Bio

Shawnna Esque enters her seventh season as head coach of Huntington University's cheer program, bringing a passion for student-athlete development and a commitment to excellence both on and off the mat.

A Fort Wayne native, Esque has played a pivotal role in the growth of Forester cheer, including helping guide the program through its transition to recognized NAIA sport status in 2023. Since that milestone, her athletes have earned five NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors, while every competitive squad under her leadership has posted a cumulative GPA above 3.0 to earn NAIA Scholar Team recognition.

Before arriving at Huntington, Esque was a four-year member of the cheer program at Grace College. She helped lead the Lancers to a runner-up finish in the Large Co-Ed Division at the 2015 CCA National Championships and earned several individual accolades throughout her collegiate career, including team MVP honors as a senior. She was also recognized with the Coach's Award, NAIA Character Award, and Mental Attitude Award.

Esque brought valuable coaching experience to Huntington, including serving as an assistant coach at Grace College, head junior varsity and freshman coach at South Side High School, and cheer coach for UW Sports Ministry. 

Esque earned her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Counseling from Grace College in 2018 and holds AACCA certification through the NFHS. In addition to her coaching duties, she works in the office at Northrop High School and serves as worship leader and children's church coordinator at Bible Baptist Church.