Sarah Hanley named head spirit coach
8/6/2024 9:43:00 AM | General
USAF ACADEMY, Colo. – Sarah Hanley has been named the head spirit coach at the Air Force Academy, according to an announcement today from Director of Athletics Nathan Pine. A former collegiate cheerleader at the University of Northern Colorado, Hanley served as a cheer instructor at the National Cheerleader Association.
"We are excited to welcome Sarah Hanley to the Academy to lead our spirit program," Pine said. "She has a breadth of experience as both a collegiate cheerleader and an instructor with the national association that will serve our program well. Her knowledge of the Academy and her passion for coaching and leadership are a great fit in our mission of developing leaders of character for the Air Force and Space Force."
Hanley comes to the Academy after serving as a teacher at Prince William County Schools and Onslow County Schools from 2018-2024. During her tenure there, she led multiple grade level teams and worked closely with military connected families and students to develop well-rounded, proactive student learners. Hanley was a cheer instructor at the National Cheerleaders Association from 2014-17 where she focused on skill building, perfection of stunts, tumbling and All-America cheer representative athletes.
"I am thrilled to be joining USAFA Athletics and the spirit program," Hanley said. "Coach Hutcheon left a lasting impact on this team and I hope to continue to build upon her legacy. As ambassadors for the Air Force Academy, I look forward to working with these young athletes as they grow into future leaders of our Air Force and Space Force."
Hanley earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education with an emphasis in history from the University of Northern Colorado in 2017. She earned her master's of educational leadership from UNC in 2020.
"We are excited to welcome Sarah Hanley to the Academy to lead our spirit program," Pine said. "She has a breadth of experience as both a collegiate cheerleader and an instructor with the national association that will serve our program well. Her knowledge of the Academy and her passion for coaching and leadership are a great fit in our mission of developing leaders of character for the Air Force and Space Force."
Hanley comes to the Academy after serving as a teacher at Prince William County Schools and Onslow County Schools from 2018-2024. During her tenure there, she led multiple grade level teams and worked closely with military connected families and students to develop well-rounded, proactive student learners. Hanley was a cheer instructor at the National Cheerleaders Association from 2014-17 where she focused on skill building, perfection of stunts, tumbling and All-America cheer representative athletes.
"I am thrilled to be joining USAFA Athletics and the spirit program," Hanley said. "Coach Hutcheon left a lasting impact on this team and I hope to continue to build upon her legacy. As ambassadors for the Air Force Academy, I look forward to working with these young athletes as they grow into future leaders of our Air Force and Space Force."
Hanley earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education with an emphasis in history from the University of Northern Colorado in 2017. She earned her master's of educational leadership from UNC in 2020.
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