High Hopes for Inaugural STUNT Head Coach
By Owen James, Training Coordinator
June 2, 2026
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WMUL-FM) — Marshall Athletics welcomed the inaugural head coach for a brand-new program in a press conference last Tuesday morning.
Evynn Richard was named head coach of Marshall’s new STUNT program on May 11, boasting an impressive resume. As assistant coach with Cal Baptist, she helped lead the Lancers to five-straight national championships and a flawless 125-0 record.
Richard said the pressure of perfection has prepared her to take the reins and jumpstart a new program.
“I think that being undefeated and having the stressors of what that felt like just makes me better, now being able to build something from the ground up,” Richard said.
STUNT is one of the fastest-growing female sports in the country, emphasizing the technical and athletic components of cheerleading in a round-based format. The new program at Marshall marks the first STUNT program at any level across the state of West Virginia.
Women’s sports hold a particularly prestigious place at Marshall, especially considering the success and national recognition women’s basketball and softball have received this season.
President Brad Smith said his expectations for the program were high, but expressed confidence that Richard aligns with the university’s vision for the program.
“We want championships. We want people who can come here and create great opportunities for student athletes, and for students, and for the community,” Smith said. “So, for me, [STUNT] represents everything that Marshall University has stood for for 189 years, and she is the perfect leader to come in and set the standard for us in this next chapter.”
Athletic Director Gerald Harrison also sang Richard’s praises and said that Richard fits right into the Thundering Herd family.
“The Herd mentality comes in play. When we talk, she believes in every tenet of that; she’s aligned with the Marshall values,” Harrison said. “When I think of her, I think of excellence, toughness, positivity, discipline, and leadership.”
STUNT gained NCAA championship status in January, marking a historic milestone in the sport’s more than 16-year history.
Marshall will begin its inaugural season in the spring of 2028. Recruiting efforts are set to begin as early as fall 2026.