SALT LAKE CITY — The BYU Cougarettes have two new head coaches.
The university announced the hiring of Stacy Bills and Morgan St. Pierre as Cougarette co-coaches on Tuesday.
“Stacy and Morgan bring a wealth of dance, teaching and choreography experience to the Cougarettes,” said BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe in a statement. “We believe they will continue the success of the program with their own flare and unique abilities. As former Cougarette captains, their passion for the program will certainly be seen and felt in future team performances.”
Bills, a native of Provo, was a member of the Cougarettes for three years, two of which were as dance captain. She was also featured on “So You Think You Can Dance,” was the winner of Miss Utah in 2003 and performed with Odyssey Dance Theatre. She has directed dance at different dance studios that were named studios of the year. She is married to KC Bills, a former BYU football safety.
“I’m thrilled to be able to return to the university that I’ve always loved and the Cougarette program that has given me so much,” said Bills in a statement. “It’s an unbelievable opportunity to help these incredible dancers perform at the highest level and represent BYU. I am so excited to work with Morgan, my longtime friend and colleague. We shared the Cougarette experience together and look forward to carrying on the exceptional Cougarette legacy. I express deep appreciation to Tom Holmoe, Liz Darger and the administration for their trust, and of course a special thanks to Jodi Maxfield for making the program what it is today. We can’t wait to get started on this journey!”
St. Pierre, a Cottonwood Heights native, was a member of the Cougarettes for four years and was an officer for two years. She performed with the team at the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics, performed at the Daytime Emmys and was a member of StarStruck Dance Academy. St. Pierre has taught dance for over 20 years, including being the head of drill team at Bingham High School, which has won five state titles under her direction. She is married to BYU rugby coach Steve St. Pierre.
“I’m overwhelmed and grateful to Tom Holmoe and Liz Darger for trusting Stacy and me with this legendary program. We understand the Cougarette legacy and can’t wait to help shape its future,” said St. Pierre in a statement. “The Cougarette program is very dear to me and the chance to work alongside these talented dancers is exciting. I appreciate Jodi Maxfield and how her influence helped shaped the woman I am today. I’m humbled to share this opportunity with such an accomplished friend and professional in Stacy. We look forward to getting started.”