Thomas named SAU Cheer and Dance coach

Spring Arbor University Athletic Director Ryan Cottingham ‘94 has announced Tietricha Thomas as the new Director of Spirit Programs. Thomas will lead the Cougars’ two newest sports: competitive cheer and dance.

“I am excited and honored to welcome Tietricha Thomas to the SAU community,” says Cottingham. “Tietricha’s passion, enthusiasm, experience and expertise will allow her to build a successful program. She embodies the mission of our athletic department and will be an outstanding mentor.”

Thomas brings more than 10 years of coaching experience. She spent the last two years as the Head Spirit and Stunt Coach at Olivet College, where she led the Comets to a No. 3 national ranking. Prior to that, she spent four years as the Head Cheer Coach at Albion College, guiding the Britons to their first-ever bid to NCA nationals.

Thomas has also experienced success at the high school level, with four years of service as the Head Sideline and Competitive Cheer Coach at Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and four years on post at Concord High School in Concord, Michigan, from 2012-16.

“I am very honored to join the SAU family,” says Thomas. “Everyone has gone out of the way to be extremely welcoming. I am truly looking forward to developing the Spirit Program here at SAU. Cheer and dance are my passions, and combining them with my faith is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Thomas earned a bachelor of arts in psychology from Western Michigan University (WMU). While attending WMU, she helped co-found the university’s competitive cheer team. She is a member of the Michigan ACE Women’s Network and USA Cheer.

SAU’s competitive cheer and dance teams will begin with the 2019-20 academic year and will increase varsity sports offerings to a total of 21 teams.