GUNNISON, Colo.  Director of Athletics Dr. Amber Burdge announced on Monday, August 10, the hiring of Michayla Contreras as the new head coach of the Mountaineer athletics' cheer and dance programs.

A USA Cheer certified instructor, Contreras brings vast experiences in stunting, tumbling, and gameday performance, along with a strong history of community outreach, social media and marketing, and program development.

She arrives at Western most recently serving as a staff member and instructor for 365 Spirit, where she assisted with camp operations, athlete evaluations, and program growth, and taught performance skills, stunting, tumbling and performance routines development.

Contreras was a cheerleader for four years at Bethel (Kan.) College, where she earned freshman of the year and KCAC first-team honors, on a squad that captured a conference championship.