ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis University Director of Athletics Chris May has announced the hiring of Grace Shultz as the Billikens new head cheerleading coach.  

Shultz spent the 2022-23 season serving as the squad's volunteer assistant coach before earning the head job. A SLU alum, she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in exercise science from SLU in 2022 before working toward her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2024. 

"We are thrilled to have Grace lead our cheer program," said May. "Her experiences as an alum makes for a smooth transition, and I'm confident she will be able to continue the great work along with our Director of Spirit Squads, Stephanie Dankenbring, to deliver a best-in-class spirit program. Like all of our spirit groups, we are thankful for the dedication and passion that the cheer team brings to our department and the greater SLU community." 

Prior to her time as a coach, Shultz was part of the Billiken cheerleading squad from 2018-22 where she earned the distinction of Rookie of the Year (2019), the Billiken Spirit Award winner (2021), Team MVP (2022-23) and team captain. She also served as the team's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative and was the recipient of the Leadership Award for the 2022-23 season. 

"Becoming the Saint Louis University head cheerleading coach is a dream come true," said Shultz. "SLU cheer has played a monumental role in my life for the past five years and I am so excited to continue to grow with this program. I can't wait to see what this adventure has in store."