Illinois College has announced the appointment of Samantha Laster as the Head Dance Coach and Director of Spirit Teams. This newly created position marks a significant step for the institution.
Laster comes to Illinois College after serving five years as the Head Dance Team Coach at Saint Xavier University in Chicago. During her tenure, she managed various aspects of the dance program, including choreography, recruitment, fundraising, clinics, and team preparations for local and NAIA competitions. Her role also involved coordinating performances at home games.
In addition to her work at Saint Xavier, Laster held the position of Dance and Cheer Program Manager at the Wheaton Athletic Association since January. She also choreographed routines for North Central College and Legacy Dance Studio.
Director of Athletics Mike Snyder expressed enthusiasm about Laster's appointment: "We are thrilled to have Samantha join us here at Illinois College and look forward to seeing her teams in action." He added that competitive cheer and dance teams would help expand the college's regional presence and enhance gameday atmospheres.
Laster graduated from Saint Xavier University in 2011. She will begin her responsibilities at Illinois College on August 21.
Alerts Sign-up