Cheer coach hopes to inspire team

Photo Credit: Korey Combs

Coach Shayla Ritchie is new to the jv cheerleading team this year.

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Brandie Cichy, Staff Writer
December 19, 2011
Filed under Activities and Clubs

“Cheerleading teaches the importance of teamwork. Without the ability to rely and trust people you interact with, life would be very complicated,” said Shayla Ritchie, new junior varsity cheerleading coach.

Ritchie said cheerleading has helped her with coaching and life.

“Cheerleading also offers the opportunity to form life-long friendships with your teammates,” she said. “The memories that I have made in this sport have changed my life and I will never forget them.”

She has a long history in cheerleading. Ritchie moved to Boise to attend BSU a year and a half ago from Idaho Falls where she grew up. As a child, she was a competitive gymnast for seven years before becoming a cheerleader in junior high. She cheered for two years in junior high and three years in high school.

She has traveled for cheerleading and competed in two national cheerleading championships where she placed twice.

With all of this experience, this is her first year coaching a cheer squad.

Cheerleading captain Meah Tran, sophmore, had nice things to say about Ritchie. Ashellina Benson, junior, said they think Ritchie will teach her a lot and that they will learn good ethics and how to be a better cheerleader.

“She’s a nice lady. I want to learn whatever she knows. You can tell she is experienced,’ Tran commented. “So far we’ve learned new stunts and tips on being a good cheerleader.”

Ritchie said she hopes the girls will find a passion for cheerleading and love the sport as much if not more than she does.

She said she would like to teach them to set their goals high and dedicate themselves to reaching those goals; understand the importance of team spirit and share the excitement of being a lion with fans as well as other athletes; and form their own memories and friendships that will last for years beyond graduation.

“She really wants us to be the best we can be. She takes the time to make us better, but doesn’t push it or overdo it,” said Benson. “I want to learn new stunts and how to accomplish new things. We’re learning a new competition routine as well as new stunts and tumbling skills. She’s taught us not to give it a half effort and to be the best we can be.”