High School Head Cheer Coach

Chief Leschi School•Puyallup, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Cheer Coach provides visionary leadership for the Chief Leschi Schools cheer program by developing student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in performance, leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, and character. The coach creates a safe, disciplined, and inclusive environment where students build confidence, school pride, and lifelong leadership skills while representing Chief Leschi Schools with integrity. The Head Cheer Coach is responsible for all aspects of the cheer program, including athlete development, practice planning, game and competition preparation, program administration, assistant coach supervision, equipment management, and compliance with Chief Leschi Schools, WIAA, and applicable athletic governing body rules. The coach serves as a positive role model who builds meaningful relationships with students, families, staff, and the community while promoting academic success, cultural pride, and personal growth. ABOUT CHIEF LESCHI SCHOOLS: Formerly known as the Puyallup Tribal School, Chief Leschi Schools was founded in 1976 to address the high dropout rate of the youth of the Puyallup tribe. It is the largest of seven tribal schools in the state of Washington and one of approximately 200+ tribal schools in the United States. It is also one of the largest tribal schools to be funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
High school diploma or GED.
One year of successful experience coaching cheerleading, gymnastics, dance, youth athletics, or a closely related activity; or equivalent experience demonstrating the ability to safely instruct and supervise student-athletes.
Demonstrated knowledge of cheerleading fundamentals, stunt progression, safety practices, and athlete development.
Ability to effectively supervise and mentor middle and high school students in both instructional and competitive settings.
Current First Aid, CPR, and AED certification, or ability to obtain prior to the first practice.
Must meet all WIAA coaching certification requirements and complete required coaching education within established timelines.
Able to maintain a successful criminal background clearance.
Successful and/or clear drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Education, Sports Management, Recreation, or a related field.
Three or more years of successful competitive cheer coaching experience at the middle school, high school, collegiate, club, or all-star level.
Demonstrated experience teaching stunting, tumbling progression, choreography, conditioning, and competition preparation.
Experience developing comprehensive cheer programs that emphasize athlete development, leadership, and positive team culture.
Experience supervising assistant coaches or leading athletic programs.
Experience working with Native American students, Tribal communities, or culturally diverse student populations.
Demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive coaching and fostering an inclusive team environment.
Current employee of Chief Leschi Schools.

Responsibilities

Develops and leads a high-quality cheer program that emphasizes safety, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, discipline, and personal growth.
Plans and conducts organized, engaging, and developmentally appropriate practices that improve athletes' technical skills, conditioning, confidence, and performance.
Teaches proper cheer, dance, stunt, tumbling, and safety techniques consistent with WIAA rules and nationally recognized best practices.
Creates a positive, inclusive team culture where every student-athlete feels valued, respected, and challenged to reach their potential.
Models professionalism, integrity, respect, and good sportsmanship while serving as a positive role model for student-athletes.
Promotes academic achievement and reinforces expectations for attendance, citizenship, and appropriate behavior.
Supervises student-athletes during all practices, competitions, travel, and school-sponsored activities while maintaining appropriate student supervision at all times.
Collaborates with assistant coaches to ensure consistent coaching philosophy, athlete development, and program expectations.
Provides direction, mentoring, and performance feedback to assistant coaches in collaboration with the Athletic Director.
Communicates effectively and professionally with students, parents, school staff, officials, and community members.
Maintains current team rosters, eligibility records, physical examination clearances, emergency information, and required participation documentation.
Ensures all participating athletes have completed required eligibility documentation before participating in practices or competitions.
Maintains accountability for all uniforms, equipment, and program inventory and reports repair or replacement needs promptly.
Reports injuries immediately, completes required documentation within established timelines, and follows school procedures regarding athlete health and safety.
Ensures student-athletes receive appropriate medical attention and follows return-to-play protocols.
Assists with program promotion, recruitment of student-athletes, youth outreach, and activities that strengthen school spirit and community engagement.
Conducts all aspects of the program in compliance with Chief Leschi Schools policies, WIAA regulations, and all applicable athletic governing rules.
Attends required coaches' meetings, professional development, WIAA rules clinics, and mandatory trainings.
Performs other duties related to the successful operation of the athletic program as assigned.