Eastern High School cheer program soaring to new levels of success
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Eastern High School (EHS) Cheerleading Program is a team like no other. From their immense dedication to their craft to ensure top placements to their involvement in their local community, this team continues to leave their mark year after year.
I am Tyra Anderson. I’m an Eastern High School alumna and am currently in my 7th season coaching the EHS Cheer Program. When I took on this role 7 years ago, my goal was to rebuild the program, creating a successful competitive team with a strong culture, while also leading young women to be positive ambassadors and impactful members of their community. The athletes that I’ve had the opportunity to coach over the last 7 years, and the things that we have accomplished, have by far exceeded my expectations.
The level of dedication that the athletes exhibit, and the large time commitment that they make to be part of the team, is something that should not go unnoticed. We are a small program consisting of one team of 12-16 total athletes, and team members are very extended with program obligations each year. In addition to attending all practices and training for their own competitions, the cheerleaders also attend varsity football games, boys’ basketball games, girls’ basketball games, conduct double the fundraising of an average team, and perform community service events.
Though it can be exhausting at times, the hectic schedule teaches the girls effective time management and aids in the close bond that the team formulates each year, as there are weeks in which we spend 20+ hours together. I hold the girls to high standards on and off the mat, and they work extremely hard to meet these expectations. In addition to being competitive athletes, the team is also filled with academic achievers. The girls understand what it means to be a student-athlete, and they place the needed importance on their studies to enable them to excel in the classroom.
One of the most impressive things about the Cheer Program at EHS is how competitive and consistent it has become over the last few years. When I came back to Eastern to coach, our program had never attended the national event, had never placed at our state competition, and had not won our regionals in years. In 2016, I took the first team from Eastern to Orlando for nationals – we placed 8th in the nation that year. I think this was the fuel that both the girls and I needed, as each year we continue to work hard and push the envelope. We did not want to be a program that was a “one hit wonder” and have worked intensely to secure a spot in finals every year since and climb in rank!
In 2020 the team received 5th in the nation. They did not get to travel to the national event in 2021 due to COVID, which has led them to be even more hungry to be successful this season. This year they will be going for their 7th consecutive KHSAA sectional win, aiming to podium at the KHSAA state event, and uphold their top 5 national ranking.
Aside from competing and cheering at games, the team has a strong desire to make a difference and has found ways each year to positively contribute and support their community. Over the years the program has worked with organizations such as The Sarcoma Foundation of America, Colon Cancer Prevention Project, Necco, and Down Syndrome of Louisville.
Coming off last year’s season that was filled with numerous challenges and disappointment due to COVID, the team’s theme this year is centered around being appreciative for the things that they have and not taking anything for granted. This year’s senior class decided that they want all the team’s service events to be centered around organizations that provide support for children. The program is hoping to partner with Necco (foster care, adoption and family counseling) again this year, as well as new organizations. In fact, if you’re reading this article and you work for an organization that provides support for children or their families and are looking for volunteers, please reach out to the Eastern High School Cheerleading Program at [email protected].
I want to teach all of my athletes that when they are in a position to help someone, serve, or brighten someone’s day, they always should. Their roles as cheerleaders go far beyond competing and cheering on the sidelines, and I love seeing them out in the community making a difference.
The Eastern High School Cheerleaders are a phenomenal group of student-athletes and are looking forward to making an even bigger and better name for the program this season. Go Eagles!
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