2018 Greatmats National Cheer Coach of the Year

I would like to nominate Coach Sami Thornton for Coach of the Year.

Coach Sami has been an all-star coach for 14 years, and has been such an inspiration to hundreds of athletes over the years, but especially for my daughter. She is one of those rare coaches that continues to fight for each athlete even if the athlete is not fighting for them self.

I have watched her help so many athletes, including my own, through mental blocks, personal matters, and problems at school just to list a few. She values each athlete as a whole rather than just what that athlete brings to the floor, and knows that the sport of cheerleading is about being a family, being there for each other, and cheering on each and every athlete.

Coach Sami truly believes in building up each and every child in every way physically and emotionally so that they not only become better cheerleaders, but so that they become better people. She strives to help her athletes push beyond their boundaries, and knows that without empowering the individual there is no empowering the athlete.

On a personal note, due to my health issues and a serious bail and thus mental block, my daughter needed more support emotionally last season. Coach Sami was there for her each step of the way supporting her not just as a coach, but as a friend and mentor as well.

My daughter, and even myself, knew we always had someone to lean on when we didn't think we could go any further. Unfortunately, my daughter has health problems of her own this year, and, once again, Coach Sami has been there for us.

It must be said that it is not just our family she has been there for. She is there for every family I have seen walk through the Dynamic doors. Coach Sami gives herself selflessly and pours her heart and soul into the program, the athletes, and the families of Dynamic Cheer. Coach Sami wins Coach of the Year each and every time an athlete steps on the floor with the confidence, persistence, and determination that her coaching has afforded them.

Coach Kym Anderson always finding ways to keep smiles.

The reason I nominated coach Anderson was because of many reasons. She is always there for anyone and will do anything for her team. She shows us the bigger picture in cheer. Going to a small school and not having lots of respect as cheerleaders, she shows to us that the more we wow, the more respect we will gain.

Despite going through her own issues she will always tell you, if we need anything come to her office or call her. She cares about the squad as her own family, and worries about all of us in our emotional states.

When she was coaching at her old school, a year after one of her cheerleaders graduated, she turned to suicide. Ever since, coach has done everything she can to spread awareness, and she puts extra effort to make sure we all are okay.

Kym is deserving of this award not only for the reasons previously stated, but for the reason of her being an amazing coach. She lives an hour away from the school, stays extra late and makes it to every game. She doesn't get paid enough for the work and dedication she has for this team. In the end, the dedication, love, and fun she brings to the team makes her well deserving for this award.

Head Coach Justine Bruns

The quote "If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you’d never think another negative thought again" is just one of hundreds that Rutherford B. Hayes High School Head Coach Justine Bruns tweets daily on the cheer’s Twitter. This is just an example of how motivating Justine is within her program.

Justine Bruns is in her 2nd year as Head Coach for the Delaware Hayes Pacers Cheer Program. Justine works day in and day out to change the culture of cheerleading. She leads with motivation, compassion, positiveness, respect and hard work and she only expects the same from her squads. Working alongside JV coach Francesca and Freshman coach Ainslee who is also her daughter, Justine strives to make the program a family. She takes the time to not only coach and teach, but also gets to know her cheerleaders on a personal level working with each of them on their strengths and improving their weaknesses, on and off the practice and game field. Justine is a mentor and a shoulder to lean on, she has wiped away tears and helped strengthen pulled hamstrings, uplifted those who are struggling making sure they realize their full potential. When the cheerleaders leave practice, they have not only learned new cheer skills, they have also learned more about themselves, have pushed past their boundaries to becoming better role models, friends and kind and caring young people.

Aside from coaching high school cheerleading, Justine has a passion for being a personal fitness coach, her beloved dog Bodee with whom she walks/runs with, spending time with her husband Matt and both her daughters, Ainslee and Hadlee.

Coach Thiago Nanuk is not only a remarkable coach, but cares about every athlete he coaches or comes into contact with. He brings a focus and leadership to all training that not only allows the athlete to progress but to grow healthy in the sport.

Coach Thiago does not tell a parent or athlete what they want to hear, but what they need to do as a collective party to achieve their desired skill level and cheer goals. Everyone wants to attend Worlds and Coach Thiago will have you set that goal and climb to it one level at a time beginning at the bottom until you become a World athlete.

If you need help with strength and endurance, he will give you things to do outside to build those areas. He sets goals for athletes, demonstrates by his ability to focus and concentrate, and how the athlete can master those skills in and out of the gym. Coach Thiago will take the weakest athlete (or team) and make them strong, while encouraging the strongest to help the weakest to grow.

Coach Thiago makes a difference in athlete's lives that stays with them as they move pass cheering nationally to College and Professional. His influence transfers and provides a leadership that allows every athlete to perform not only well, but with their best ability feeling they are part of a team whether you win or lose. Coach Thiago views everyone as a winner.

The best gift of all is his ability to drill the athlete before just throwing skills. He is not about levels but your ability to throw skills properly with good technique.

Coach Thigao is not big with conversation, and lets his work show on the mat or at a competition. On and off the stage he is your biggest cheerleader whether you are at his gym or another gym. He instills "make sure you focus on how the skill was taught, and it will flow with great technique and land you success".