Coaching Staff

Spirit Squad Head Coach

Coach Owens has been the Head Coach of the University of Minnesota Spirit Squad since 1995. He oversees all Spirit Squad teams - including the Dance Team, Cheerleaders, Hockey Cheerleaders, and Goldy Gopher. Under his direction, the Minnesota Dance Team has claimed 22 National Championships, and 3 World Championships representing Team USA.

Dance Team Coach

Coach Gaines is in her 12th season coaching the University of Minnesota Dance Team - and her 16th total season with the program. She has also been connected with the program as a Choreographer, and previously as an athlete. Coach Gaines has been an integral member of the Golden Gophers winning 17 different National Championships from 2006-2024.

Assistant Dance Team Coach

Coach Tumbleson is in her third season on the staff as the Assistant Dance Team Coach. ‘Coach T’ has also spent time coaching at Edina High School. Prior to her coaching role, she was a standout athlete on the University of Minnesota Dance Team.