Northwestern State University has not issued a public statement regarding the termination of two members of its cheer coaching staff on Feb. 20, a decision that has prompted questions from alumni, parents and supporters.
According to Coach Amy Dodson Stepp, who served with the program for nearly 20 years, the cheer team was placed on suspension on Feb. 4. This was the result of allegations made by a former team member who said acts of hazing were performed during an August 15, 2025 scavenger hunt designed to guide athletes on a tour of campus and the community.
Stepp said coaches and team members were interviewed separately by the University and University Police, who found no evidence for a criminal charge. While the investigation cleared the coaches of any wrongdoing, the University ultimately decided to terminate both coaches.
According to Stepp, a letter of termination she received did not provide a reason, but she was told in person the decision was based on evidence of “gut punching” and “nut tapping.”
“In my 19 years with the program, I have never seen an athlete get gut punched or nut tapped,” Stepp said. “I have never had an athlete communicate concerns or information regarding such things.”
Tre Jackson, who was hired as assistant coach in 2020, was terminated from his role with the cheer program but retained his full-time position with the University as a recruiter.
Stepp said the team has not been notified of next steps and remains on suspension.
Just days before the cheer team’s suspension, NSU President James Genovese praised the cheer program and its recent success at the UCA College Nationals in January. In a Feb. 2 email update he stated, “Our Demon cheerleaders earned their highest finish in program history, second, in Division I Game Day, and captured fifth place in the Division I Traditional category. Congratulations to these students and to their coaches, Amy Faith Dodson Stepp and Tre’ Jackson, for continuing excellence representing Northwestern.”
The NPJ reached out to NSU officials for comment but did not receive a response before Monday’s publication deadline.
The terminations have sparked discussion about the University’s handling of the investigation and the future of the cheer program as recruitment and tryouts are set to begin.
Former NSU Cheer Coach issues statement following sudden termination
Community response to the terminations has been overwhelmingly supportive of the coaches. Current and former cheerleaders have shared testimonials on social media crediting Stepp and Jackson with building the program into a nationally recognized team. Read some statements below:
- To hear this is devastating. This team was built off the backs of Amy Dodson Stepp and Tre Jackson passionately took her dreams and made them his own.
- Anybody can be a coach but it takes someone truly special to care about their athletes as much as these two do.
- Coach Amy didn’t spend 20 years building something that could die that easily. She created a legacy that spans most of our lifetimes, built on love, belief, and countless unseen sacrifices, and NSU Cheerleading will continue. Many of my teammates have big decisions to make in the coming weeks as recruitment and tryouts begin. But make no mistake, we will work as hard as necessary to honor and maintain Coach Amy’s legacy. She didn’t just make us cheerleaders, she helped raise us into the people we are today.
- NSU, you are doing yourself — and your future students and athletes — a disservice by not wanting these two on your team. After countless hours of community service, recruiting, and shaping students and graduates into the successes they are today, it is hard to understand how you could let go of two of your greatest advocates. If you know me, you know I am not one to post negativity. But when it comes to people who do not deserve this, I cannot stay silent. So when I say “Do better, NSU,” I mean it with my whole chest.
- NSU has done little to support the cheer program. In case you didn’t know, the cheer team is expected to be at every home sporting event, and every away football game. Yet we’re left with the price tag of getting to those away games. We show up for the university day in and day out, but when it’s time for our one big event of the year, UCA College Nationals, all we hear from the school is crickets. I can go on and on. Amy and Tre dedicate everything to this program that they possibly could yet the university believes that the cheer team isn’t safe with them leading. Absolutely mind blowing.
- NSU congrats, You have lost an alumni donor today. Amy Dodson Stepp bled for that program and the university. I for one am utterly embarrassed to be an alumnus. I will be calling to cancel my donations.
- NSU, bad form. Embarrassed to call you Alma mater, however, I’m forever indebted to Amy Dodson Stepp and NSU Cheer. My life’s trajectory forever changed for the better because of her and the program.
- I dare them to find someone with as much heart, passion, and talent to give to that team. It’s unmatched, and won’t be found. NSU cheer will be non-existent in five years. Incredibly sad.
- They’re good at letting people go without a clear explanation. I am not surprised. But they won’t find anyone with the heart and compassion like Amy Dodson Stepp.
- They are gonna hear from me for sure. NSU is notorious for tearing down community supporters, and devoted alumni. The University is not first choice for education, sports, or support! People attend NSU for convenience. Period!
