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With over eleven years of coaching experience at the collegiate level, Lura Fleece leads the Maryland competition cheerleading squad into their second season. As a former Maryland Terrapins and Baltimore Ravens cheerleader, Fleece brings passion and persistence to her team. With 12 years at the helm of the Terrapin Spirit Squad, her experience and Terp pride will undoubtedly guide the newly formed squad to the top.
"Lura Fleece brings an enormous amount of experience and enthusiasm" said Maryland's Director of Athletics Deborah A. Yow. "Lura's history at Maryland makes her the perfect coach to guide this squad into the national spotlight."
Last season Fleece lead her team to five regional titles and a seventh place finish at the NCA Nationals. Fleece was also honored with the National Pop Warner Female Achievement Award last May for her long time commitment to cheerleading and building the University of Maryland's program. She joined an elite club which includes U.S. gymnast Amanda Borden, Sports Publisher Clearly Simpson and dancer Paula Abdul. Chief Operating Officer of Pop Warner, Mary K. FitzGerald, noted Fleece's "remarkable strength of character and leadership in attaining achievements."
Aside from coaching the competitive cheer team, the 1991 Maryland graduate, co-owns the Baltimore-based Spirit Unlimited Cheer and Dance Company. The company, started in 1999, hosts camps, clinics and competitions for the region's top cheerleading squads and performers. Fleece has been the Director of Summer Camps for the last five years, in addition to spending three years working as the Competition Coordinator.
Fleece captained the Baltimore Ravens cheerleading squad during the 1999-2000 season, performing routines and stunts with the co-ed group. The following year, she joined the coaching staff to serve as the Game Day Coach. In that capacity, Fleece advised the head coach regarding material and choreography and instructed the L'il Ravens cheerleading program for cheerleaders and dancers ranging in ages from 6 to 18. It was during her time as a coach that the Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV in January 2001.
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