SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana Athletics has announced the addition of Elizabeth Boysen as head coach of the Viking Spirit Programs and Thomas Tu Nguyen as assistant coach, bringing two accomplished leaders with extensive coaching, choreography and competitive experience to the program.

Boysen joins Augustana after serving as head competitive cheer coach at Washington High School, where she helped elevate the Warriors' program in just one season. Under her leadership, Washington improved its finish at the South Dakota Class AA State Cheer Competition from 17th in 2024 to 12th in 2025 while increasing roster size through intentional recruiting and program development.

In addition to coaching, Boysen teaches sixth-grade social studies at Patrick Henry Middle School in Sioux Falls and has developed leadership experience through a variety of educational and community roles.

A graduate of the University of South Dakota, Boysen earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education while cheering for the Coyotes for four seasons, including three years on the all-girl team and one season on the co-ed squad. She was also active in campus leadership organizations and holds numerous NFHS and American Red Cross certifications related to cheer safety, first aid and athlete welfare.

Nguyen brings more than a decade of coaching, choreography and competitive dance experience to Augustana. A Sioux Falls native, he is a three-time Dance Worlds champion, capturing an All-Male Hip Hop world title in 2014 and Open Coed Jazz championships in both 2020 and 2021.

Most recently, Nguyen served as head competitive dance coach at Harrisburg High School, where he led the Tigers to back-to-back South Dakota State Hip Hop championships and consecutive overall state runner-up finishes. He was also named a finalist for South Dakota Coach of the Year in 2025. In addition, Nguyen has coached at Balleraena Dance Studio since 2016, worked with Dynamic Dance and continues to serve as a choreographer, instructor and adjudicator throughout the region.

Nguyen earned a bachelor's degree in French Studies with a minor in dance from South Dakota State University and has remained deeply involved in the local arts community as a performer, choreographer and resident company member with LiRa Dance Theatre Company.

Boysen and Nguyen will begin their duties immediately as they prepare the Viking Spirit Programs for the upcoming athletic year.