DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University's Department of Athletics announced Hally Blake as the next head coach for its cheerleading and dance programs on Monday.

Blake has nearly a decade of experience with competitive choreography, traveling consultation and coaching in Arizona and most recently in Atlanta, Georgia. She's also served as a competitive gym director and head coach at AZ Extreme cheer, coached with Phoenix Cheer Elite, PCM AZ, multiple Pop Warner teams in addition to coaching at other programs. Blake has choreographed for recreational, all-star and school cheer and dance programs throughout Arizona, Georgia and other locations throughout the nation.

"I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to bring my experience and strong knowledge of competitive and sideline cheer and dance to Averett," Blake said. "My goal is to have a program where student-athletes come to continue building their skills, experiences and passion. I'm excited to be part of a program where we truly are 'One Team' and where each of my student-athletes will equally receive support as they are supportive. As I work toward building the spirit squad here at Averett, it has not only a lasting impact on athletics, the students and the university but also the entire Danville community."

Blake also said she is excited for the potential within the program, which has already had noted success in recent years. In addition to cheering on the Cougars at home events, Averett's cheerleading program won the 2018, 2019 and 2022 Christian Cheerleaders of America (CCA) grand national championships, took first place at the 2019 Clash of the Carolinas and netted the program's highest scoring total in a second-place finish at the 2020 CCA competition and had a third-place finish in 2023. In addition to performing at home events, Averett's dance program competed in the CCA Collegiate Hip Hop Dance Division and won the CCA national championship for its division in 2022 and placed second in 2023.

"As I work to build both programs to their full potential, we will see growth within the programs," Blake said. "In addition to the sideline and competitive teams, we want to see a co-ed cheer program and see dance growing with pomline and a jazz/hiphop specialty team. I'm excited for this journey."

A native of San Gabriel Valley, California, Blake earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from Arizona State University in 2013. Growing up, she was heavily involved in dance, cheer and gymnastics. Blake started ballet at the age of 2 and gymnastics at 3. She began competing in both by the time she was 6, competing in jazz and contemporary in dance. The then turned to competitive cheer in junior high school while also remaining in dance until she graduated high school before transitioning to coaching.

"Hally's upbringing in both cheer and dance, coupled with her coaching and choreography experience, make her a great fit to continue the growth of both of our programs at Averett," said Meg Stevens, vice president, director of athletics and campus operations. "We are excited to welcome Hally to the Averett family."

Blake comes to Averett with her husband, Keenan, and their son.