BILLINGS, Mont. – Montana State University Billings selected Jessica Hart as its new Cheer head coach recently, and she begins the position immediately.

Hart joins the Yellowjackets after being an assistant coach at Bozeman High School since 2009. She was a member of the Montana State University Spirit Squad from 2008-11, and she was captain in 2010-11. The Billings native will lead the MSUB Cheer squad at home basketball games along with several other campus and community events.

“It is very exciting being named head coach at MSU Billings,” Hart said. “I am thrilled to have this amazing opportunity to share my passion for cheerleading with the team, athletic department, and community.

“My main goal is to provide a safe, memorable, and fun experience for the athletes while working to reach the next level in every aspect of cheer. I hope to bring fresh material and a new positive image to the program, an image that MSUB and the City of Billings can be proud to support.”

Hart, who holds AACCA and UCA certifications, was a member of the Billings Senior High School cheer team from 2003-06. She was a UCA All-Star in 2004, 2005, and 2006, and a cheerleader in the Shrine Game in 2006.

Hart received her Bachelor's of Science, Community Health from Montana State in 2012. She has been working for Youth Dynamics in Bozeman for the past year.

“We are very happy to have such an energetic and experienced new coach,” Montana State Billings' Interim Athletic Director Krista Montague said. “Jessica brings a great work ethic and passion for cheer to our program. We are fortunate to have Jessica on our staff.”

Hart and the Yellowjacket cheer team will return Nov. 29, in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference season-opening game for MSUB women's basketball at 7 p.m. Hart already has plans for community activities with the MSU Billings' cheer team.

“My hope is to reach the community not only with fundraising and camps, but to be a go-to team for anyone or any organization that is in need of friendly faced volunteers,” Hart said. “Giving back to the community is very important and the cheer team will be an active philanthropic presence for our community.

“I am very excited to be a part of MSUB athletics and ready to get started with the team.”