Kendall Smith Resigns as Head Cheer Coach

Lamoni, Iowa - Graceland University Athletic department has announced the resignation of their Head Cheer Coach, Kendall Smith.

"I want to thank Coach Smith for his commitment to excellence during his time at Graceland," said Athletic Director Brady McKillip said. "I wish him nothing but the best with his transition to a new program."

Smith would open his college coaching here at Graceland spending the last two seasons with the cheer program. Coach Smith would earn Heart Co-Coach of the Year consecutively at Graceland.
During his time Smith would be a part of creating the inaugural Graceland Classic and the Graceland Invitational. The Yellowjackets would host the Benedictine College Ravens, the Missouri Valley College Vikings and the Grand View University Vikings.

During that time, Smith worked to create a team culture that encouraged all athletes to give it their all, in both cheer and in the classroom. He would have three NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athletes and would have five Heart Scholar-Athletes.

"I'm very thankful to this school and the athletic department for giving me my first opportunity to coach at the collegiate level. I've learned so much over my two years here, and words cannot describe my gratitude to Brady McKillip, Zack Mullins, and Mari Fine for helping me become the coach I am today. They helped me reach new heights and understand what being a 'Coach' means," said Kendall Smith. "I'm incredibly grateful for the members of this program and their dedication, hard work, and commitment. Their efforts have been crucial to the program's existence, and the countless hours they have put into the cheer program are the reasons why they are the backbone and future. I'm excited to see what the future holds for each of them. I know they can accomplish anything they put their minds to."

"During his time at Graceland, Coach Smith's commitment to his team and program reflects the type of person and coach he is," said Associate Athletic Director Zack Mullins. "I know he will keep pushing himself and his team to excellence."

The Yellowjackets have begun their search to fill the Cheer Head Coach position. For more information, click here.

-Yellowjackets-