Paige Ruggard begins her first season as Head Cheerleading Coach at Belmont.

She succeeded Jessica Woody, who was named Belmont's first head STUNT coach in November of 2025.

"I am beyond excited and honored to be the new head cheer coach at Belmont," Rugaard said. "I am grateful for the work of both coaches who proceeded me, who poured into this poured into this program and am excited to build upon that foundation. Go Bruins!"

Rugaard has served as assistant cheer coach at Belmont since 2023. The Morton, Illinois, native was a three-year letter winner on the Belmont cheer team, including representing the Bruin program in men's and women's basketball postseason appearances, Bruin Club Golf Classic, and Missouri Valley Conference introductory press conference.

She has also served as a certified fitness trainer in Nashville for nearly four years.

Rugaard earned her bachelor's degree in exercise science with a minor in strength and conditioning from Belmont in 2023.

Belmont has seven top 10 finishes – including three top 5 finishes – at UCA nationals since 2010.

Paige resides in Nashville.