Empower Young Athletes | Seahawks Youth Cheer Program
SSA | A Youth Feeder Program…
SSA Seahawks Youth Cheer is a PHS boosters recognized feeder program designed specifically for athletes in elementary and middle school who are eager to learn the fundamentals of cheerleading and develop their skills in this dynamic sport. This program not only serves as a foundation for aspiring cheerleaders but also prepares them thoroughly for the athletic level at Peninsula High School Cheer in Gig Harbor, WA. Through a combination of engaging practices, teamwork exercises, and performances, our athletes will build confidence, improve their physical abilities, and foster lasting friendships, ensuring a strong transition into high school cheerleading. Emphasizing both the joy of cheer as well as discipline and commitment, Seahawks Youth Cheer aims to cultivate a passion for the sport while equipping athletes with the tools they need for success at the next level.
Participation in Seahawks Youth Cheer does not guarantee placement on any high school cheer team. While we do work with high school coaches and booster programs, Seahawks Youth Cheer is not a district run program. We operate independently from Peninsula School District and it’s schools. Seahawks Youth Cheer is run entirely by parent volunteers.
SSA | Seahawks Youth Cheer Programs
FALL | SIDELINE CHEER
This is our Fall SYC season of cheer. During the Fall we are partnered with the SSA Seahawks Youth Football team, cheering along side our athletes in the West Sound Youth Football League (WSYFL). Athletes in 3rd grade through 8th are welcome to cheer with us! A Minis Squad for grades 1 & 2 may be running; dependent on coach volunteer availability. During this season we attend practice 2-3 days a week. This amount changes when our athletes return to school. Practices start at the end of July. Games start Saturdays in the Fall! All game locations are on this side of the Narrows Bridge! Click the link below to find out more and register through our parent organization SSA.
WINTER | COMPETITION CHEER
While we don’t have this option yet, we are actively exploring the possibility and hope to get a competition cheer team up and running in the near future. This initiative would not only enhance our spirit and energy at events but also provide an opportunity for our talented individuals to showcase their skills on a competitive stage. With dedicated coaching and support, we believe this team could foster a sense of community and teamwork among participants. Stay tuned for updates as we finalize the details and aim to create an exciting cheer program for everyone involved! TBA!
Who We Are: Building a Brighter Future for Seahawks Youth Cheer
At Seahawks Youth Cheer, we believe cheerleading is more than sideline support—it’s a sport, a discipline, and a powerful platform for building confident, capable young athletes.
We are proud to serve as a PHS Boosters recognized youth feeder program for Peninsula High School athletics, offering cheerleaders a structured, positive, and development-focused pathway that prepares them not just for the next season, but for the next level.
Our mission is simple: develop strong athletes, strong teammates, and strong young leaders—on and off the field.
Our Standards: Safety, Discipline, and Growth
We hold ourselves—and our athletes—to high standards, because excellence is built early.
At Seahawks Youth Cheer, that means:
- Athlete safety first, with age-appropriate skill progression, proper spotting, and emphasis on fundamentals
- Positive coaching and mentorship, focused on confidence, resilience, and accountability
- Clear expectations around effort, attendance, sportsmanship, and respect
- A team-first culture, where every athlete matters and success is shared
We believe structure creates freedom—when athletes feel supported and challenged appropriately, they thrive.
A Clear Pathway to the Next Level
One of the defining features of Seahawks Youth Cheer is our intentional alignment with the high school program.
We actively collaborate with:
- High school booster leadership
- Peninsula High School coaches and cheer boosters
- State and school-aligned athletic standards and expectations
This partnership allows us to:
- Teach foundational skills and terminology used at higher levels
- Reinforce consistent technique and performance standards
- Help athletes understand what it takes to succeed as they advance
Our goal isn’t to rush athletes—it’s to prepare them the right way, so when they reach high school cheer, they arrive confident, capable, and ready.
Investing in the Future of Our Athletes
We see youth cheer as a long-term investment in our community.
That means:
- Building confidence and leadership at a young age
- Creating positive role models and mentorship opportunities
- Encouraging healthy, active lifestyles
- Fostering pride in representing the Seahawks and our schools
Every practice, every routine, and every game is an opportunity to help our athletes grow—not just as cheerleaders, but as people.
Join Us
If you’re looking for a program that values development over shortcuts, character alongside performance, and team culture as much as competition, Seahawks Youth Cheer is the place for you.
📣 Sideline Cheer Registration is open through May 1
🌟 Open to athletes in grades 3–8 (unless a mini’s coach volunteer comes forward)
🏈 Practices begin this summer in late July and run through early-mid November
Together, we’re building something special—one athlete, one team, and one future at a time.
Together We Soar. 11 as 1.
MEET OUR COACHES
Jenna Bates | 8th Grade Head Coach
“This upcoming season will be my 6th year coaching youth sideline cheer in Gig Harbor! I love watching our cheer athletes master a new skill and the excitement and confidence that comes along with it. I have high school dance experience and enjoy combining choreography with cheer stunt techniques to create memorable halftime performances. As a high school counselor, I strive to create a group culture where all cheerleaders are respected and understand the importance of a connected team. I can’t wait to work with our 8th grade cheerleaders this year as they learn and refine skills and prepare for high school cheer!”
