Belmont University has a new head cheer coach. Paige Rugaard has stepped into the role after Jessi Woody, who took on the STUNT coaching position last November.
Rugaard expressed her excitement, saying, “I am beyond excited and honored to be the new head cheer coach at Belmont. I am grateful for the work of both coaches who preceded me, and I look forward to building upon that foundation. Go Bruins!”
Before her promotion, Rugaard was the assistant cheer coach at Belmont starting in 2023. A native of Morton, Illinois, she was a dedicated member of the cheer team for three years. During her time as a cheerleader, she represented the school in various events, including basketball playoffs and the Bruin Club Golf Classic.
In addition to her cheerleading background, Rugaard is a certified fitness trainer in Nashville. She earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in strength and conditioning from Belmont in 2023.
Under previous leadership, the cheer program has shown impressive performance, with seven Top 10 finishes at UCA nationals since 2010, including three in the Top 5. With Rugaard at the helm, there is potential for continued success in the upcoming seasons.
Experts in sports coaching emphasize the importance of experienced leadership. With her background, Rugaard is well-positioned to inspire the team and maintain the tradition of excellence at Belmont.
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