Spirit Squad Coaching Staff
Hilary J. Hofmaier - Spirit Squad Director /
Head Coach Bengal Dancers
Hilary J.Hofmaier is in her sixth season as ISU Spirit Squad Director and her seventh season as Head Coach of the Bengal Dancers. Hilary graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Fine and Performing Arts with a major in dance where she was a four-year member and captain of the Nebraska “Scarlets” Dance Team. While a member of the “Scarlets” the team finished in the top three of Division IA at the National Dance Alliance Collegiate Championship for three years. Hilary has danced professionally with Ballet Omaha, Charleston Ballet Theatre, Omaha Theatre Company, Central Dance Theatre, and Mannheim Steamroller. Hilary is also and instructor in the ISU theatre and dance department.
Lindsay Tucker - Assistant Coach Bengal Dancers
Lindsay Tucker, of American Falls, was a Bengal Dancer from 2001-2005 and served as team captain from 2003-2005 she is now entering her second year as assistant coach of the Bengal Dancers. She was a member of the competition squad in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. Lindsay was named a National Dance Alliance Collegiate All-American in 2004 while at summer camp in California. Lindsay was awarded the Bengal Dancers Leadership Award in 2004 and Bengal Dancer of the year 2005. Lindsay has a bachelors degree in Audiology with a minor in Sign Language Studies and was on the Dean’s list at Idaho State University for four years. She has received the Kasika health scholarship and is currently pursuing a doctorate in audiology.
Nicole Clifford - Head Cheer Coach
Nicole Clifford brings extensive experience to the ISU Cheerleaders. She was a four year member of the ISU squad with three of those years as captain. Nicole is from Idaho Falls, Idaho where she was a four year member of the Bonneville High School cheerleading squad and served as captain of the BHS cheer squad her senior year. Nicole has been honored many times in her cheerleading career. She has been a four time all-american and all-star cheerleader at both National Cheerleaders Association and Universal Cheerleaders Association high school camps.