The University of St. Thomas-Houston Spirit Teams have finalized their inaugural 2022-2023 roster. Spirit refers to the University's competitive cheer and dance teams. The first-year programs will feature six cheer athletes and 15 dance athletes announced via the team's instagram page. 

When Spirit Head Coach Katie McAninch was hired in the fall of 2021, she was given the year to recruit and build her teams. Each of the teams contains a mix of current UST students and incoming freshmen. 

"The Spirit student athletes you will see in the upcoming years are honored and excited to represent the UST Celt Culture," Coach McAninch said. 

Spirit Athletes have already made noise on campus, as Kamryn Spell was featured on the UST Max Studios podcast, BOLD. Listeners heard her story as well as a preview of what's to come in the first year of competitive dance. 

With regard to incoming students, this group features people from all over Texas. One of the freshmen is Alejandro Alcorta from Donna. Alcorta is the recipient of the UST Presidential and Rising Stars Scholarship.

"I'm looking forward to promoting participation in campus activities and athletic events," Coach McAninch added. "I hope to continue to enhance school pride and traditions, as supporting UST and enjoyment is the main focus."

About UST Spirit:

The University of St. Thomas Spirit program was announced in May 2021 and will begin competing in the fall of 2022. The teams are divided into competitive cheer and dance teams. On top of competitions, both teams will be present and active on campus promoting school pride and athletic events.