CHICAGO (Nov. 9, 2023) – The UIC Department of Athletics has announced new head coaches for the Flames' spirit squads for the 2023-24 season. Stephanie Larkin will be the head coach of UIC's cheer program while Chelsea Lemon will lead the Flames' dance team.
"We're thrilled to welcome Coach Larkin and Coach Lemon and are confident they will infuse enthusiasm and dedication into our spirit programs," said Nina Goodhue, associate athletics director and spirit squads' supervisor. "Both coaches understand the standards we hold for our students and are committed to maintaining the cheer and dance program's significance as a vital component of the game day atmosphere. The cheer and dance teams play a fundamental role in enhancing the basketball game day experience. They not only connect the fans in the stands with the student-athletes on the court, but they also serve as significant ambassadors of the University."
Larkin comes to UIC following a successful career at both the NCAA Division I and professional sports levels. A former NFL cheerleader, Larkin was a member of the Baltimore Ravens cheer team from 2011-14 and was named the 2011 Ravens Cheerleaders Rookie of the Year. She also was a member of the Baltimore Ravens cheer team when the team won Super Bowl XLVII in 2013. A cheerleader at Purdue University from 2001-04, Larkin was also named Miss Purdue University in 2006. Outside of cheer, Larkin currently serves as the CEO of LARK The Agency in Chicago.
"The ultimate goal of a cheer coach is to develop the whole person - mind, body and soul," Larkin said. "The UIC cheer program strives to foster teamwork, self-discipline, character building and skill development. Our cheer athletes enjoy supporting UIC's various athletic teams and are thrilled to provide an extra boost to our student-athletes competing on the court. We take pride in promoting and serving as ambassadors for UIC and the Department of Athletics."
A former collegiate dancer, Lemon currently works as a dance teacher at Hansberry College Prep in Chicago, teaching 11th and 12th grades. She also has served as the head coach and dance company artistic director for Hanberry College Prep's Bengal Dance Collective since 2018. While receiving her undergraduate degree at Southern Illinois University, Lemon was a dance company member and choreographer for eight semesters. She helped produce and direct six programs during her time in Carbondale.
"I am eager to work towards fortifying a program of passionate and competitive students," Lemon said. "I am eager to bring my knowledge and years of experience within collegiate dance, dance education and professional dance performance to UIC's Dancing Flames. I strive to cultivate a safe and expressive dance space that uplifts the whole student, prioritizing academics, athletics and student well-being."
The UIC sprit squads are integral parts of the fan experience at UIC basketball games. These talented athletes cheer on the Flames throughout the season and are some of the best ambassadors of UIC and the Department of Athletics.
The cheer team will feature 24 members in 2023-24, while 12 athletes will participate on this season's dance team. Fans are encouraged to watch the spirit squads' performances at all Flames home games inside Credit Union 1 Arena during the 2023-24 men's and women's basketball seasons.
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