NEW ORLEANS – Matthew Zada has been hired as the new cheer coach for the LSU New Orleans Spirit Team in what has been revamped as the Privateers' new spirit squad.
A New Orleans native, Zada cheered collegiately for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns for three years while he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations from the Lafayette based school in 2015.
Zada has worked for the New Orleans Saints cheer krewe as well. He spent four seasons on the team and was selected as a captain for two of those seasons.
"I'm honored for the opportunity to bring new life into The Privateer Spirit Squad program," said Zada. "I'm excited to build a program that will start new traditions and bring back those from the past. I'm ready to bring on new talent from across the New Orleans metro area and beyond to be the first team to compete at UCA nationals for this school. I will strive to make LSU New Orleans the program to look out for. Ready for new challenges and new experiences in my hometown."
Zada also has worked for his high school alma mater since graduating from college. For the past 11 years, he has been an assistant cheer coach for Holy Cross High School where he graduated from in 2010.
"I'm incredibly excited to welcome Zada to the LSU New Orleans Spirit Program," said Spirit Coordinator, Italia Moore. "His experience, passion for cheerleading, and connection to the New Orleans community make him an incredible addition to our coaching staff. As we continue to grow this new and improved Privateers Spirit program, Zada will play a major role in elevating our cheer program, developing our athletes, and creating a culture of excellence. I'm excited to have him alongside me as we continue to build something special and look forward to seeing the impact he will make on the future of Privateers Spirit."
ABOUT LSU NEW ORLEANS
In July of 2026 the University of New Orleans rejoined the LSU system and rebranded to "LSU New Orleans" bringing together two powerful brands - the purple and gold of LSU with the unbreakable spirit of New Orleans. The transition marks a return to the LSU family for the University - a place it called home from 1958-2011. Athletic teams will remain the Privateers and continue to compete in the Southland Conference.
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