Erica Walsh was named the head cheer and dance coach in June 2026. She brings more than 25 years of high school coaching experience to the Peacock program.
She served as the head cheer coach at Astoria High School in Astoria, Oregon, before joining UIU. 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.
Walsh led the cheer program at Sparks High School in Sparks, Nevada, before her time in Oregon. 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.
She also has experience as the director of the Rail City Spirit program in Sparks. In that role, Walsh 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.
Walsh resides with her husband, Doug, and they have a daughter, Jillian.Â
