“The Athletics Department has spent the past two years evaluating its spirit groups, and in order to increase efficiencies while presenting a unified and cohesive program in support of its teams, has elected to merge the Golden Girls and Cheer programs under the leadership of one individual who will be supported by two assistant directors effective July 1, 2019,” MU said in a statement from deputy athletics director Nick Joos. “This structure is standard at many Power Five institutions nationally and we believe this will not only enhance the experience of the participants, but will also improve the game-day presentation for our teams and fans.”