Opheim named director of spirit and fan engagement
Chris Opheim, who has served as the Spirit Squad Coordinator at Washington State the past six years, has been named Mississippi State's new Director of Spirit and Fan Engagement.
"We are thrilled to have Chris join our team as our Director of Spirit and Fan Engagement," said MSU Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Branding Rhett Hobart. "He not only brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to our spirit programs, but he has more than 10 years of experience working with spirit groups in the collegiate space.
"At Washington State, he quickly developed their squads into some of the nation's elite, helping to create fun and dynamic atmospheres for their fans. We are excited to welcome Chris and his wife Becca to the Bulldog family, and look forward to seeing the impact that Chris will have in leading our spirit groups to new heights to create exceptional gameday experiences for our fans and student-athletes."
Opheim oversaw the cheerleading, dance and mascot programs during his tenure at Washington State. He will assume the same duties in Starkville as well as play a role in marketing and community outreach programs with an emphasis on fan engagement.
"I am incredibly excited to be joining such a strong athletic department, one of championship caliber student-athletes and staff," Opheim said. "I am honored to be chosen into the Bulldog family and look forward to moving to Starkville and getting started on the year. Thank you to my former employee Washington State University and the staff and athletes there who have I had the opportunity of working closely with these past six years."
Opheim served as a cheer instructor for the Universal Cheerleaders Association in Memphis, Tenn., from May 2004-August 2014. His role included running international, collegiate and high school cheerleading camps. Mississippi State was one of the schools Opheim directed during his tenure with UCA. He also judged international and national cheerleading and mascot competitions.
Opheim is no stranger to the Southeastern Conference. He was a cheerleader at Arkansas from 2005-08. The Fort Dodge, Iowa, native is married to Becca Opheim.
Learn more about Mississippi State athletics at HailState.com.
