Bethany College Brings Back Sideline Cheer with New Head Coach Patricia Smith
LINDSBORG, KS. JULY 25, 2025 — Bethany College is proud to announce the return of sideline cheer, launching with the 2025–26 academic year. Leading the program is newly appointed head coach Patricia Smith, an experienced educator and cheer coach. Sideline cheer will return to Bethany’s home football and basketball games, bringing renewed energy and spirit to campus life. With a focus on building a team from the ground up, Coach Smith will work closely with current students and new incoming students this fall to establish a strong foundation for the program.
Coach Smith brings a blend of musical education and athletic leadership to her new role. Originally from Lansford, North Dakota, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music and currently teaches vocal and guitar at Bennington High School. Over the past three years, she also coached the Bennington High School cheer squad. Smith lives in Salina and, outside of the classroom and gym, enjoys playing pickleball and building with Legos.
"We are excited to welcome Coach Patricia Smith and launch sideline cheer," said Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics. "We know firsthand the positive impact sideline cheer brings to the game day atmosphere, student experience, and Swede spirit campus wide. Coach Smith's experience as a local high school cheer coach, as well as her enthusiasm to build sideline cheer at Bethany, will greatly benefit the process of launching a team and bringing immediate energy and engagement to campus."
Coach Smith will be on campus during new student check-in on August 8th in the Student Union to meet with interested students. She will also be present during the first few weeks of the semester to help build awareness and enthusiasm. An open house for the program is currently being planned, with details to be announced soon.
Recruitment efforts are underway for students interested in joining the cheer team in spring 2026 and beyond. Students can contact Coach Smith at smithpa@bethanylb.edu or reach out to the Office of Admissions at admissions@bethanylb.edu for more information.
Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
