By Chris Cox 

Kingman head cheer coach Melissa Tetrick has a unique bond with her cheer squad. Not only is she their coach and a parent to one of the cheerleaders, but she is also a former Kingman cheerleader herself. 

Tetrick admits part of the reason she began coaching cheer was because of her daughter and the fact that Kingman just needed someone to coach the program. While she never really planned on being a coach, she has found that she loves coaching and doesn’t plan on giving it up anytime soon.

“You always have these expectations on what you think something will be, but it doesn’t always turn out like that,” says Tetrick. “But it’s been a learning experience and very fulfilling to get to see what these girls can do.”

One thing Tetrick has found with this year’s squad is they have great chemistry. 

“They seem to get a long really well,” says Tetrick. “You do have your ups and downs. But for most purposes, they do get along well. They get along better than I expected. Every now and then we have one or two that aren’t getting along but we’ll talk it out and they get it worked out.”

That chemistry, Tetrick believes, is a by-product of the leadership on the Kingman cheer squad. 

“I have three juniors that all have their own thing they are good at,” says Tetrick. “Kelsey Campbell choreographs all of our routines. She loves to dance and is really good at that. Victoria Tetrick keeps things going at practice and calls out most of the cheers at the game. Then Bailey Crenshaw keeps everyone in touch, friendly, and not fighting. They all have their jobs.”

With just one senior, Tetrick should have an experienced group coming back and she is excited to see how this group will continue to improve. One underclassman Tetrick is excited to watch grow over the next several years is freshman Lauren Patten.

“Lauren is just fabulous,” says Tetrick. “She has Down syndrome and does all the cheers and routines. She does a fabulous job. The girls have really taken to her and treat her as one of the bunch. It’s really impressive.”

The Kingman cheer squad includes Rylee Reid (Sr.), Kelsey Campbell (Jr.), Bailey Crenshaw (Jr.), Victoria Tetrick (Jr.), Destiny Leis (So.), Sophia Kaufman (Fr.), Brailee Padilla (Fr.), Lauren Patten (Fr.), Elizabeth Smith (Fr.), Sierra Valentine (Fr.), and Chloe Zoeller (Fr.).