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Emory Oxford adds competitive cheer as varsity sport; names Duncan head coach

Emory Oxford adds competitive cheer as varsity sport; names Duncan head coach
September 12, 2024

The Oxford College of Emory University Athletic Director Roderick Stubbs has announced that competitive cheer will be the college's 10th varsity sport. 

Nicole Duncan, who has been in charge of the dance/cheer club team for the past seven years, will take over as the varsity head coach.  

"I'm thrilled to be the first head coach of varsity dance/cheer and competing in competitive cheer," Duncan said. "The team works hard every year and will now get to be part of an NJCAA emerging sport." 

As an emerging sport, competitive cheer has garnered interest amongst NJCAA member colleges in recent years. Although cheer is now a varsity sport, Oxford's team will continue to dance and cheer at varsity basketball games and at events around Oxford's campus. 

In addition to being the varsity cheer/dance coach, Duncan is an instructor in the Center for Healthful Living, personal trainer, and fitness choreographer. She has also founded her own fitness company, Ultimate Fitness Center, specializing in creating fitness programs, workshops and events for cheerleaders, dancers, fitness, and figure competitors. She was a professional competitor in the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation. 

Duncan has vast experience in dance and cheer. She has been the director of cheer & dance for the North American Football League (NAFL) Georgia Mustangs; Georgia State University head cheerleading coach; a member of the Rockdale Gymnastics coaching staff and a member of the Universal Cheerleaders Association College staff. 

She retired after four seasons as a member of the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleading Squad to focus on competing but remains an active member of the alumni association. She has choreographed routines for the Jr. Falcons Cheerleading program and various all-star and high school cheerleading programs. 

"Nicole has worked hard to make the cheer and dance team successful during her time at Emory Oxford," Stubbs said. "We're excited to have her here as the head coach."