to ensure information is communicated effectively and efficiently. I coordinate volunteer and community engagement opportunities for team members, manage scheduling and team updates, and assist with the overall organization of team operations.
Additionally, I manage the team's social media strategy to increase visibility, engagement, and program promotion. I organize team-building activities that strengthen communication, trust, and team culture while supporting fundraising initiatives and special events that help achieve program goals. Through leadership, mentorship, and active participation as a student-athlete, I help foster a positive, professional, and collaborative environment while representing UNI at athletic, campus, and community events.
MY RESPONSIBILITIES
Coaching
& Athlete Development
I assist with planning and leading practices by teaching stunting, motions, game-day performance techniques, and safety protocols. I provide individualized feedback, mentor athletes throughout the season, and help prepare the team for games and appearances while fostering a positive and disciplined learning environment.
Team Leadership
As Team Captain for the 2025–2026 season, I promoted a positive team culture by organizing team-building activities, encouraging accountability, and serving as a bridge between athletes and coaches. I helped maintain team unity, supported teammates both on and off the field, and led by example through professionalism, communication, and commitment.
Social Media Management
I manage the University of Northern Iowa Cheer Team's social media platforms by creating content, planning posts, and promoting team events, performances, and community involvement. Through consistent branding and engaging content, I help increase the program's visibility while showcasing the experiences of our student-athletes.
Team Communications
I oversee team communications by serving as the primary point of contact between athletes, coaches, university departments, athletic staff, and community organizations. I distribute schedules, practice updates, event information, and other important communications to ensure the team remains informed and organized.
Community Engagement
I coordinate volunteer opportunities, community appearances, and outreach events that allow the team to represent the University of Northern Iowa beyond athletics. These experiences strengthen relationships with the local community while promoting the cheer program and the university.
Event & Operations Management
I assist with organizing team logistics, including scheduling, special events, fundraising initiatives, and overall program operations. By managing administrative responsibilities behind the scenes, I help ensure practices, events, and team activities run efficiently.
Game Day Performance
As a collegiate cheerleader, I perform stunts, sidelines, and crowd engagement activities during football, volleyball, and basketball games while representing the university at competitions and community events. My role is to enhance the fan experience, support UNI Athletics, and represent the program with professionalism and school pride.
GAME DAY & EVENT POST
IMPACT
As Student Coach and Team Captain, I played a key role in strengthening the culture, communication, and overall success of the UNI Cheer Team. By mentoring teammates, organizing team-building initiatives, and serving as the primary liaison between athletes, coaches, university departments, and community partners, I helped create a more connected, accountable, and collaborative team environment. I also enhanced the program's visibility through social media management, coordinated community engagement and fundraising efforts, and supported the day-to-day operations that kept the team organized and prepared. These experiences strengthened my ability to lead with empathy, communicate effectively, and balance multiple responsibilities while representing the University of Northern Iowa with professionalism both on and off the sidelines.
SKILLS DEVELOPED
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Leadership & Team Management
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Coaching & Athlete Mentorship
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Communication & Stakeholder Relations
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Team Building & Culture Development
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Event Planning & Coordination
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Social Media Management & Digital Engagement
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Organizational & Time Management
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Public Speaking & Crowd Engagement
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Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
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Conflict Resolution & Accountability
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Collaboration & Cross-Functional Teamwork
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Community Outreach & Volunteer Coordination
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Project & Operations Management
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Adaptability Under Pressure