JONESBORO, Ark. (7/15/21) – Arkansas State University Director of Spirit Programs and Head Coach Paige Pauley is stepping down from the position to pursue other opportunities after leading the Red Wolves' cheer and dance teams to unprecedented success over the last nine years.
 
A-State's cheer and dance team is one of the university's elite level club sports that competes on the national level, while also providing outstanding support to the athletics department at games and other events as it generates positive exposure for Arkansas State University.
 
"We want to thank Paige for all her tremendous work leading our Arkansas State University spirit programs, a group our athletics department is extremely proud to have representing our institution in such an outstanding manner," said A-State Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Tom Bowen.  "Not only is she a fantastic ambassador for the Red Wolves, she has developed strong spirit programs that provide our department and student-athletes invaluable support."
 
Pauley took over as Director of Spirit Programs and Head Coach in 2013, and since that time, has doubled the size of the spirit programs.  She also created new initiatives, including pregame performances to work cohesively with the A-State band, The Sound of the Natural State.
 
"Arkansas State and the Jonesboro community have helped shape the person I am today," said Pauley.  "Over the nine years I've been at A-State, I've experienced more than I could've hoped to in my lifetime.  I will never be able to show enough gratitude to the University administration and Athletics Department for their unwavering support over the years.  It really is 'second to none.'
 
"I am heartbroken leaving my athletes, but know they will continue to do amazing things.  They've changed my life for the better, and I hope they know that they'll always have my support and be in my heart.  Thank you for the memories A-State!  Wolves up, howl yes and God bless!"
 
All of A-State's spirit groups, including cheer, dance and mascots, have posted their best finishes in school history at national competitions.  The dance team actually competed for the first time in school history shortly after Pauley's arrival in 2014, and in 2015 the cheer squad entered a competitive event for the first time since at least the early 1990s.
 
"I am grateful for the leadership Paige has provided our spirit squads, not just while they were supporting their fellow students, but also as they were preparing for their own competitions at nationals," said Arkansas State University Chancellor Kelly Damphousse.  "She is leaving her program better than she found it, and I am excited to watch her excel in her new adventures."
 
A-State's official mascot, Howl, claimed sixth place at nationals in 2015.  The Red Wolves Dancers made the National Dance Alliance (NDA) college finals at nationals for the first time in school history in 2017.
 
Most recently in 2021, the dance team competed in Pom for the first time and finished fourth at nationals.  The dance team also finished an all-time-best fifth place in the Jazz competition with a school-record score.
 
The cheer team claimed a top-10 finish at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) national competition three consecutive years from 2016-18 before transitioning to the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) collegiate level in 2019, when it put together a sixth-place performance.  This year, the squad finished an all-time best second place with a school-record score at nationals.