Bolivar, Mo. – SBU Director of Athletics, Clark Sheehy, announces Ashley Vest as the new SBU Cheer and Stunt coach. Vest joins the Bearcats with over 20 years of cheer and business owner experience.

"Cheerleading has always been a staple in my everyday life. Coaching at the college level seemed the appropriate next step in my journey. I'm looking forward to helping build and grow the SBU program, Go Bearcats!" – Vest said.

Since May of 2006, Vest has been the owner of "Cheers! Elite Sprit Gym and Xtreme Play" here in Bolivar. During this time, she led and managed all aspects of the gym including business operations, choreography, skills development, and coaching. She has provided individualized coaching, mentored junior instructors, and partnered with local businesses to foster community engagement and mutual growth.

By leading her own gym in Bolivar and competing in Missouri and surrounding states, she has developed a strong network and many connections with both gym owners as well as athletes. Her notability within the cheer community with having 20+ years of cheer experience- along with a gym full of countless awards, titles and wins- will greatly impact the chance of bringing in strong recruits in Southwest Missouri, specifically the Bolivar and Springfield areas. Vest was a college cheerleader at the University of Missouri, where she studied Business.

"We are thrilled to add Ashley Vest as Head Cheer/STUNT coach to our athletic department!  She has a great background in leading Cheer and Spirit teams and we are confident she will be a great addition to our university!  Go Bearcats!" – Sheehy said.

If you are interested in joining the SBU Cheer and Stunt team, you can contact coach Vest at Ashley.vest@sbuniv.edu.