DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University's Department of Athletics announced
Shania Thorpe as its new cheerleading head coach on Monday. Thorpe, who was named Averett's dance head coach in March, will serve as head coach for both programs.
"As we began our search for a new cheerleading head coach, Shania approached us about her interest in being the head coach of both programs," said
Meg Stevens, Vice President, Director of Athletics and Operations. "It's a perfect fit given her background in dance and choreography, and it will allow both the cheer and dance programs to create synergy while performing at Averett athletics events."
In addition to cheering on the Cougars at home events, Averett's cheerleading program won the 2018 and 2019 Christian Cheerleaders of America (CCA) grand national championships, took first place at the 2019 Clash of the Carolinas and netted the program's highest scoring total in a second-place finish at the 2020 CCA competition.
"I'm very honored to have the opportunity to be the head coach for Averett cheerleading in addition to being the dance head coach," Thorpe said. "I know this will be a great new journey — not just for me but for both teams. I'm excited for the upcoming fall."
Thorpe joined Averett's staff with a wealth of experience in dance and choreography. In addition to founding her own choreography business, she has worked as a choreographer and diversity consultant with Lynchburg Dance Connections since 2018. In addition, she has participated as a dancer or guest choreographer at multiple academies and showcases, as well as assisted with choreography in theatre performances.
A native of Reading, Pennsylvania, Thorpe earned her bachelor's degree in strategic communication from Liberty University in December 2017. She is currently pursuing her master of business administration from Averett.
Thorpe takes the reins of the Averett cheerleading program from alumna
Erica Skiddle Smith '18, who teaches middle school fulltime in addition to outside tutoring and other school activities.
