ST. JOSEPH, Mo. –  Emily Jensen has been named head coach of the Missouri Western Spirit Program the university announced on Wednesday. She will lead the combined collaborative effort of the MWSU cheer and dance teams.
 
"We are thrilled to have Emily join the Griffon family," said assistant athletic director of home events and spirit supervisor Ashli Wicker. "She brings a tremendous skillset and leadership to the position. Emily has a contagious energy and brings a solid vision for the direction of our spirit program."
 
Jensen joins the Griffons as a first-time head coach after spending five years as an assistant at Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas.
 
"It is such an honor to join Missouri Western and the Griffon community," Jensen said. "I am thrilled to build upon the growing legacy of Griffon Spirit while pursuing excellence in collaboration, culture and competitiveness. I would like to thank (director of athletics) Andy Carter, (assistant athletic director) Ashli Wicker, (deputy athletic director) Theresa Grosbach and the staff for this opportunity.
 
"I can't wait to begin my new journey with these incredible teams."
 
Jensen, a native of Dallas, began her college spirit career at Texas Woman's as part of the program's inaugural dance team in 2017. She also served as a team captain, while earning NDA All-America honors. Jensen was named TWU's graduate assistant coach in 2020 and was elevated to assistant coach in 2023.
 
During her five years on the coaching staff at TWU, Jensen played a key part in the team's program-record finishes at NDA Nationals and the USA Collegiate Championships.
 
Emily owns a BA in Dance Education and a Master's Degree in Dance from TWU. She also served as an adjunct professor of Dance at the University of North Texas for the past two years and was a graduate teaching assistant at TWU. Jensen's 20-plus years in movement training spans several genres, including pom, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, ballet, modern, tap and musical theater. She continues to serve as a veteran choreographer and adjudicator for Danceline USA.