Even though many college sports fans aren’t on the field or the courts for their favorite events, their contribution to the outcome of a game cannot be underestimated. Cheers, chants, and symbols go a long way in helping a team maintain its edge in the face competition. It’s for this very reason many schools have professional spirit directors, to keep things hyped, so to speak. For instance, a well-choreographed routine doesn’t just show off a team’s spirit, it’s also a chance for each school to show off its dance skills. It’s for this very reason TCU just announced the hiring of Brittani McLaurin as the school’s new spirit director.
McLaurin will oversee the head coaching duties for the TCU Showgirls as well as overseeing the TCU Cheer and Rangers programs, plus the SuperFrog mascot, according to a release. Before wearing TCU purple, McLaurin was the head coach of UNT’s (University of North Texas) North Texas Dancers, dance team manager for the Dallas Wings, and Panther City Lacrosse Club, and head dance coach of the Florida State Golden Girls.
“We are very excited to welcome Brittani to our TCU family as the new leader of our spirit programs,” says TCU deputy athletics director for external affairs Ryan Peck. “Spirit is an integral part of our game-day experience and in representing TCU globally. Brittani’s level of passion, dedication and work ethic throughout her career as a dancer, instructor and coach will further enhance the longtime tradition of excellence from all our spirit teams.
“Brittani is well-connected in the dance and cheer industry with over a decade of collegiate coaching experience which will serve her well in this leadership role.”
Outside of her coaching duties, McLaurin has more than 25 years of dance and cheer knowledge. A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, McLaurin is a graduate of Florida State where she was a four-year member of the FSU Golden Girls. After her stint in Florida, McLaurin also danced professionally for the Florida Panthers and was a member of the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue Dancers. She has served as Dance State Director for Varsity Spirit for the past six years and as an accredited dance competition judge. McLaurin has also consulted and choreographed for numerous dance teams throughout many states, including Arkansas, Florida, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
“We look forward to Brittani continuing and building upon the momentum in TCU Spirit that Lindsay Westbrook established so well during her 18 years in the position,” TCU assistant athletics director for marketing Rory Rutledge says. “Her impact will forever be part of our historic spirit programs as she invested so much into the squads over the years.”
