DETROIT (9/5/2014) -- The University of Detroit Mercy spirit squads didn't have to look far for a new coach as the Titans tabbed an alum in Lauren Paton '09 to take over as the head coach for both the cheer and dance teams.
 
Paton was born and raised in nearby Warren and attended Cousino High School before graduating from UDM with a business administration degree in 2009 and then earning her MBA from Detroit in 2010. She returned to her alma mater this past May as the Director of Development for the College of Health Professions.
 
"I'm thrilled to join the Titans as coach of the cheer and dance teams," said Paton. "I'm so proud to be a Detroit alum and very grateful to Titan Athletics for offering me this opportunity. I hope our performances can energize Titan fans, make our athletic teams proud, and showcase the very talented and hard-working students on both the cheer and dance teams!"
 
Paton brings plenty of experience to the Titan spirit squads. She danced for 14 years, including in high school on the competitive pom and jazz team, and also cheered for Cousino. Her teams competed across the country, danced at Pistons' games and claimed ninth at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) national championships in 2004.

"All of us here with Titan Athletics have high hopes for Lauren Paton," said Clay Shaw, Director of Marketing & Promotions. "Her background in both cheer and dance make her an ideal fit and her views on in-game entertainment mesh well with the vision set forth by the external relations staff. Titan fans can expect to be immersed in a much more exciting all-around game atmosphere in 2014 and beyond."
 
Before coming back to the Motor City, she worked for two years at the University of Michigan, first filling the role of Producer before being promoted to Assistant Director of Annual Giving.
 
Her professional career has also seen her work as a Campaign Coordinator at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and as Marketing Coordinator for the Judson Center Autism Connections.
 
She is currently a part of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Detroit Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN). She served on the UDM College of Business Administration Alumni Board since 2010 and as Vice President last year.
 
She married her husband, Ryan, earlier this year and the couple resides in nearby Ferndale.
 
The Detroit Titans Dance Team will hold tryouts this Sunday, Sept. 7, at 2 pm in historic Calihan Hall. Dance experience required. For more information, please contact Lauren Paton at lauren.paton@udmercy.edu or (313) 993-1669.