FAYETTE, Iowa - Vice President of Athletics Rick Hartzell has announced the hiring of Erica Walsh as the new Upper Iowa Head Cheer and Dance Coach. Walsh brings more than 25 years of coaching experience to the Peacock program. 

"I am thrilled that we were able to hire Erica as our new Head Cheer and Dance Coach," Hartzell said. "She brings years of successful experience to the position, along with great enthusiasm to build a solid and lasting program that honors Diane and Steve Harms and their legacy in the cheer program. We are excited to have Erica and her family join our Peacock family."

Walsh joins Upper Iowa after serving as the Head Cheer Coach at Astoria High School in Astoria, Oregon. She joined the school's office staff in 2019 as the head secretary and office manager, overseeing front-office operations for more than 550 students and 75 staff members. During her time in that role, Walsh became the head coach of the varsity cheer program, leading the team while continuing to manage the day-to-day operations of the high school office.

Prior to her time in Oregon, she led the cheer program at Sparks High School in Sparks, Nevada. At Sparks, Walsh coached a Nevada State Championship team and led it to multiple state runner-up finishes. Her success was recognized with Nevada Spirit Coach of the Year honors. 

Walsh also has experience as the director of the Rail City Spirit program in Sparks. In that role, she directed camps and clinics while teaching cheer choreography. This position also allowed her to build strong relationships with the area schools, athletes, families and community programs.

"The most rewarding part of coaching for me is the relationships that are formed along the way," Walsh said. "I love helping student-athletes build confidence, develop leadership skills and accomplish goals they didn't think were possible."

The cheer and dance programs at Upper Iowa are funded through the Diane Kinkead Harms Cheer Endowment. The late Diane Harms, UIU class of 1973, established the endowment with a gift of $1.65 million to ensure the longevity of the program with the goal of forming a cheer team that both competes regionally and nationally and plays a major role in Upper Iowa's gameday experience. 

"My goal is to build a culture centered on leadership, accountability, school pride and community involvement," Walsh said. "I am excited to help athletes grow while serving as a steward of the program and continuing the legacy established through the generosity and vision of Diane and Steve Harms. It is an honor to join the Peacock family, and I am excited for the opportunity to work with these student-athletes while continuing the strong tradition of Upper Iowa Cheer and Dance."

Walsh earned her associate's degree in general studies from Truckee Meadows Community College in Nevada. She is currently working on her bachelor's degree in communications from Western Governors University. 

"I am grateful to my husband, Doug, and my daughter, Jillian, for their support throughout this journey," Walsh said. "I would also like to thank the coaches, mentors, colleagues and athletes who have helped shape me both personally and professionally over the years."