LIBERTY, Mo. – William Jewell College is pleased to announce the appointment of alumnae Tricia Mendel, '00 as the head cheerleading coach.
 
Mendel moves into the lead role after serving as an assistant coach since 2025, after previously assisting the squad from 2003-2006. In her first stint with the Cardinals, she led Jewell to a UCA Division II Small Coed National Final. Additionally, she has led programs at Rockhurst University (2002-03), Kearney High School (2001-02, 2005-07, 2011-12), and most recently the Tumble Cheer Fuzion (2023-26) where she has led her squads to multiple titles, including Best of the Midwest Champions, Midwest Classic Champions, Glow Tour Champions, and Tournament of Champions finalists.
 
In addition to working with cheer, she was a long-time middle school teacher in the Kearney School District for nearly 25 years, teaching science, computer science, coaching and mentoring, while serving on numerous leadership committees. She was named the Kearney Middle School Teacher of the Month in September 2025, which followed other honors including the Northland Chamber Excellence in Education Award (2017), and Kearney Schools Excellence in Teaching Award (2010).
 
Mendel earned her bachelor's degree from William Jewell in 2000 where she was a member of the cheer team after a state championship career at Liberty High School. She continued her education with a master's in educational technology from MidAmerica Nazarene University and an educational specialist certificate with an emphasis in educational technology from the University of Missouri. A native of Liberty, she is married to Tom Mendel and has two children.