ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – MoWest Athletics has announced the hiring of Rachel Lawler as the new Head Spirit Coach.

Lawler brings 20 years of experience in the dance industry, with an extensive background in coaching, instruction, studio ownership, competition judging and event scoring. Throughout her career, she has led dance programs, mentored athletes and instructors and managed competitive dance operations at the studio, school and national levels.

A Kansas City, Missouri native, Lawler has served with Varsity Spirit and Universal Dance Association (UDA) since 2006. During her time with UDA, she has held several roles, including instructor, head instructor, state director and dance competition judge. She currently serves as a scoring manager for the organization.

Lawler also brings more than a decade of experience as a studio owner. She has owned Infinity Dance KC since 2015 and became an owner and co-director of Nova All Stars Dance in 2025.

Her coaching background includes a 10-year tenure with the Winnetonka High School Dance Team from 2006-16. Lawler also coached the Bearcat Steppers Dance Team from 2010-12.

Lawler attended Missouri Western State University as an undergraduate from 2009-11 and later returned to MoWest, where she completed her master's degree in December 2019.

In her new role as Head Spirit Coach, Lawler will bring her extensive coaching, leadership and competitive dance experience to the Griffon spirit program.