WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Gallaudet University Athletics Department announced today that Rosemary Johnson is the new head coach for cheerleading club as announced by Athletic Director Michael Weinstock. Johnson begins her new duties as cheerleading coach immediately.

“We are excited to welcome Rosemary to the athletics department as our new cheerleading coach,” said Weinstock. “Her enthusiasm for cheerleading is evident and her goals will only help revamp our cheer program. We are looking forward to seeing improved school spirit at future home athletic games.”

Johnson is no stranger to the Gallaudet cheerleading squad as she participated from 2009-12. The two-year captain received the 2011 Gallaudet Cheerleading Leadership Award before graduating from GU with a bachelor’s degree in interpretation this past spring. She also competed on the women’s track and field team during the 2009-10 season.

“My goal is to give each cheerleader an opportunity to improve their skills in a fun and supportive environment," said Johnson. "As someone who has cheered for many years, I am very excited to take on this leadership role and bring Gallaudet cheerleading and school spirit to a whole new level."

The Richardson, Texas, native started competing in cheerleading during high school on both her school and All-Star team. She helped Pro Spirit All-Stars place first at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) competition. For her efforts she was named national champion at the competition. The past four years she has been involved with Northeast NCA Cheerleading Camps serving as a staff member.

Johnson is currently a freelance interpreter in the D.C. metropolitan area. She is a member of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and currently resides in Washington, D.C.

Johnson will host an information night for those interested in trying out for the 2012-13 Gallaudet University cheerleading club on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 6 p.m. in the Field House. The room location will be announced at a later date. Tryouts will be held from Sept. 4-6 in the afternoon at Hotchkiss Field on the track. The exact time will be announced at a later date. If you have any questions about the cheerleading program please e-mail Coach Johnson at cheerleading@gallaudet.edu.