No reason given for UA cheerleader coach’s exit

TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama dismissed its cheerleading coach earlier this month, but administrators are mum on the reason why.

Debbie Greenwell, who has been coordinator of spirit squads since 1987, was dismissed Feb. 2, said Doug Walker, spokesman for UA athletics.

“She’s no longer on the staff, and I can’t comment any further on personnel matters,” he said.

Reached at her home Thursday, Greenwell likewise declined comment, and her attorney, Donna

Wesson Smalley, said it was not the time for public remarks.

“We’re not making comments at this time because we are in negotiations with the university to reach an amicable resolution to her replacement,” Smalley said.

Greenwell is 10 months shy of the 25-year retirement benchmark with the state. Smalley said she hopes Greenwell could be reassigned within the university.

A cheerleader at UA in the mid-1970s, Greenwell led the competitive squad to a second-place finish for large universities at the University Cheerleaders Association National College Cheerleading Championship in January. It was the second time the squad placed second nationally, according to preliminary research by the athletics department.

David McDowell was named interim coach.

“The situation is being evaluated, but there will be a search for a new coach,” Walker said.

Reach Adam Jones at adam.jones@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0230.