University of Delaware Athletics
Loeffler, De Lima Added to Spirit Staff as Program Head Coaches
7/30/2024 6:00:00 PM | Cheer, Dance
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware spirit staff has grown with the additions of Head Coed Cheer Coach Dietrich Loeffler and Head Dance Coach Gabby De Lima, Spirit Coordinator Kirby Lynch announced Tuesday. Both will assume their positions immediately.
"I'm extremely excited to welcome Dietrich as our head coed cheer coach," Lynch said. "As a UD almnus, Dietrich understands our traditions and values and will continue to build upon the legacy we have within the spirit program. His experience at West Georgia is a great fit for our team to continue to build upon their skills and technique. We are thrilled to have him back in the 302!"
Before returning to Newark, Loeffler was an assistant coach at the University of West Georgia where he coached the Division 1 Large Coed UCA National Champions in 2024. He has been a tumbling instructor for seven years at Cheer Force Elite, First State Gymnastics, and PROVEN Cheerleading. While working for Proven, he traveled to different states to teach fundamentals and technique of stunting with national champion high school cheerleading teams. Loeffler was also a UCA instructor from 2017-2018.
"I am so excited to take on this new opportunity with the University of Delaware Cheer program," Loeffler said. "As an alumnus of the program, Delaware has always held a special place in my heart and I am thrilled to continue on the traditions and values of Delaware Cheer. I am thankful for my past coaches who have guided me to take on this new challenge!"
As a student-athlete at UD, Loeffler was a part of the first Blue Hen win in the UCA Game Day National Championships in 2019. A 2020 captain of the Open Coed Game Day National Championship Team, he competed for all four years in the Large Coed and Small Coed Traditional divisions.
Loeffler graduated with a bachelor's degree in hospitality business management from the University of Delaware in 2020 and completed his MBA while cheering for the University of West Georgia in 21-22.
"We are so excited to welcome Gabby into our Blue Hen Family!," Lynch said. "Gabby comes with an impressive choreography background, leadership experience, and national championship experience. She will be a great fit to continue upon the legacy that the dance team has created."
De Lima comes to Newark with a wealth of experience. She currently choreographs and consults for numerous dance teams along the east coast, with many achieving top five placements and national championships at UDA, DTU, and NDA during the 2023 season. She is also in her sixth season with Universal Dance Association, traveling around the nation to teach high school dance teams.
"I'm very excited about this opportunity and honored to coach such a dedicated and passionate team," De Lima said. "I'm excited to represent Blue & Gold in this new chapter for the program."
A Miami native, De Lima began her dance training at age five, studying various styles including jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, acro, and tap. As a performer, she has shared the stage with artists like Juanes, Dixie Chicks, Shaggy, Zendaya, and Bella Thorne.
De Lima was a member and officer of the Seminole High School Dazzlers Dance Team and has since developed a deep passion for coaching and teaching dance. She launched her coaching career with the Archbishop McCarthy Legacies, leading them to historic national titles in both JV and Varsity divisions.
De Lima graduated with a bachelor's degree in business management from Point Park University in 2017.
"I'm extremely excited to welcome Dietrich as our head coed cheer coach," Lynch said. "As a UD almnus, Dietrich understands our traditions and values and will continue to build upon the legacy we have within the spirit program. His experience at West Georgia is a great fit for our team to continue to build upon their skills and technique. We are thrilled to have him back in the 302!"
Before returning to Newark, Loeffler was an assistant coach at the University of West Georgia where he coached the Division 1 Large Coed UCA National Champions in 2024. He has been a tumbling instructor for seven years at Cheer Force Elite, First State Gymnastics, and PROVEN Cheerleading. While working for Proven, he traveled to different states to teach fundamentals and technique of stunting with national champion high school cheerleading teams. Loeffler was also a UCA instructor from 2017-2018.
"I am so excited to take on this new opportunity with the University of Delaware Cheer program," Loeffler said. "As an alumnus of the program, Delaware has always held a special place in my heart and I am thrilled to continue on the traditions and values of Delaware Cheer. I am thankful for my past coaches who have guided me to take on this new challenge!"
As a student-athlete at UD, Loeffler was a part of the first Blue Hen win in the UCA Game Day National Championships in 2019. A 2020 captain of the Open Coed Game Day National Championship Team, he competed for all four years in the Large Coed and Small Coed Traditional divisions.
Loeffler graduated with a bachelor's degree in hospitality business management from the University of Delaware in 2020 and completed his MBA while cheering for the University of West Georgia in 21-22.
"We are so excited to welcome Gabby into our Blue Hen Family!," Lynch said. "Gabby comes with an impressive choreography background, leadership experience, and national championship experience. She will be a great fit to continue upon the legacy that the dance team has created."
De Lima comes to Newark with a wealth of experience. She currently choreographs and consults for numerous dance teams along the east coast, with many achieving top five placements and national championships at UDA, DTU, and NDA during the 2023 season. She is also in her sixth season with Universal Dance Association, traveling around the nation to teach high school dance teams.
"I'm very excited about this opportunity and honored to coach such a dedicated and passionate team," De Lima said. "I'm excited to represent Blue & Gold in this new chapter for the program."
A Miami native, De Lima began her dance training at age five, studying various styles including jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, acro, and tap. As a performer, she has shared the stage with artists like Juanes, Dixie Chicks, Shaggy, Zendaya, and Bella Thorne.
De Lima was a member and officer of the Seminole High School Dazzlers Dance Team and has since developed a deep passion for coaching and teaching dance. She launched her coaching career with the Archbishop McCarthy Legacies, leading them to historic national titles in both JV and Varsity divisions.
De Lima graduated with a bachelor's degree in business management from Point Park University in 2017.
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