Stetson University Athletics has selected Cassandra “Cassie” Cunningham has the new coach for the Hatters cheer and spirit squads. Cunningham takes over her duties immediately.

A native of Port Orange, Cunningham has worked as a competitive cheer and gymnastics coach and judge since 1998. Her prior experience includes time as the program director and head instructor at Powerhouse Gymnastics and Power Cheer in Port Orange, the founder and director of American Cheer All-Stars in Havelock, NC, and as a safety analyst at the American Championships in Gainesville.

“I am excited to be joining the Hatters,” Cunningham said. “I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to work with such a talented group of athletes.”

Cunningham, who has numerous national certifications for stunting, tumbling, gymnastics and safety in addition to being a certified AAU coach, received a Bachelor of Applied Science from Daytona State in 2012 and is currently working toward a Master's in Sport Management from American Public University.

Cunningham will be holding tryouts for the 2015-16 Stetson cheer squads on April 25 and 26 at the Hollis Center on campus. Tryouts will be held from 8 am until noon each day. For more information on trying out for the Stetson cheer squad, contact Cunningham at cheerleading@stetson.edu or cassandralcunningham@gmail.com.