TYLER, TEXAS – The University of Texas at Tyler Vice President for Athletics Dr. Howard Patterson is pleased to announce the hiring of Katie Hutto as the department's new head spirit squad coach.
Hutto, a 2010 graduate of UT Tyler and member of the program's inaugural dance team, returns to UT Tyler after most recently serving as a cheer coach and dance instructor at Tyler Legacy High School. Hutto has spent nearly a decade in public education and will join her alma mater as head spirit squad coach beginning May 1st.
"Patriot Athletics is pleased to welcome back Katie Hutto to lead our spirit squad programs," Dr. Patterson said. "Katie is a graduate of UT Tyler and a former member of UT Tyler's dance team. She brings a wealth of skills to the job, including experience teaching dance, coaching cheer and routine choreography. Katie also serves as a judge for regional cheer and dance tryouts."
Legacy High School's spirit program flourished under the direction of Hutto as the cheer team advanced to the final and earned a top-20 finish in 6A-DII teams at the UIL Gameday Competition. Hutto oversaw all game day choreography, including the crowd-leading routine that scored within the top eight at the prelims.
"I consider it an incredible honor to step into the shoes of a coach like Maggie Koehn," coach Hutto said. "As a member of the inaugural UT Tyler Spirit Squad in 2006, I have loved watching Coach Maggie transform our humble beginnings into a reputable, competitive program. I look forward to serving the athletes and community of UT Tyler and cannot wait to get started!"
In addition to her cheer responsibilities and Dance 1 instruction, Hutto choreographed for Legacy High School's award-winning spring musical, Hairspray.
Prior to her role at Legacy High School, Hutto served as the JV cheer coach at Wylie High School as well as a dance instructor at Caldwell Arts Academy. Prior to that she spent five years as an elementary educator and writing teacher.
Hutto will join the UT Tyler athletic department following current head coach Maggie Koehn's resignation from her position.
"We wish Maggie Williams all the best," Dr. Patterson said. "She has done a marvelous job growing the Spirit programs during the 6 ½ years at UT Tyler."
