“Leave it all on the mat.” It’s a coach’s favorite phrase. Flipping, twisting, jumping, running, stunting. When these girls get on the mat there is immediate action. Not only can you see the determination in their eyes but you can feel it. The tension built up on competition day can finally be let out on the seven strips of heavy foam taped together, sprawled out on the gym floor. Every Wednesday at conference competitions, these girls have the opportunity to raise their status in the world of competitive cheer.
“They want to prove to everyone that they work just as hard as every other team.” Says varsity coach Angie Kidwell. Competitive Cheerleading is a sport full of incredibly overlooked aspects. Not only does it take a toll on physical attributes, but mentally as well. Coach Angie Kidwell always works to keep the girls motivated and ready for what’s to come.
There is something special about the relationship between a coach and a player. The competitive cheerleading team at Hamilton High School has grown immensely in a year and so have the relationships on the team. As the team has wrapped up their ‘’23-’24 season, we hear about the difference between coaching middle school and high school from coaches Amanda and Angie.
Not only is coaching a middle school team less pressure on the team, but it is less pressure on the coaches. Kidwell says, “Coaching varsity is a completely different level. We as coaches have to know and understand a lot more.” As a coach, it is important to understand the requirements and goals being displayed for a team. The coach’s job is to set those goals for the team, but only the girls can provide them that success. There are more obstacles in the way. Things like drama, injuries, and figuring out a new coach style.
“There have been many coaches at this school and we all coach differently. They finally get used to one way of coaching and everything changes.” Angie says this is the main reason for a change in attitude for this team. The girls feel like they set a new standard for themselves with each coach that comes in. There is never only one way that they should be, which is a huge part of learning how to work as a team. For the freshman on the team, it is likely an extremely confusing position to be in – learning the ways of varsity and just having to roll with the punches.
“Having seniors and freshmen on the team, there are lots of girls who are older and more mature.” These coaches are new to a big age gap within a team. Tension is higher and coaches have to work for the team to bond.
The appreciation for coaches at Hamilton High School is high. As a coach, there are many expectations and goals that they feel obligated to meet. Not only for the team but for the school as a whole. Hamilton Cheer is on its way back to the top.