DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Peggy Pierce announced her resignation as Embry-Riddle's Head Cheerleading Coach on Friday. Pierce was named the seventh head coach in the history of the program in the summer of 2008 and recently accepted a position with Signature Flight Support in their sales department. Pierce, who completed her Master of Science degree in Aeronautics specializing in Operations and Management at Embry-Riddle in December 2010, will work out of Signature Flight Support's corporate headquarters in Orlando and will be the Account Representative for the Midwest/Northeast region of the United States.

“Peggy has done a remarkable job developing one of the best cheerleading programs in the country,” ERAU Director of Athletics Steve Ridder stated. “The cheerleaders have represented the university and the athletic program in a positive manner both on and off the court. Their recent improvements as a program have been impressive and Peggy has positioned us for tremendous growth in the near future. We are extremely appreciative of her commitment to our program and are elated about her new opportunity in the aviation industry. We wish her nothing but success in her new endeavor as we look ahead to the challenge of hiring a new coach.”

Pierce's administration of the cheerleading program involved holding her athletes to the same high standards of all the other varsity sport programs at Embry-Riddle as evidenced by five cheerleading student-athletes earning ERAU Champions of Character Scholarships during her tenure. The Eagle cheerleaders have also been very visible in the local community, volunteering with the girl scouts, the Volusia Literacy Council, shopping programs for underprivileged children and providing entertainment at kids' birthday parties.

“I never imagined I'd be a Head Cheerleading Coach at the college level when I was only 24 years old, because coaching isn't easy.” Pierce said. “Many may have seen improvement in the program over the last three years, but seeing this team grow from a group of individuals into a family is what I am most proud of. I can honestly say that I consider my team as my family; it's hard for anyone to leave his or her family.

“I was fortunate to find a job offer utilizing both of my degrees. Knowing that many graduates may be unemployed for a year or so after graduation, I knew I couldn't turn it down. I am grateful to have had the chance to become part of the Embry-Riddle Athletics Family.  I only wish I could have stayed longer.”