For the first time, Central Methodist University has named a head dance coach, separating the co-ed cheerleading and dance teams to be under the direction of different leaders.
Brenda L. Parisi, formerly from Wentzville, has taken over the dance team – previously led by Terin Fuemmeler, CMU’s head spirit squad coach.
Parisi will focus on performances and practices, help build skills and guide team development, supervise athletes and assistant coaches, and ensure the program is in compliance with institutional and national guidelines, policies, and regulations.
In her position, she will spend much of her time directing the dance team at home contests, coordinating the admission of prospective student-athletes, scheduling, budgeting, managing equipment orders and distribution, and assisting with scouting and recruitment. She also will assist in the coordination of fundraising, camps, clinics, and special events.
“I’m super excited – Central Methodist is a great institution, both academically and athletically, so it’s the perfect place for this opportunity,” Parisi said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do, and am honored and humble to be the head coach at CMU.
“It’s a great responsibility to take over at an institution that is so well-respected,” she continued. “Anyone you talk to in college dance would say our program is a successful one, but the potential is here for so much more.”
Parisi steps in to take over an already-thriving team. The CMU Competitive Dance Team reached its season goal last year, as it finished 10th in the nation in the NAIA Competitive Cheer & Dance National Championships held in Florida.
“Brenda and I have had numerous discussions of our vision – what we foresee for the future of the Dance Team, and we truly feel as though the sky is the limit,” Fuemmeler said. “Big things are to come for the Dance Team this year.”
Prior to joining Central, Parisi was the assistant principal at Fort Zumwalt School District’s East High School and South Middle School, both in St. Peters, for nearly10 years. In this role, she oversaw departments including guidance, special education, English-language arts, science, and physical education, in addition to many other administrative duties.
Parisi also has background experience in St. Charles as the former Dean of Students at Francis Howell North High School, and as the Lindenwood University Dance Team director for a unit that was ranked second in the nation, with three additional top-three finishing years under her direction.
Her dance experience goes even beyond her time at Lindenwood. She also was a Missouri High School Dance Team Association board member, the coach of the Francis Howell Central Dance Team – which earned six first-place trophies at the state level - and more.
“Brenda’s experience and background in dance will allow us to take the next step in building a complete spirit squad for CMU,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of institutional growth and student engagement. “Having a full-time dance coach will allow more focus on our dancers. We are looking forward to having Brenda as a part of our athletic department, but more importantly, as an official member of the CMU family.”
All from Lindenwood University, Parisi received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, a Master of Arts degree in Education, and a Master of Arts degree in Administration.
For the first time, Central Methodist University has named a head dance coach, separating the co-ed cheerleading and dance teams to be under the direction of different leaders.