Spirit Tabs Kristen Saenz, Annie Carrell to Leadership Roles
8/16/2024 8:03:00 AM | Spirit Squads
WACO, Texas – Baylor has named Kristen Saenz its Director of Spirit & Traditions and Annie Carrell its Assistant Director of Spirit & Traditions, it was announced on Thursday.
"After completing a national search for both roles, including with an eye towards the needs and aspirations of the Spirit & Traditions program at Baylor, Kristen and Annie stood out as the right fit for us," Baylor Deputy AD and Chief Revenue Officer Jovan Overshown said. "While both are familiar to us as folks we have trusted with key roles in the program in the past, they bring an exciting and positive approach to the leadership of this space. These two are the best fit for our program and will bring fresh perspective while also building on the strong foundation of the many individuals who have come before them in the program."
A two-time graduate of Baylor, Saenz has been a fixture in the Waco cheer & gymnastics community for over two decades. Saenz joined the Baylor Spirit & Traditions program as Assistant Director in 2023. During her first year, she oversaw the All-Girl Yell Leaders, and led the program to its first ever Collegiate Classic Spirit Showdown National Championship. A former USA Spirit Team Captain and a five-time member of the USASF Worlds Team, Saenz earned her bachelor's of science degree in education from Baylor in 2003 and her master's degree in sports management in 2005.
"I am excited to move into the position of director of Spirit and Traditions at Baylor University," said Saenz. "I have a deep love and passion for the Baylor spirit squads and I am looking forward to leading the program into the future. Our teams are strong and talented and I am eager to see what they will be able to accomplish. My love for Baylor began at an early age, and I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and integral group that upholds the spirit and traditions of Baylor University."
She has served as the interim director of Spirit & Traditions since May. Previously, she was the head cheer coach at Texas Dynasty and Waco Cheer Unlimited from 2002-18, was the gameday choreographer at Abilene Wylie High School from 2021-22 and was a consultant cheer coach and tryout judge for the Bears from 2012-22. Saenz is certified by USA Cheer, US Center for SafeSport, National Center for Safety Initiatives, CDC and Prevention, American Red Cross, Positive Coaching Alliance and USA Gymnastics.
Carrell has served as the Spirit & Traditions coordinator since 2023 and the interim Songleader coach since May, while also managing a role with Healthcare Bluebook. She gained experience as an assistant pom coach at Norman [Okla.] High School from 2021-22 and as a senior instructor for Crowd Pleasers Dance, working to teach choreography through Christian leadership strategies.
"I am absolutely thrilled to step into the role of Assistant Director of Spirit and Traditions at Baylor University," said Carrell. "To lead the remarkable Songleaders Dance Team is an honor. I'm eager to work alongside such passionate individuals and I am excited to contribute to the unique traditions that make Baylor truly special."
Carrell was a three-year member of the Oklahoma Pom Squad, won the 2021-22 OU Sooner M.A.G.I.C. Values Award and was a OU Merit Scholar from 2019-22. She was an OU Spirit Scholar from 2020-22. She earned her bachelor's degree in mental and physical health sciences in 2023 from OU.
"After completing a national search for both roles, including with an eye towards the needs and aspirations of the Spirit & Traditions program at Baylor, Kristen and Annie stood out as the right fit for us," Baylor Deputy AD and Chief Revenue Officer Jovan Overshown said. "While both are familiar to us as folks we have trusted with key roles in the program in the past, they bring an exciting and positive approach to the leadership of this space. These two are the best fit for our program and will bring fresh perspective while also building on the strong foundation of the many individuals who have come before them in the program."
A two-time graduate of Baylor, Saenz has been a fixture in the Waco cheer & gymnastics community for over two decades. Saenz joined the Baylor Spirit & Traditions program as Assistant Director in 2023. During her first year, she oversaw the All-Girl Yell Leaders, and led the program to its first ever Collegiate Classic Spirit Showdown National Championship. A former USA Spirit Team Captain and a five-time member of the USASF Worlds Team, Saenz earned her bachelor's of science degree in education from Baylor in 2003 and her master's degree in sports management in 2005.
"I am excited to move into the position of director of Spirit and Traditions at Baylor University," said Saenz. "I have a deep love and passion for the Baylor spirit squads and I am looking forward to leading the program into the future. Our teams are strong and talented and I am eager to see what they will be able to accomplish. My love for Baylor began at an early age, and I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and integral group that upholds the spirit and traditions of Baylor University."
She has served as the interim director of Spirit & Traditions since May. Previously, she was the head cheer coach at Texas Dynasty and Waco Cheer Unlimited from 2002-18, was the gameday choreographer at Abilene Wylie High School from 2021-22 and was a consultant cheer coach and tryout judge for the Bears from 2012-22. Saenz is certified by USA Cheer, US Center for SafeSport, National Center for Safety Initiatives, CDC and Prevention, American Red Cross, Positive Coaching Alliance and USA Gymnastics.
Carrell has served as the Spirit & Traditions coordinator since 2023 and the interim Songleader coach since May, while also managing a role with Healthcare Bluebook. She gained experience as an assistant pom coach at Norman [Okla.] High School from 2021-22 and as a senior instructor for Crowd Pleasers Dance, working to teach choreography through Christian leadership strategies.
"I am absolutely thrilled to step into the role of Assistant Director of Spirit and Traditions at Baylor University," said Carrell. "To lead the remarkable Songleaders Dance Team is an honor. I'm eager to work alongside such passionate individuals and I am excited to contribute to the unique traditions that make Baylor truly special."
Carrell was a three-year member of the Oklahoma Pom Squad, won the 2021-22 OU Sooner M.A.G.I.C. Values Award and was a OU Merit Scholar from 2019-22. She was an OU Spirit Scholar from 2020-22. She earned her bachelor's degree in mental and physical health sciences in 2023 from OU.
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