Stephanie Coulter has been the Valliant High School cheer coach for seven years. Over that span of time, she has always had outstanding groups of cheerleaders that go above and beyond to be at their best.

“I have always been blessed with hard-working squads,” Coulter said. “These girls love to cheer and will work hard to achieve the goals we set for ourselves. They never complain and often try to pretend injuries and illnesses do not exist. They are dependable and an absolute joy to be around. They maintain good grades and exemplify good character as the spirit leaders of our school.”

The squad that she has this year are not just cheerleaders, but they are also involved in several groups around campus including basketball, FFA, cross country, dance, student council, chuckwagon racing, and some have jobs. Coulter says that even though they have other things that they participate in, they do not let them affect their cheer.

“They are some of the hardest workers you will ever meet,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if I ask them to be at practice at 3:30, 6:00, or even 8:00, I know without a doubt they would show up and do their best. I have coached some amazing girls over the years and loved every minute of it, but the part that gives me the greatest joy is seeing their accomplishments after high school.”

Senior Captain Savanna Pitchford loves cheering for her Valliant Bulldogs and says that she enjoys cheering alongside her teammates.

“What I enjoy most is that as cheerleaders we remind people not to give up on the game when our team is down,” she said. “Sometimes it is not all about competition and that you must enjoy what you are doing in the process. I also love how the little kids look up to the cheerleaders and give them something to look forward to doing when they get older. Our team is like a second family. We are always there for each other and giving 110% no matter what.”

Photo by Janell DeWitt