Chapman has a new head cheerleading coach: Emily Church

Church, a 2017 Chapman graduate and a first-grade teacher at Campobello Gramling School, has been an assistant coach for several seasons.

“I am excited for this year and will be cheering them on every step of the way,” she said.

Athletic Director Michael Pettit said her background makes her a perfect fit for the job.

“One big thing was that she’s from here,” he said. “She was a cheerleader.She worked in a program that was successful.”

Church has already set out some ideas for next season that the cheerleaders, including freshman Delaney Jackson, are excited about.

“In our meeting, she said we are gonna have a lot more bonding and more specialized tumbling days, so we’ll have a lot more tumbling in our routines this year,” freshman Delany Jackson said.

Church and Pettit are determined to place higher than third at state.

“She came fully prepared with all the stuff that she believed could help us get over the hump and win a state championship,” Pettit said.

“This program is so special to me, and as a former panther cheerleader myself I never had the chance to win a state championship,” Church said.

“I plan to implement structured practices, set individual and team goals, encourage leadership and foster a competitive mindset.”