Cheerleader U Mondays at 11|10c

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Linda Gooch - Spirit Program Director & Cheerleading Head Coach

Linda Gooch is in her 24th season as the coach of UCF's nationally-respected cheerleading squad. Since Gooch's squad began competing in the national championships in 1994, the Golden Knights have finished in the top 10 in 12 of the past 14 years, including two runner-up finishes. In 2003, the team won their first ever national crown ending Kentucky's streak of eight consecutive titles. In 2007, UCF claimed their second national championship outlasting several SEC schools, including Kentucky. In addition, the Knightmoves dance team has finished in the top 10 in each of the past five years with fifth place showings in both 2003 and 2004 and seventh in 2007.

Mike Pare - Assistant Cheerleading Coach

Mike Pare has been a coach and choreographer for the Golden Knight cheerleaders for the past seven seasons and has been instrumental in the program's success including its 2003 national title. Pare graduated from the University of Kentucky, where he was a member of the Wildcats cheerleading team. He won the partner stunt national championship in 1991 and helped UK earn team national championships in 1992 and 1993. After graduation, Pare spent two years as a collegiate coach at Michigan and Cincinnati. In addition to his position at UCF, Mike Pare is also the president of Spirit Cheer, a camp and competition company. He is actively involved in providing safety seminars around the country with recreation/pop warner cheer groups. He is also the creator of the 1-2 down up media series for stunting. He has coached numerous high school, all-star and recreation programs to top 10 finishes and national titles.

Randy Brown - Assistant Cheerleading Coach

Randy Brown is currently an assistant cheerleading coach at UCF. Randy was a four year cheerleader at UCF and a member of the 2007 National Championship squad. In 2006 and 2007, Randy placed 3rd and 6th respectively in UCA's partner stunt competition. As a junior and senior, Randy received the Leadership Award voted on by his fellow team members. Randy was also a 2-time member of Inside Cheerleading's All-American Team. He has worked as instructor for UCA for six years and is a member of the college staff and core training staff. He graduated from UCF in August of 2007 with a degree in Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing a master's degree.

Ginny Welch Hitt - Assistant Cheerleading Coach

Ginny Welch Hitt is in her fifth season as a member of the coaching staff at UCF and has over 13 years of coaching experience. An alumnae of UCF, Hitt received her bachelor's degree in physical education in 1998 and a master's degree in education in 2002. From 1998-2003, Ginny served as the head coach at Oviedo High School, where she led the team to numerous State Championships and four top ten national finishes. OHS took third place at the 2003 National High School Cheerleading Championships. In addition to her coaching duties at UCF, Hitt works as a sales representative for Varsity Brands, Inc. in the Central Florida area. She is married to Harold Hitt (UCF '91). The Hitts and their infant son, Dalton, reside in Winter Springs, Fla.