Leilani Chanes, the cheerleading coach at Shadow Ridge High School, has made a huge impact in her first year. With a lifelong passion for cheerleading, she has used her experience and dedication to help shape the team and guide her athletes toward success.
Chanes’ journey into cheerleading started when she was just 5 years old. Her love for the sport is clear, and it has stayed with her throughout her life. In addition to coaching at Shadow Ridge, Chanes is also a proud mom of a 3-year-old daughter who cheers on an all-star team in Las Vegas, showing how her passion for cheerleading runs deep within her family.
“I have been cheering since I was 5 years old, and it has always been a big part of my life. Now, as a coach, I get to pass that passion onto the next generation and help them develop both as athletes and individuals,” mentions Chanes.
Her first year as coach has been an exciting and growing experience. Through coaching, she has not only connected with others at Shadow Ridge but also developed important leadership skills. The role has challenged her in new ways, helping her grow personally while also growing as a coach.
Chanes says, “Coaching this team has helped me meet new people and build relationships with my co-workers on campus. It’s also allowed me to grow as a person, learning how to balance being both a coach and a mentor.”
Chanes has years of experience with cheerleading, which has helped her be an effective coach. This extensive experience allows her to teach her athletes more than just routines; she can also share valuable tips and tricks from her own time as a cheerleader. Her passion for the sport makes her a motivating and inspiring coach, and she’s dedicated to helping each of her athletes improve.
“My years of experience in cheerleading have allowed me to bring a lot of knowledge to the team. It’s not just about the stunts or routines, it is about building confidence, teamwork, and discipline, which I emphasize every day in practice,” comments Chanes.
Looking forward, Chanes is excited to continue her role next year. Her enthusiasm for coaching shows, and she’s already planning ways to make next season even better. One goal is to create a more structured program that will help her athletes stay focused on both cheer and their academics.
Chanes explains, “I truly hope to continue coaching next year. This job is one of the things I look forward to the most when coming to Shadow Ridge. It brings me so much joy, and I can’t imagine not being a part of it. I have already started implementing a stricter program to ensure the girls stay on track academically. Cheerleading is important, but their education comes first, and I want to make sure they succeed in both areas.”
For Chanes, the most rewarding part of coaching has been working with the girls on the team. Their positive attitude, dedication, and teamwork made this year special, and Chanes is proud of everything they accomplished together.
“The girls on the team are amazing individuals who truly enjoy being together, they work hard every practice, and even when challenges arise, they push through with little to no complaints. Their dedication and spirit make this experience so rewarding for me.”
One of the cheerleaders, Sabrina Mason, has been cheering since she was in 6th grade. She has had a good cheer season being coached by Coach Chanes, she hopes she will have a good season next year as she continues coaching.
“As I will not be cheering next year, I hope the girls do very well and continue to excel in their routines and academics. I hope the new girls are prepared for the work they need to put in and I hope they all have fun. I am glad I got to have Lei as a coach as it has given me a lot of different memories,” comments Mason.
