SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Athletic Director Jenn Bell and the Converse College Athletic Department are pleased to announce the hiring of Haili Menard as the head coach of the Valkyries acrobatics and tumbling team. Menard becomes the third coach in program history.
"We are thrilled to have Haili join our staff," said Bell. "With the first competition right around the corner, she has her work cut out for her, but we have no doubt she will get right to work with the ladies. We look forward to seeing the team build on its recent success with Haili at the helm."
Menard began her acrobatics and tumbling career in 2013, and recently graduated as a student-athlete from Fairmont State.
With three National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Championship Tournament appearances, Menard helped Fairmont to a National Individual Event title in the 6 element acro heat in 2014. Throughout her career, Menard also competed in multiple pyramid event finals.
Throughout her time as a student-athlete, Menard spent time coaching with Juergen's Gymnastics Academy in Atascocita, Texas. She is looking forward to continuing her coaching career at the collegiate level with acrobatics and tumbling.
"I am so grateful for the opportunity to coach here at Converse College," said Menard. "I look forward to sharing my passion for the sport with this incredible group of athletes. Their drive and positive attitudes have already been so inspiring. I can't wait to watch how far they go this season."
Menard is a native of Houston, Texas and a graduate of Fairmont State University. She earned her degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology.