According to former Northwestern State University Cheer Coach Amy Dodson Stepp, who served with the program for nearly 20 years, the team was placed on suspension Feb. 4 following hazing allegations made by a former member related to an Aug. 15, 2025 scavenger hunt. Stepp said coaches and team members were interviewed separately by the University and University Police, who determined there was no evidence to support a criminal charge. Despite that finding, the University later terminated both coaches.

Statement:

I was informed on Friday, Feb. 20 that my position as Northwestern State University’s cheer coach was terminated following allegations of hazing specific to physical harm. While I respectfully disagree with the characterization of these allegations, I take all concerns involving student well-being seriously.

In my 19 years with this team, I have never witnessed, been made aware of, nor received a complaint regarding the conduct described in my termination meeting. Throughout my coaching career, I have consistently worked to keep athletes safe, provide support, and ensure they have a positive college experience.

I have enjoyed my time with NSU and am thankful for the athletes, parents, and community that have supported Northwestern State Cheer through the past two decades. I was a student on the team in 2009 when the coach was terminated. He was never replaced. The program was student led for 3 years and the desire to be great was initiated by the students. Northwestern State Cheerleading has evolved into a nationally ranked and well-respected program. I look forward to seeing the current and future athletes of the program continue to put Northwestern on the map.

Although this chapter has closed, I will forever remain proud of NSU Cheer and thankful for all of the athletes and coaches I got to work with. I appreciate the overwhelming encouragement and support I have received during this time, and I trust that my years of service and the experiences of the athletes I have worked with will continue to speak for themselves.

Supporters rally behind Cheer Coaches after sudden terminations, question NSU’s decision