Locust Grove Cheer
By Bryce McKinnis
Seasoned coaches like Locust Grove High School cheer Tiffany Applegate cheer coach know what it takes to build a great squad.
“I think it takes love for the sport and love for the athletes,” Applegate said. “I try to get to know my girls and they know I love and care for them. It’s important every girl has a voice and isn’t afraid to speak up if they have thoughts or ideas.”
A talented former athlete herself, Applegate cheered three years of All-Stars and was invited to cheer at the Orange Bowl as a varsity cheerleader. She has coached three years for LGHS and, before that, four years at LGMS. She teaches third-grade ELA and has spent a total of 13 years at Locust Grove Public Schools. She started coaching, originally, for the opportunity to eventually coach her daughter, Kaidym, who’s now a junior.
“It’s been a dream come true to get to coach her from her first-grade year through her current year,” Applegate said. “She’s a leader on our team. She also does All-Star cheer and hopes to cheer in college.”
There are examples, like Kaidym, of the culture Applegate has fostered everywhere on the team.
“Hannah Coffelt is our only senior on the team and is a great leader,” Applegate said. “Lakin Quinn is a junior and is also a great leader. Alexis Martin, a junior, just always has the best attitude and a smile on her face. I really have the best girls, every single one of them!”
It’s a give-and-take business, coaching. Applegate has learned how to approach her athletes’ specific needs and leave an impact on each of them that will last long after they’ve performed for the last time.
“I hope a lesson that lasts with them is when they’re faced with hard things to not just give up but to push back and use it as an opportunity to grow,” Applegate said. “Life is always throwing punches but learn what really matters to you and fight for it with all you’ve got.”
When you’ve coached young athletes as long as Applegate, you’ll catch just as much from them as you throw at them.
“The greatest lesson my athletes have taught me is perseverance. They keep going, even when things go wrong or it feels like they aren’t appreciated, and they show up and do their thing!”
The journey of coaching is often described as thankless, but the opportunity to coach her daughter and dozens of to-be adults through the years has enriched Applegate’s life in unimaginable ways. For young coaches, Applegate advises relationship building above everything.
“My advice for new coaches would be to not be afraid to get to know your athletes,” Applegate said. “Build a positive atmosphere. It’s OK for them to see you have fun and to chat with them. When your athletes know you truly care for them as a person, they’ll work hard and want to do well for you.”
