Cheney High School coach Ashley Oliver has been at Cheney HS for seven years and has served six of those as head coach of the cheer squad. Recently she was honored with an award from the National Federation of State High School Association.
“I just received the NFHS Kansas Coach of the year and NFHS Midwest Sectional Coach of the year for the states of Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. I am also a Cheney Graduate,” said Oliver.
This season her team features 11 members with three captains, which are Madison Amsink, Madison Murray, and Taylor Schwartz. The Cheney cheerleaders have been a very competitive squad under coach Oliver’s leadership.
“Our team has competed in the KSHSAA state Class 3A Game Day Showcase. In 2017, and 2018 we were awarded 1st place. We won the 1st ever Game Day showcase in Kansas in 2017 and came back for another win in 2018. Our goal was to make 2019 be a 3-Peat but we missed it by 1.5 points,” said Oliver. “We were proud to walk away with a 3rd place and our score was six points higher than the previous year and we had zero deductions. This squad knows how to preserve in any situation and think fast on their feet. This is by far our best quality. Our team will be losing five seniors this school year and I wish them all well. They will be missed.”
The support for the Cheney squad is at an all-time high.
“The support and the atmosphere is great in Cheney. The families, administration, and community really come together to support all sports, academics, activities, and programs that we can offer. The town really rallies all students and help in any way they can. Our school always has the best turn out, even at away games. Our community is always very proud to be cheering for Cheney and everyone is always very excited and involved in the game. The atmosphere is always very positive and excited and it’s an honor to cheer on our teams,” said Oliver.
Outside of cheerleading, coach Oliver encourages her student-athletes to be involved in other activities around campus.
“In a small district our student-athletes can be involved in other activities. A cheerleader can also play volleyball or golf in the fall. They can also be in Stucco, Debate, Drama, FFA, and other activities. Most students do multiple activities and I’m so glad they have those opportunities,” said Oliver.
It is important to coach Oliver that her athletes seta good example for others to follow.
“Setting a good example is our number one priority. They know that there are always eyes on them. Lots of kids look up to athletes and it’s up to athletes to set a good example for their peers. The cheerleaders remember being the little girl who did cheer clinics and watched the cheer team saying “Wow, I want to be like them.” When they look out into the crowd at games, they get to see the little girls and boys cheering with them and it inspires them to be the best they can be,” said Oliver.
