Menu
Former band kid thriving in new cheer coach career
McCOOK Neb. — Former band kid Kaylee Thompson is in her fourth year coaching for the McCook Bison Cheer Team. Despite never having been a cheerleader herself in high school, Thompson’s journey into coaching is one of unexpected opportunity and dedication.
Thompson’s entry into cheerleading came during a challenging period when she was affected by a Reduction In Force (RIF) due to not having as much experience under her belt. Encouraged by the previous coach, Thompson took on the role of Cheer Coach, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter for the team.
Balancing her coaching duties with a role as a first-grade teacher, Thompson embodies the spirit of dedication and leadership both on and off the cheer mat. Under her guidance, the team has thrived, showcasing their talents and commitment to excellence. Her inaugural year as coach was challenging due to the post-COVID landscape, necessitating remote tryouts and stringent safety measures. Samantha Messinger and Kylee Earl, now seniors and captains of the team, had to try out that first year remotely, submitting their recorded routines online.
The team practices year-round, with four practices a week during the summer. They learn a new routine in June. Last summer, a Hastings College cheerleader came out and taught one. They practice it year-round, so they don’t have to stress about learning it right before the tournament.
The McCook Bison Cheer Team returned to the state tournament last year, a testament to Thompson’s coaching and the team’s resilience. Emphasizing the athletic rigor of cheerleading, Thompson instills in her squad the values of teamwork, positivity, and unwavering support for their fellow athletes. “I try to be a role model and help them out,” Messinger said of her younger teammates.
As senior members Messinger and Earl look ahead to their futures, their experiences in cheerleading have shaped their ambitions and aspirations. Messinger received a cheer scholarship at Midland University and plans to pursue nursing. Earl aims for a career in marketing.
Looking back on Messinger and Earls’ first year and her first year of coaching is bittersweet for Thompson. “I always used to joke that once they were gone, I would quit; that’s not the case. We — myself and them — have grown so much.” Thompson said.
Cheerleading is expensive, and much of the cost is out of pocket. The team raises money to help absorb some of the cost. One fundraiser is the Mini Cheer Camp that both Earl and Messinger participated in in elementary school. They said the success of that fundraiser is due to the sponsorship from local business owner Mike Deveny.
Despite the challenges and misconceptions surrounding cheerleading, the McCook Bison Cheer Team perseveres, honing their skills and routines with meticulous dedication. From nerve-wracking competitions to uplifting game-day performances, these athletes embody the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
As the team continues to shine on and off the field, Coach Thompson’s guidance and mentorship inspire her students, reinforcing the power of resilience, teamwork, and unwavering dedication in the face of adversity.