CHARLOTTE, N.C.  – After 14 years, the Queens University of Charlotte cheerleading squad will seek new leadership as head coach Lori Townsend will be stepping away from coaching the program, announced today.
 
"Lori has led our cheerleading program in a first-class manner since she began as our head coach," said Queens director of athletics Cherie Swarthout. "The student-athletes have represented us in numerous ways that have left an impact both on campus and in the community. We will miss her enthusiasm, leadership, and passion for Queens as a member of our staff." 
 
With Townsend at the helm, the program saw many changes as it transitioned from a club sport to a varsity sport at Queens. Townsend introduced the program to competition in 2005, and in the last 14 years the Royals have celebrated three first place finishes, and a second and eighth place finish in both regional and national competitions. The Royals received their first of two back-to-back bids to the NCA Collegiate Nationals in 2011-12, where they placed fifth in the All-Girl II division that year.
 
Townsend also made sure that the Royals cheerleading program took great pride in its role as serving as a "face of the University" by participating in numerous campus and greater Charlotte-area events throughout the year. They also worked diligently to truly live the Queens motto, "Non ministrari sed ministrare," participating in a number of community service events throughout the Charlotte community over the years.
 
Townsend is a Queens alumna who received her bachelor's degree in elementary education in 2001 and her master's degree in educational leadership in 2015.
 
"There's nothing greater than being given the opportunity to coach at your alma mater," Townsend stated. "Seeing the incredible growth of Queens, and especially the department of athletics, over the years has been nothing short of amazing. I am so grateful to have been blessed with this experience, and to have been lucky enough to have worked with so many wonderful people. I am a proud Royal, and I look forward to celebrating our student-athletes' continued success moving forward."
 
A search is currently underway for Townsend's replacement. If interested, click here.