SEWARD, Neb. – Milford, Neb., native Heather Duff has been named Concordia University head dance and cheer coach, as announced by the athletic department on Monday. Duff will also serve the Bulldogs as athletic business coordinator. She began her duties today (Aug. 17).
“I am very excited to become a part of the Bulldog family,” Duff said. “I am looking forward to start practicing and working with the cheer and dance teams and can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. Thank you to both Devin Smith (Director of Athletics) and Angela Muller (Associate Athletic Director) for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Go Bulldogs!"
Said Smith, “We’re thrilled to welcome Heather to the Bulldog family. I believe her talent, experience and ability to connect with young performers will be a great asset to our dance and cheer programs and our entire athletic department. Heather’s many years of experience in coaching and competing will have a positive impact on our student-athletes. In addition, she is a great fit for the Christ-centered environment and core values exemplified by Concordia athletics.”
Since 2009, Duff had held the title of head dance coach at Milford Public Schools. In her role, she managed all aspects of the dance team, overseeing practices, performances, competitions, camps and fundraising events. In addition, Duff is the owner and director of Corner Star Dance Studio in Milford. At the studio, Duff has instructed dance and cheer classes at beginner, intermediate and competitive levels and is involved in advertising and marketing and organizing events as well as business aspects of Corner Star Dance. She has also carries financial management experience having worked for five years at Farmers and Merchants Bank.
In total, Duff possesses six years of competitive level coaching experience, 13 years of beginner, intermediate and competitive level dance studio instructing experience and 22 years of dancing, performing and competitive experience.
Heather and her husband David have a son Graham.
Both Concordia dance and cheer programs offer scholarships and have the opportunity to showcase their talents several dual meets and larger-scale competitions throughout the academic year. In 2016, the Great Plains Athletic Conference will hold its third annual Cheer and Dance Invitational.