Program Alum, Pae, Returns to Lead TCU Spirit Programs
11/17/2025 3:07:00 PM | General
Esther Pae ’19 will direct TCU’s Showgirls, Cheerleading, SuperFrog and Rangers programming.
FORT WORTH – A program alum who has lived the TCU experience as both a student and member of the universities' illustrious spirit squads, Esther Pae '19 has been named the next TCU Spirit Director, the program announced on Friday.
Pae, a former TCU Showgirl, will oversee the university's spirit programs — including the TCU Cheer, TCU Showgirls, TCU Rangers and SuperFrog programs — bringing fresh energy and a student-centered approach to the program she once performed in.
For Pae, the role feels like a full-circle moment — returning to the stadiums and arenas on Texas Christian University's campus not as a Showgirl this time, but as the leader guiding the next generation of Horned Frog spirit.
Pae was introduced to the teams as the new Spirit Director prior to the men's basketball game vs. Saint Francis on Thursday, November 6 and shared her reflections about coming home, elevating tradition, and what excites her most about the future of TCU Spirit.
Q: How did it feel to be back in The Carter on Saturday during the Iowa State game?
A: It felt amazing to be back in the best place! I loved looking out and seeing all the purple, and hearing the crowd roar as they cheered on our Horned Frogs. It brought back so many sweet and nostalgic memories - there's truly no place like it!
Q: What role do spirit programs play in the student experience and campus culture?
A: The spirit programs play a huge role - they represent the university! At athletic events, they create, sustain, and amplify energy through their entertainment and leadership in cheers. This shared passion connects students, fans, and campus pride, and can even be the differentiating factor in the outcome of a game. They also uphold beloved TCU traditions from the blaring Frog Horn to the Riff Ram chant, the iconic Justin cowboy boots, and SuperFrog's unforgettable appearances. These traditions are important because they connect alumni and the entire TCU community across generations.
Q: What's your favorite Horned Frog tradition?
A: I love the 100-year-old Riff Ram chant! It's such a unique and distinctive tradition to TCU. I love seeing how hyped up the crowd gets when the Riff Ram video appears on the Jumbotron!
Q: What excites you most about leading TCU Spirit at this specific moment in time?
A: It's such an exciting time to be at TCU with the strategic plan in place and new leadership under Chancellor Daniel Pullin and Athletic Director Mike Buddie. You can feel the energy and momentum as soon as you step onto campus. I'm most excited to elevate the student experience - giving students more opportunities to represent something bigger than themselves, to lead on and off the field, and to leave TCU confident in who they are and what they can contribute to our community.
Q: What's one thing you hope people say after seeing the spirit teams perform?
A: I want people to see our spirit teams perform and be amazed and wanting more! I learned so much from former Spirit Director Lindsay Westbrook who led while I was at TCU about how to engage fans and surprise them with unforgettable moments that keep people talking for years. I'm excited to continue to build on that foundation!
Q: What's your vision for the Spirit program?
A: My vision is to deliver the best game-day atmosphere, cultivate a strong team culture with opportunities for leadership growth on and off the field, and help every student become the best version of themselves with a clear sense of how they can contribute to their community. There's more attention and importance placed on spirit programs than ever before. I believe it's vital to stay true to our traditions while continuing to push the definition of excellence. The students in Spirit are already so talented and passionate. Being part of this program gives them a culture that fosters growth, purpose, and grit.
Q: What moment so far has made you think, "Yep - I'm home"?
A: Definitely sharing the news with the spirit teams, then heading to the men's basketball game afterward and seeing so many familiar faces. That's when it truly hit me that I was home!
Q: What do you want Horned Frogs to know about you?
A: I love TCU and want to give back to the university that made me who I am today, especially through my time in Spirit. I hold a high standard of excellence for the program and love a show-stopping performance! I value teamwork and believe the best results come when you recognize others' talents, learn from each other, and push one another to be better.
Q: Finish this sentence. "TCU Spirit is…"
A: Energizing!
Pae, a former TCU Showgirl, will oversee the university's spirit programs — including the TCU Cheer, TCU Showgirls, TCU Rangers and SuperFrog programs — bringing fresh energy and a student-centered approach to the program she once performed in.
For Pae, the role feels like a full-circle moment — returning to the stadiums and arenas on Texas Christian University's campus not as a Showgirl this time, but as the leader guiding the next generation of Horned Frog spirit.
Pae was introduced to the teams as the new Spirit Director prior to the men's basketball game vs. Saint Francis on Thursday, November 6 and shared her reflections about coming home, elevating tradition, and what excites her most about the future of TCU Spirit.
Q: How did it feel to be back in The Carter on Saturday during the Iowa State game?
A: It felt amazing to be back in the best place! I loved looking out and seeing all the purple, and hearing the crowd roar as they cheered on our Horned Frogs. It brought back so many sweet and nostalgic memories - there's truly no place like it!
Q: What role do spirit programs play in the student experience and campus culture?
A: The spirit programs play a huge role - they represent the university! At athletic events, they create, sustain, and amplify energy through their entertainment and leadership in cheers. This shared passion connects students, fans, and campus pride, and can even be the differentiating factor in the outcome of a game. They also uphold beloved TCU traditions from the blaring Frog Horn to the Riff Ram chant, the iconic Justin cowboy boots, and SuperFrog's unforgettable appearances. These traditions are important because they connect alumni and the entire TCU community across generations.
Q: What's your favorite Horned Frog tradition?
A: I love the 100-year-old Riff Ram chant! It's such a unique and distinctive tradition to TCU. I love seeing how hyped up the crowd gets when the Riff Ram video appears on the Jumbotron!
Q: What excites you most about leading TCU Spirit at this specific moment in time?
A: It's such an exciting time to be at TCU with the strategic plan in place and new leadership under Chancellor Daniel Pullin and Athletic Director Mike Buddie. You can feel the energy and momentum as soon as you step onto campus. I'm most excited to elevate the student experience - giving students more opportunities to represent something bigger than themselves, to lead on and off the field, and to leave TCU confident in who they are and what they can contribute to our community.
Q: What's one thing you hope people say after seeing the spirit teams perform?
A: I want people to see our spirit teams perform and be amazed and wanting more! I learned so much from former Spirit Director Lindsay Westbrook who led while I was at TCU about how to engage fans and surprise them with unforgettable moments that keep people talking for years. I'm excited to continue to build on that foundation!
Q: What's your vision for the Spirit program?
A: My vision is to deliver the best game-day atmosphere, cultivate a strong team culture with opportunities for leadership growth on and off the field, and help every student become the best version of themselves with a clear sense of how they can contribute to their community. There's more attention and importance placed on spirit programs than ever before. I believe it's vital to stay true to our traditions while continuing to push the definition of excellence. The students in Spirit are already so talented and passionate. Being part of this program gives them a culture that fosters growth, purpose, and grit.
Q: What moment so far has made you think, "Yep - I'm home"?
A: Definitely sharing the news with the spirit teams, then heading to the men's basketball game afterward and seeing so many familiar faces. That's when it truly hit me that I was home!
Q: What do you want Horned Frogs to know about you?
A: I love TCU and want to give back to the university that made me who I am today, especially through my time in Spirit. I hold a high standard of excellence for the program and love a show-stopping performance! I value teamwork and believe the best results come when you recognize others' talents, learn from each other, and push one another to be better.
Q: Finish this sentence. "TCU Spirit is…"
A: Energizing!
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