Leading the team this year, new Head Varsity Cheerleading Coach and Guidance Counselor Casey Dornan, along with math teacher Beth Ann Bell hope to instill skills that their cheerleaders can use off and on the mat.

This is Dornan’s first year as Head Coach, but she does have three years as an Assistant Coach under her belt, as well support from former Head Coach Bell.

“Coach Bell was a big factor in my decision to take on the role as Head Coach because I knew she would be very helpful and supportive during this year of transition,” Dornan said.

Driven by a passion for the sport itself, as well as the girls on the squad, Dornan intends to utilize her skills as a counselor to teach the cheerleaders lessons to help them in life and as a team.

“I hope to teach these girls how to be responsible while still having fun, as well as encourage them to surround themselves with good people both in school and in life, support those around them, and be good role models.” Dornan said.

This year’s senior captains Bailee Adams and Nichole Ashby are particularly motivated by the example of their coaches.

“I try to lead by example and encourage the girls by sending them uplifting texts just to let them know I am thinking about them and I believe in them,” Adams said.

Pairing high expectations, motivation, positive feedback, and team bonding, the coaches have seen improvement in the team dynamics already.

“I try to encourage them through a tough practice with positive feedback to build them up and help them correct their mistakes. You might see me jumping up and down and screaming with joy at a practice after they master a new skill,” Bell said.

Exhibiting a desire to actually invest in the cheerleaders, both in their sport and as individuals, Dornan and Bell hope to motivate them to perform their best at every opportunity.

“We have set high expectations for the team this season and love seeing them accomplish the goals they set for themselves,” Bell said.