Canyon Native Hired to Lead WT Spirit

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - A former cheerleader at West Texas A&M University and Canyon High School has come home to lead WT Spirit.

Annalisa Mayhew, a 2019 WT graduate, began Aug. 1 as head coach of the WT Spirit Teams.

"I'm so excited to be back at the University that shaped me into who I am today," Mayhew said. "I know there are a lot of people who come to the University, like I did, to take part in programs that they love, and I am excited to help build the spirit program as a way of giving back to the community."

The new squad, which will formally be announced before the first home football game Sept. 14, met for its first pre-season camp Aug. 2 and 3.

"They are incredible, honestly," Mayhew said. "They are so eager to learn and grow. We're all excited."

After cheering at Canyon High and WT, Mayhew was hired by the Universal Cheerleaders Association, the global home of cheer competitions, cheer camps and more. For the past seven years, Mayhew has worked at cheer camps around the region, teaching students how to cheer safely and effectively.

"We are very excited for this year and the growth and development of the Spirit program," said Chance Haugen, assistant vice president of campus community and engagement. "The WT Spirit teams are a critical component to building University spirit and pride, and Annalisa's history with the University and professional history in cheerleading make her the perfect fit for our program."

WT Spirit was launched in 2021 under the umbrella of the Office for Student Engagement and Leadership.

Currently, WT Spirit performs at volleyball, football and basketball games and makes special appearances at New Student Orientation, Buff Branding, Start Strong Week and Family Weekend, among other events.

WT Spirit members must be fulltime students with a 2.0 grade point average.

Initially, Mayhew will oversee the WT Game Day Team, which will lead the crowd at various athletic and community events, and the Bucky mascot team. Plans call for the addition of a Maroon Motion Team, the University's version of a dance squad.

Mayhew said WT Spirit fills a vital role on campus.

"Having a strong spirit program not only enhances the gameday atmosphere, but it also has a broader impact," she said. "Students who are more involved and exhibit school spirit perform better academically, whether they're on the team or if they're strongly connected to the school otherwise."

Offering students educational experiences outside the classroom that allows them to showcase their abilities and accomplishments is a key component of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign's new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised nearly $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest's finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men's and women's athletics programs.

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