Every year, new teachers, staff, students, and coaches are being welcomed into Hughson High School. Each person has become an essential part of the school’s community. Due to Hughson being a smaller school, many of the teachers also coach sports. Katelyn Tavernier is the new varsity coach at Hughson High School. Tavernier mostly teaches freshman and sophomores mathematics.
Last school year, Tavernier was offered the opportunity to coach varsity cheerleading. When asked why she took this incredible opportunity, Tavernier said, “I have loved cheer my whole life. I started cheering in elementary school and continued throughout high school. I missed the sport and was excited when the opportunity to coach presented itself.” Most individuals that coach a sport have participated in that activity at some point in their life, and the passion for the sport carries over to the team. Tavernier has a busy schedule because of also teaching an important school subject. She stated, “I am a planner by nature, so keeping an organized calendar helps!”
Three cheerleaders were interviewed about their experience with Tavernier. Kylee Bingamon has been on the cheer team for three years. She said, “My experience with Mrs. Tavernier has been nothing but great. She’s an amazing person, and she is doing a fabulous job at being a coach.” Nyelli Montes, another varsity cheerleader, said, “She has been so kind and loves to connect with her cheerleaders, she gently corrects us.” The same question was answered from another perspective, and Tavernier has also impacted the junior varsity team. Karina Navarro, a junior varsity cheerleader, said, “My experience with Mrs. Tavernier being a cheer coach has been really good. I think that she is a very good coach and she coaches varsity very well, and she’s overall just a sweet person.” According to these cheerleaders, Katelyn Tavernier has brought nothing but positivity to the cheer team and Hughson High School.
When all individuals were asked about the most enjoyable part of cheerleading, they all responded with how important friendships on the team were to them. Karina Navarro said, “The most enjoyable part of being on the cheer team is getting to cheer with some of my best friends and just all the bonds and friendships I have made with the girls on my team!” Nyelli Montes answered, “The friendships that I have made with the girls on the team.” Kylee Bingamon stated, “The most enjoyable part of being on the cheer team at HHS is definitely spending every day/game with my best friends. I love the team they’re all like sisters to me and I look forward to cheering with them every Friday.” As stated by a senior, junior, and sophomore, the Hughson High cheer team seems to be a very optimistic environment for coaches and cheerleaders.
Tavernier was asked about her favorite part of being a coach. She said, “Building relationships with my players and watching them succeed. We often try difficult stunts and when they finally “hit” it’s very exciting for all!” Tavernier is very enthusiastic and passionate about what she does, and the love she has for the sport spreads throughout Hughson. She has majorly impacted the Hughson community by being kind to her cheerleaders and students.
