The University of Pikeville has turned to one of its own for the role of senior women's leader.
 
Hanna Case, who has been the head coach of dance since 2018, has accepted the position.
 
The senior women's leader may be held by a female administrator or coach who will serve as a key participant in senior-level management decisions regarding intercollegiate athletics on campus.
 
The primary purpose of it is to provide a visible and identifiable female presence within the athletic department.
 
"We are thrilled to have Hanna step into the Senior Women's Leader role and become part of the leadership team for the UPIKE athletic department," said Corey Fipps, director of athletics. "Hanna brings unique insight and experience into the role having been a student-athlete, assistant coach, and a national championship winning head coach here at UPIKE.
 
"We look forward to seeing her continue to grow and make a lasting impact on our student-athletes as an example of strong female leadership."
 
Case, a member of the UPike Class of 2014, was a dancer in her days as an undergraduate and helped the squad to a fourth-place finish in the NDA Nationals. She spent three seasons as an assistant coach before accepting the position of head coach.
 
In April, Case led her squad to the NAIA Jazz Division of the NCA and NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship in Orlando. The previous best finish was fourth, which she led her team to as a student-athlete and a coach.
 
"Stepping into the role of Senior Women's Leader feels like such a full-circle moment for me," Case said. "Throughout my time at UPIKE, I've seen firsthand how much young women can grow when they have people who believe in them, challenge them, encourage them, and walk alongside them. I'm excited to build on to that through this role."
 
Case resides in Floyd County with her husband Brennan, daughters Brynlee and McKinley and son Blayne.