The cheer program is entering a wave of change as the upcoming season begins with some of the cheer coaching staff stepping down from their positions, and a new coaching panel stepping into the cheerleading program. Former athletes are unsure what the season will bring, but are excited for new experiences to come.
Former Varsity Head Coach, Sarah Hoffman, has matched at Indiana University to continue pursuing pediatrics. Similarly, former Junior Varsity Coach Vince Berry has more personal opportunities that he wants to embrace. The Varsity Assistant Coach, Brooke Berry, has now been hired as the head coach for the varsity team, with Khloe Geiger as the Assistant Varsity Coach alongside Berry. In addition to the new hirings for varsity, Katie Roller has been added to the junior varsity coaching staff as the head coach. Berry and a couple of athletes shared how they feel stepping into this change.
“I’m most excited about the opportunity to build into student-athletes and help shape an experience that they’ll carry with them long after high school. Leading a program is something I’ve wanted since I was an athlete myself, because cheerleading has had such a meaningful impact on my life,” Brooke said.
A former member of the varsity cheerleading team, Morgan Piccirillo (10), will miss a special support from Hoffman.
“Something I’ll miss most about having Sarah as a coach is probably her support that she gave the entire team, especially how she supported us as individuals,” Piccirillo (10) said.
A previous member of the junior varsity team, Elody Clark (11), had Vince as a coach for a long time and knew him well, so this brings change for her.
“ I will miss having someone that I feel comfortable with and have known for a long time,” Clark (11) said.
Brooke has a vision for creating growth across the program. She feels like this is a big opportunity for the program right now.
“I want both Varsity and Junior Varsity to feel connected, challenged, and supported in ways that fit where they are in their development,” Brooke said.
Chloe Fehring (9), a former member of the junior varsity cheerleading team along with many of the returning members, are really excited for the upcoming season.
“I am excited to make new memories with some of the coaches… meeting new coaches and having new memories, and overall having another great season, is what I’m excited about,” Fehring (9) said.
Belle Atkins (11), a previous member of the varsity cheerleading team, is looking forward to the benefits that come with the new panel of coaches.
“With our new coaching panel, I think we will be more competitive, and I think Brooke is very good at keeping everyone accountable and encouraging us to push ourselves and do better. I think we will really grow this year,” Atkins (11) said.
Brooke expresses that she is excited for the upcoming season. She is looking forward to creating great experiences within her athletes.
“To challenge them to grow, try new things, push past setbacks, celebrate successes, and build relationships they may not have formed otherwise,” Brooke said.
Beyond the program, Brooke has goals that she wants to accomplish in her athletes. She is prepared to make her athletes not only stronger cheerleaders but also people.
“I want our athletes to leave this program not only as stronger cheerleaders, but as more confident, capable people who look back on their time here with pride,” Brooke said.
