SPOKANE, Wash. – Samie Schaffer has been elevated from an assistant coach to the position of head coach for the 2026-27 season of the Whitworth University cheer squad, according to Director of Athletics Tim Demant.

"We are excited to have Coach Samie step into this new role," Demant said.  "As a former Whitworth cheerleader and assistant coach, she has a deep passion for this program and an established relationship with her athletes.  Her work over the past several months during the transition has demonstrated her ability to lead this program."

Schaffer spent the past two years as an assistant coach for the Pirate cheer squad.  She helped run practices and logistics behind the scenes.  She was a four-year letter-winner as a Whitworth cheerleader, graduating in 2024.  She served as a team captain during the 2023-24 season.

"I am honored to step into this role and continue to get to know the athletes and shape them into leaders," Schaffer said.  "I'm preparing to build strong foundational skills in our preseason training and am looking forward to welcoming the cheerleaders back to campus in a few weeks."