Adjusting, adapting made a difference for LaFayette
It doesn’t matter what the sport, coaches need to be able to adjust and sometime change things up to get their teams going in the right direction.
And in much the same way a football or basketball coach makes adjustments at halftime of a game, longtime LaFayette cheer coach Nicole Harris was faced with a similar situation earlier in the season.
With a number of her athletes still somewhat new to the bright lights of the competition floor, Harris admitted to some struggles in the first event of the season.
“After that, I decided I needed to regroup and make some adjustments in our routine to help them feel confident in themselves and the routine,” she explained.
A little over a month later,
Harris said those changes have made all the difference.
“We have worked so hard since the beginning of December to make adjustments and I feel as if I have a whole new team,” Harris beamed. “This group of girls makes me proud all the time. They truly enjoy being together and being at practice. They are always excited and uplift one another like I’ve never seen.
“They have helped me find the joy in what I do more than ever. I look forward to
seeing them each day and watching them grow and improve each practice.”
LaFayette is being led this season by senior tri-captains Sydney Parker, Carly Smith and Mary Grace Tatum, along with fellow seniors Caylee Purcell and Micheala Tomisek. Kenna Massey, Janie Pickard, Tanner Rodgers and Allie Cameron represent the junior class, while a large sophomore group include Rayden Chastain, Bella Walden, Briley Walker, Kloe Spears, Olivia Dearing, Ansley Lawson and Hailey Lowe. Freshmen Aubry Price and Ava McNabb round out the squad.
Harris said that being able to compete against more experience teams this year might be tough this season with less difficulty in their routine. However, she said the team’s main goals are competing within itself, staying focus and hitting.
“We are focusing on consistency with our partner stunts,” she added. “Each stunt group has personal goals for each practice and we are celebrating those goals, as well as our team goals each day. I want these girls to enjoy what they are doing and not to forget to find their joy and love for the sport.”