Kimura Resigns; Molifua Takes Over Cheer and Dance

Note to Media:For more information, contact Adam Maser, Sports Information Director, at amaser@hastings.eduor 402.984.5371.

Hastings College Athletic Director Patty Sitorius has announced Mikaelah Molifua as the new Hastings College cheer and dance coach as Nikki Kimura recently resigned to take an assistant cheer coach position at the University of Nebraska.

"We can not thank Kimura enough for the dedication and passion she has brought these past five years," Sitorius said. "She has become a respected coach in cheer and dance not only at the GPAC level but throughout the Midwest."

Sitorius knows that Molifua has helped build the cheer squad as a member and a captain. She was a crucial leader as a member and will now lead the squad moving forward as a coach.

"I am unbelievably excited for this great opportunity and extremely grateful that Patty entrusts in me to lead both the cheer and dance squads," Molifua continued. "My experience along with everything I have learned from Nikki will certainly help me lead both programs in the right direction."

Under Kimura's leadership, cheer and dance turned competitive during the 2014-2015 season as cheer won non-stunt conference titles in 2015 and 2016 before moving to the stunt division in 2017. This past season, she coached the GPAC Cheer Athlete of the Year in Elaria Walker while also having two honorable mention all-conference members. She has also had one All-American and four honorable mention All-Americans on the dance team during her time here. Kimura was also named GPAC Co-Coach of the Year in 2018.

Kimura also helped to transform the cheer squad from an all female group to co-ed during the 2016-17 campaign. This move really helped to push the group towards the stunt division and also compete at a higher level.

Founded in 1882, Hastings College is a private, four-year liberal arts institution that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. With 60+ majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs, Hastings College has been named among "America's Best National Liberal Arts Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report, a "Best in the Midwest"by The Princeton Review and a "Best Buy in College Education"by Barron's. Visit Hastings.edufor more.