This upcoming year in cheer there will be a new coach along with a new role for cheerleaders: being leaders of the school.

“Cheer will be promoting positive spirit throughout the school and adding some fun cheers and spirit activities to the games,” said new coach Crystal Hays.

Instead of cheer simply representing the fans in sports events and competitions, the team’s goal is to transform into a group of leaders. Since last spring and in training camp over the summer, cheer has been converting into this new style.

“Not a real competitive team, they will still have their routines and their jobs, but will be role models and leaders in the building as they are an extension of Liberty. When they are in front of the crowd we want them to have that leadership,” ASB Advisor Michelle Munson said.

Currently they are working on the annual Grease Lightning routine that will be performed at the Homecoming game and assembly. The team is also working on new routines to teach the crowd like the “Patriot Beat”.

Students and parents alike both have nothing but positive feedback for the new coach, Crystal Hays.

“Crystal is absolutely amazing, he has experience, she is young and she can do all of the stunts and she is very positive and is a very good leader,” sophomore cheerleader Sophia Davis said.

Hays has many years of experience, having started cheering when she was eight years old, and plans to bring new techniques and new skills to the team.

“The staff and students should be looking forward to some fun new cheers and stunts the team will be practicing in the future,” Hays said.