GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Director of Athletics Aaron Sagraves and Cornerstone University are excited to announce the hiring of Sue Smith as the new head cheer coach. Sue will begin her role at the beginning of June as she prepares for the 2021-22 season.
"We are excited to have Sue join our staff here at Cornerstone as she has done an incredible job right across the street in building NorthPointe Christian's program for both sideline and competitive cheer," said Sagraves. "Her desire to mentor young women in their faith, academics and athletic pursuit will fit in with the vision we have for the complete student athlete experience at CU!"
Smith comes to Cornerstone with over 15 years of coaching experience in both Michigan and Georgia, spending her last nine years as the head coach at NorthPointe Christian (NPC). She started the cheer program at NPC with varsity football sideline cheer, then the next year she added varsity competitive cheer. Two years later she started a middle school cheer team to grow the overall cheerleading program at NPC. Smith's success as coach was proven when she took her team to the state finals in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Not only were her teams achieving success in competitions, but they achieved great heights in the classroom. Each year since the program started, her team won Academic All-State. Smith was voted both the District Coach of the Year (2021) and Regional Coach of the Year (2019) by her peers. She is a member of the Competitive Cheer Coaches Association of Michigan where she was elected to the board.
"I feel so blessed to be part of such an amazing community," said Smith. " I believe God called me into coaching to mentor young women and help them grow in their Christian faith. I am excited about joining the coaching staff at Cornerstone and getting the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the athletes. I have a lot of ideas for the program and am looking forward to working with the team."
Sue is married to her husband Gary and has five children. She loves to do anything outdoors, especially camping and hiking. When she's not outdoors, Smith also enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and working out.
