Kari Schott has coached Derby varsity cheer for several years, but this year has been unlike any other. Making adjustments to practice schedules and working around missing squad members has been tough, but coach Schott and the team have found ways around it or through it. Sometimes attitude is everything.

I have coached cheer at Derby for five years. I was assistant coach for three years to head coach Debbie Russell and have been head coach for two years with my assistant coach Makenna Allen,” said Schott. “Adapting to remote learning, random quarantines, and cancellation of games and pep assemblies has created a lot of challenges for our team. We have continued to work hard and stay positive,” said Schott.

This season the squad features several returning cheerleaders and a few new faces.

“I have a squad of 30 total cheerleaders, including 20 varsity cheerleaders and 10 junior varsity cheerleaders,” said Schott. “I don’t have any captains named this year. I do have four fabulous seniors however, Abbey Simonsen, Danielle Wheeler, Sarah Nuse, and Jordan Parker. They collectively help to lead the squad.”

Despite the challenges, coach Schott said there are many things she has enjoyed this year.

“What I value most is the relationships I have built over my tenure. We are a family and support and believe in each other,” said Schott. “Word of the year – FLEXIBILITY.  They are constantly adapting to what is handed to them. They are an amazing group. We have so much potential.  Next year we would like to compete in the KSHAA State Cheer Competition and continue to support our Panthers!”