WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita State Athletic Director Kevin Saal officially announced the hiring of Dr. April Banwart as the university's next head cheerleading coach on Monday afternoon.
 
Banwart comes to Wichita State after a decade of working in various health facilities in the Wichita area as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). 
 
"I have a vision to amplify the game day experience at WSU, as well as the involvement in the community to support the city of Wichita and represent the University," Banwart said. "I am excited to bring the competition to a new level and bring that heightened atmosphere to game days for all sports. I am excited to bring my passion and experience to Wichita State."
 
During her time as a PT, Banwart continued to be active in cheer. She has been a private cheer instructor in various aspects for 15 years, dating back to her days as a cheerleader at both Northwest Missouri State University and the University of Kansas. Over those 15 years, she has instructed at a myriad of private cheer camps and private lessons at both the high school and collegiate level.
 
During her time cheerleading at Northwest Missouri State, Banwart was a member of four consecutive NCAA Division II top-10 cheerleading teams from 2006-2010 and she was a member of the Bearcat's 2010 NCAA Division II Cheerleading National Championship.

Additionally in 2010, Banwart was ranked third in the nation in the Partner Stunt Qualifiers event by the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA).
 
As a graduate student and cheerleader at Kansas, Banwart was the Jayhawk's cheer team captain during the 2013 season, a year that saw the KU cheer squad place fifth in UCA Division IA.

Banwart graduated in 2010 from Northwest Missouri State with a bachelor's in biology and psychology and she received her doctorate degree in physical therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2013. She also possesses specialty certifications in Parkinson's disease and vestibular rehab.