Lance Pillstrom is in his 10th year of coaching cheer and teaching English at Memorial High School. He said he’s coached a multitude of sports, but he keeps coming back to his first love, cheer.“I have a great team this year,” Pillstrom said. “With covid, we have missed NCA Cheer Camp for the last two summers, but the squad is working hard this year to maintain that standard of excellence. “We have a variety of experience on the squad,” he continued. “And my captains are working hard to help each new member develop. My mother was a cheer coach, so being around cheerleaders is one of my earliest memories. I love helping them develop into strong, productive leaders.”

Pillstrom said his team discussed what they thought the atmosphere of the team was, and their responses included feeling productive and they are using their time well. They said they know their time is limited, so they try to make the most of it when they get together. They also added that the team works hard to support each other as much as possible and appreciated that their coach. Was always there for them. “My philosophy has always been to build strong relationships with my athletes,” Pillstrom said. “Patience and empathy are essential qualities. Also, I have a clear vision of what I want my programs to look like. I like to develop their leadership skills and teach them to take and give constructive criticism. They will love you and they will hate you, but they will always call you coach.”

Pillstrom said he has a special place in his heart for those girls who might be afraid to try out, but power through and take the plunge anyway. “I always say try it,” he said. “That’s half my team. I have them in English class, and I encourage them to try out. They trust me and end up loving it. I introduce them to other members of the squad and I let them sell the program. I know that last year, when we were distance learning, my program actually grew. While other sports were dealing in numbers, we seemed untouched.”