GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Canaan Loope has been promoted to the position of Head Spirit Coordinator at Tusculum University announced Josh Ealy, Vice President of Athletics.

Loope, who has served the last two years as an assistant coach on the Tusculum staff, will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the cheerleading & dance program. He will coordinate all recruiting and retention efforts, training, conditioning, choreography and academic advisement.

"I am excited to elevate Canaan to the role of head coach," said Ealy. "He has excelled as an assistant in recruiting and student-athlete development. I am looking forward to see where Canaan can take our program."

The New Tazewell, Tennessee native has coached in various roles over the last five years including: East Coast Cheer & Tumble Assistant Coach, Tri-Star Stunting Coach and Tri-Cities Area Director.

"My time at Tusculum has been such a blessing and I am honored to accept the position of Head Spirit Coordinator. The connections that I have made with the team during my time as an assistant are priceless to me and I cannot wait to dedicate increased time and energy for each of our team members," Loope said. "I look forward to encouraging the growth and development of each athlete, not just in their athletic career but more importantly as a person, as we strive to reach new heights as a program. Go Pioneers!"

Loope competed on the cheerleading teams at King University and the University of Tennessee. He lettered three years at King before earning his Bachelor's degree in business management in 2020.

While at Tennessee, Loope competed with the Volunteers for two season in UCA D1A Game Day and Traditional routines and was a member of UT's Game Day National Championship in 2021. He completed his Master's degree in kinesiology: sport psychology and motor behavior in 2022.