Over the past two years, the campus cheerleading program has endured several changes. Last year, the varsity cheer team did not participate in any cheer competitions due to lack of members. This year however, new coach Annette Phillips brought new uniforms and a fresh start to the team, which will compete at an intermediate level.
Phillips joined the FC faculty as an elementary physical education (P.E.) teacher and junior high and varsity cheer coach. With an attitude that exudes excitement, she feels ready to lead her pupils.
“I have been trying to not look at what’s ahead as challenges,” Phillips said. “Being that this is my first year, I had to learn quickly to just accept the process and learn as I go. I hope to really unify all the teams, though independent of each other, one program with the same goal: Christ-centered cheerleading.”
Phillips graduated from Clovis West High School and attended California State University, Fresno, for her undergraduate education. She sees a large difference between in the students that attend FC and these schools.
“Coming from a public school and state college, it is kind if a shock to see how respectful and honoring the kids are here,” Phillips said. “The kids are awesome and they have accepted me as their coach, and it’s great.”
Phillips has already initiated several changes to the program, including a cheer camp for FC elementary students, which is running from Oct. 25-28. The cheer team will also be performing at a 49ers game and attending a cheer clinic, Oct. 29-30.
Phillips is excited to see that the cheer team is improving their skills and how dedicated the girls are.
“Cheer this year is amazing,” Phillips said. “The ladies are very hard working and always want to try new things. They are excellent at what they do and they always make sure that God is their main focus when they preform.”
Co-Captain Rayna Endicott, ’14, says she is enjoying her time on the cheer team, and looks forward to the opportunity a new year and coach presents.
“I am very proud of the cheer team this year,” Endicott said. “Coach Phillips has great new ideas and we have gotten a lot accomplished. Coach is always on top of things and she is bringing spiritual guidance to our program. Given last year’s predicament we were unable to compete, but this year coach has opened the door for many opportunities.”
Devin Jakusz, ’15, transfered to FC from Quail Lake Environmental High School midsemester, and joined the cheer team with hesitation. Despite this, she says that Phillips encouraged her, and because of that she was able to form relationships within the school.
“I didn’t know how to dance like a cheerleader, and, even thought I didn’t come in in the very beginning [of the year] she taught me how to become a good cheerleader,” Jakusz said. “She encouraged me often. She told me how good I was doing every day, even when I messed up. I didn’t know if I wanted to cheer next year but now I like it because it gave me a group of people to know. I’m excited for the football games and the year to come.”
Phillips believes the attitude of the cheer squad has now can take them to the top in competition.
“I feel so blessed to have the support and unity that comes from running a successful program,” Phillips said. “The high school team is above and beyond what I could have ever imagined. Their hard work and dedication to each other is great. Their success truly comes from the trust and support they share with one another.”
Phillips has high expectations for the team, and hopes to help them not only with their athleticism but also with their walks in faith.
“This year we will be competing at a pretty high level, and the girls are very capable of doing whatever they set their mind to,” Phillips said. “The Lord has blessed us with some really cool opportunities. My hope for all the girls that participate in the cheer program is that they find strength and faith in themselves that they didn’t know they have. I want them to have both a spirited and spiritual journey.”
For more information on cheer, read the Oct. 24 article, New cheer coach energizes program (VIDEO).
