Karen Marinos and Krista Klein hired to launch Malone University STUNT program
Malone University Director of Athletics Tanya Hockman recently announced the appointment of both Karen Marinos and Krista Klein to the position of co-head STUNT coach.
STUNT is one of the fastest growing female sports in the country, and incorporates the technical and athletic components of cheer, in which teams create short routines to compete against opponents. In a typical STUNT competition, four quarters are played that include partner stunts, pyramids and tosses, jumps and tumbling, and a team routine.
Late last year, Malone announced the addition of STUNT as the University’s eighteenth varsity sport. The addition of Marinos and Klein to the Pioneers' staff will allow Malone to launch the program beginning with the 2023-24 academic year.
“The addition of Krista and Karen to our University community is energizing. They have a tremendous amount of experience and enthusiasm for the sport of STUNT and the mission of Malone University,” Hockman stated. “I am eager to watch the STUNT program grow under their dedicated leadership.”
Karen Marinos brings more than 20 years of coaching and instruction experience in cheer, dance, and STUNT to the Pioneers.
Most recently, she has served as head cheer coach at Central Catholic High School in Canton where she raised the program to new heights. The Crusaders are now competitive on both local and national levels.
“To be both the first ever co-head coaches and the first STUNT coach is an honor,” Marinos said. “Malone University is a stellar institution that focuses on academics, athletics, and especially faith. That will be my guide in developing a committed team on and off the mat. I am more than ready to share my passion for cheer and STUNT with this group of young women as well as with Malone University and the community.”
Cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics have always been a part of Krista Klein’s life. While obtaining her bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron in communications with a specialization in radio, TV, and news, she was on the Zips’ co-ed cheerleading team.
Prior to that, she was on her high school’s cheerleading team that competed in STUNT as well.
Her coaching experience includes working with local cheerleading teams at both Lake Center Christian School and Lake Middle School.
In addition to that coaching expertise, Klein comes to Malone with years of management and ownership experience in the corporate business world.
“I am honored to be chosen as one of the new co-head coaches for the Malone University STUNT program,” Klein said. “I know the hard work, dedication, and drive it takes to be successful. I will work hard day in and day out to build a first-class Christ centered winning organization on and off the mat! Developing strong women with integrity, drive, and self-confidence will be our focus to represent Malone University’s all-female STUNT team.”