DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - Loras Director of Athletics Denise Udelhofen announced the addition of a spirit squad as the school's 24th athletic program as well as the hiring of Lauren Parkinson as head coach on Monday. The Loras Spirit Squad will bring with it the addition of a dance team to the existing cheerleading team.

"I am pleased to announce this addition to our athletic department," Udelhofen said. "One of our goals at Loras is to consistently provide opportunities for our current and future students opportunities to participate, lead and broaden their horizons as they navigate their college years. The addition of a spirit squad with cheer and dance components gives us the ability to reach a broader group of students who may not have originally considered Loras College."

Parkinson, a 2014 graduate of UW-Platteville, was a three-year member of the varsity cheer and stunt program for the Pioneers. Originally from Lena, Ill., Parkinson earned her degrees in business and finance. In November of 2016, Parkinson joined the Loras community as the Facilities Coordinator.

"I'm very excited to begin in my new role at Loras with the spirit squad," Parkinson said. "Our goal will be to promote school pride and energy throughout campus as well as the surrounding Dubuque community."

Joining Parkinson will be Laura Kittleson, who was a four-year member of the dance team while at the University of Northern Iowa. While there, the Panthers won two national championships, including one while Kittleson was a team captain. Kittleson will oversee the choreography for the spirit squad.

Students interested in joining the spirit squad are encouraged to contact Lauren Parkinson and make plans to attend tryouts on March 31, April 1 and April 2. Parkinson and Kittleson are looking for dedicated students with strong cheer and dance backgrounds, with preferred experience in stunting.

Loras' cheer team will continue to perform at game days for football, women's basketball and men's basketball. In addition to a greater presence on game day, Parkinson's goal is to increase the spirit squads' in overall campus activities including Duhawk Day, Dance Marathon and Siblings Weekend.

The addition of the spirit squad is the first new program at Loras since men's volleyball was added in 2014.

Those interested in joining the spirit squad are encouraged to fill out an interest form on Duhawks.com.