Jessica Ruckle | 8th Grade Assistant Coach
“I’m excited to step in as a coach and bring years of cheer experience, including advanced stunting and time as a backspot, where strong communication and trust are everything. I’ve been nominated through NCA and have trained in both technical skills and leadership within a team environment. I bring high energy, confidence, and a loud, positive presence that helps athletes feel supported and motivated. Most importantly, I teach athletes to understand the purpose behind what they’re cheering for, because connection, pride, and heart are what truly elevate both performance and personal growth.”
Kelsy Davis (Cheer President) | 7th Grade Head Coach
“Cheer is an incredible sport to coach. You see girls come out of their comfort zone, push themselves physically, and selflessly cheer on others. As their coach, I hope to instill incredible work ethic, a love for stunting and performing, and a heart for serving others. I look forward to making these girls the very best they can be while making lifelong friendships!”
Amy White | 7th Grade Assistant Coach
“I am excited to work with the Seahawks middle school cheerleaders and believe there are fundamental life lessons to be learned by working as a squad and achieving the goals they have set. These lessons build confidence, develop a positive mindset and allow them to learn how to support their teammates while representing their school.
I grew up in Gig Harbor but moved away for college at Washington State University and to work for about 18 years. In 2016 I moved back to the Gig Harbor area with my family of four. I have 15 years of dance experience paired with high school cheer. I am excited to continue building the Seahawks squad!”
Lori McCasland | 5/6th Grade Head Coach
I believe cheerleading should be a place where athletes feel safe to try, fail, learn, and try again. My goal as a coach is to create an environment where every athlete feels supported, encouraged, and confident enough to push themselves outside of their comfort zone.
To me, cheer is about much more than skills or routines. It’s about building confidence, learning resilience, and shaping young athletes into kind and supportive teammates. I want my athletes to know that cheer is friendship, cheer is teamwork, and cheer is absolutely a sport—no matter what anyone else might say.
I believe every athlete deserves the opportunity to grow, be included, and feel like they truly belong on the team. Watching kids discover their confidence and realize what they’re capable of is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching.
I work within the Peninsula School District and love being part of a community that supports students both in and out of the school setting. Outside of coaching, most of my free time is still spent around sports—cheering on my daughters in their many activities. I also love dogs and, like many busy moms and coaches, I’m never far from a Starbucks.
Jonny Walker | 5/6th Grade Coach
Kenzie Kelly | 3/4th Grade Head Coach
“From my days competing in high school hip-hop to my time cheering at the collegiate level, I’ve always lived for the energy of the performance. As a hip-hop and dance fitness instructor since 2010, I have a love for helping athletes reach their full potential.
As a pediatric nurse and a mother of four, I bring a unique blend of fun, patience, and leadership to the sidelines. Cheer is about more than just the routine—it’s about developing the whole athlete and helping every Seahawks cheerleader build confidence, master the art of teamwork, and understand the power of clear communication and commitment.”
Lindsey Munk | 3/4th Grade Assistant Coach
I’m a Gig Harbor native and a proud Peninsula High School alumna with a lifelong passion for dance and team spirit. I’ve been involved in many styles of dance over the years and especially love sharing my Hawaiian culture through hula. Dance has always been a big part of my life, and I enjoy helping others build confidence, skill, and pride in what they do. I’m excited for the upcoming season and look forward to teaching, supporting, and watching these amazing girls grow and shine both on and off the field.
Brittney Nordseth | 3/4th Grade Assistant Coach
Stacy Georgette | 1st/2nd Grade Head Coach
Tiffany Boyer | 1st/2nd Grade Assistant Coach
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Our program relies solidly on parent or community volunteers, who play a vital role in shaping the experiences of our participants. If you have a passion for the sport and would like to contribute to the team through coaching or assistant coaching, or if you are interested in assisting with various administrative tasks that keep our program running smoothly, we would greatly appreciate your involvement. Additionally, lending a hand on game days or helping with practice preparations would make a significant impact on our athletes’ development and enjoyment. Every little bit helps, and we believe that together, it truly takes a village to create a thriving sports community!
| GET MERCH!
Help support Seahawks Youth Cheer by ordering spirit gear through our merchandise store hosted by Makefield! Makefield gives back 20% to our organization to help fund things like new equipment and athlete scholarships! They take your order and ship directly to you. Keeping us where we need to be; in the cheer zone with kids!
Please note: This store website is operated independently. SSA or SYC has no part of the ordering or delivery of products purchased.
SEASON KICKOFF MOMENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Stay updated on REGISTRATION, FUNDRAISERS, UNIFORM ORDERS, and COMMUNITY EVENTS! Summer clinic and camp sign-ups begin in Spring. Join us for fun and skill-building!
PRACTICE CALENDAR
Practice fields change with the seasons; check the schedule for locations around Gig Harbor and nearby facilities. Upcoming locations and times will be posted here in June before practices start in July.
GAME SCHEDULE
Come to football games, cheer demonstrations, and spirit nights; parents are welcome to watch and help. The game schedule will be announced in August before the Seahawks Youth Football season starts in the Fall.