Meet Our April Alumna Spotlight: Cynthia Metz

Our April Alumna Spotlight features Cynthia Metz! Read more to hear about what she's been up to since she graduated from Mizzou in 2004!

Name:  Cynthia Metz

Theta member class:  2000

When did you graduate from Mizzou?  2004 bachelors / 2005 masters

Major/Degree:  Elementary Education with Masters  in Curriculum and Instruction

Hometown:  Chesterfield, MO

Where do you live now?  Columbia, MO

Where do you work right now and what have you been up to since graduation? 

Immediately following graduation, I was as a 5th grade teacher here in Columbia for about 8 years before having my daughters- Summer, 13 and Malia, 10.  During this time I continued as the assistant coach with Mizzou Cheer and have been the Head Coach and Mascot Coordinator since 2019. 

What has your experience been like as Head Coach of the Mizzou Cheer team?

Mizzou Cheer is an incredible program and I have the best job in the world!   We cover 5 sports with Mizzou Athletics-Football, Men’s/Women’s Basketball, Volleyball and Gymnastics.  We also compete at the NCA National competition each spring. We have two teams, a Large Coed and All Girl, in addition to Truman! Truman is a busy tiger attending an abundance of Mizzou Athletic games, Mizzou appearances and community events.

My favorite park of being Head Cheerleading Coach has been building the culture of the program.  Looking back on my time in college, I did not always realize my full potential.  Working closely with these young adults, it is rewarding to guide them toward understanding how truly capable they are!  They continue to rise up to the challenges put before them.

It has been so exciting to have the community and alumni support for the Mizzou Cheer program.  Additionally, winning Back to Back National Championships brings exposure to the sport of Cheerleading.  Often there is a misconception about Cheerleaders and winning Nationals showcases cheerleaders as strong and hardworking athletes.  What most people see at games, is just a glimpse into the skills they are capable of performing.

What do you do in your free time? 

Free time?!  I drive my kids around to their activities.  But I always manage to fit in a run on the trail.

What are you passionate about?  

I am most passionate about my kids and the athletes in the program. 

What do you miss most about Theta? 

I associate Theta with my college experience and so I look back with fond memories of such a transformative time.

What is one thing you took away from being a part of Theta in college that has shaped you into the woman you are today?

I associate being a Theta with a standard of excellence that I continue to work towards achieving today.

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory? 

I think my favorite memories are just the daily experiences that exist. The late night talks and endless laughter with your sisters in the Theta house.