New coach brings fresh vision, energy to Lennox High School cheer program

The Lennox High School cheerleading squad is entering the new season with first-year head coach Brittany VanWeerdhuizen leading the way and a vision focused on building the program for years to come.

VanWeerdhuizen took over as head coach this season, with a goal of building the program from the ground up while creating a culture centered on confidence, leadership, teamwork and school pride.

“With a new coach and a program being taken over, the goal is to start fresh,” VanWeerdhuizen said. “My program is being built from the ground up and fans can expect energy, growth, and a whole lot of heart from this year’s cheer squad.”

VanWeerdhuizen and her family moved to Lennox from Washington state in 2023. Originally from Washington, she previously worked as a hairdresser and owned a hair salon. She also brings years of coaching experience in cheerleading and soccer to her new position.

Since moving to Lennox, she has coached youth soccer through Lennox Park and Recreation for her three sons, working with them during both the fall and spring seasons.

Coaching is familiar territory for VanWeerdhuizen, who grew up watching her father coach high school wrestling for more than 18 years.

“My father always told me that to coach the youth is to lead them, believe in them, challenge them and love them through it all,” she said.

VanWeerdhuizen is also the mother of four children — Ryker, Tucker, Booker and 2-year-old Wylder Layne. Her connection with the high school cheerleaders has extended to her youngest daughter, who VanWeerdhuizen said looks at the cheerleaders as big sisters.

“Wylder just loves and adores those girls,” she said.

The Orioles’ cheer squad features eight members this season, including four returning veterans and four newcomers.

Senior veterans Sophie Smith and Teagan Swier will serve as team captains. Both are entering their fourth year with the program.

Junior Willow Booker is a three-year veteran, while sophomore Megan Horner returns for her second year.

The four rookies are senior Stella Hilt, freshman Ashley Dummer, sophomore Madelyn Lund and sophomore Morgan DeHaan.

VanWeerdhuizen said the team has spent the summer preparing for the upcoming season, working on new routines, stunts and choreography while maintaining some of the traditions of the program.

The squad has focused on sharp motions, strong formations, synchronized transitions and jumps. Stunts will combine skill with crowd engagement as the cheerleaders work to showcase their abilities and continue improving.

“While we have kept the integrity of old material, we have given new life to traditions,” VanWeerdhuizen said.

Fans can also expect special performances throughout the season, including a mini cheer performance featuring some of Lennox’s youngest future cheerleaders. The team is also planning something special for homecoming and coronation.

For VanWeerdhuizen, success isn’t simply measured by what individual cheerleaders can accomplish.

“These girls have been grinding hard all summer,” she said. “They’re learning that success isn’t just about what they can do individually, it’s about how they can show up for one another.”

The cheerleaders are working to build trust, hold each other accountable and encourage one another through challenges.

VanWeerdhuizen said she has been particularly pleased with the growth in confidence she has seen from the team.

“Most importantly, they’re learning to take pride in themselves, pride in each other, and pride in the team they are building together,” she said.

Although VanWeerdhuizen was not part of the program last season and cannot directly compare the team’s performance from year to year, she has seen significant growth from the four returning cheerleaders.

She said the veterans have embraced new techniques, challenges and expectations with an open mind and have helped set the tone for the rest of the team.

“This season is about building on the foundation that already existed while bringing fresh energy and vision to the program,” she said. “I am proud of the way these returning girls have stepped up and helped  us move forward together. 

The new-look cheer program has already received significant support from the Lennox community.

The cheerleaders created new cheer boxes to go along with their new uniforms and gear. The boxes will be used during Friday night football games, and eight local businesses have been given the opportunity to sponsor individual boxes.

For a $100 sponsorship, a business’s logo will be featured on the side of a cheerleader’s box, which will be displayed at every Friday night football game throughout the season.

The team also recently held a raffle basket fundraiser during the Park Drive event on Aug. 21. Local businesses donated items for the fundraiser, while Modern Woodmen provided a dollar-for-dollar match.

The effort raised approximately $1,300 for the program.

“We are so grateful for every business, family and community member who has invested in these girls,” VanWeerdhuizen said. “This support is helping us build a strong foundation for a new program, and more importantly showing our cheerleaders just how special it is when a community comes together behind them.”

VanWeerdhuizen said there are many ways for community members to support the team beyond financial contributions.

She encouraged fans to attend games, learn the cheers, participate in chants and bring energy to the stands. Students can also help create the atmosphere by interacting with the cheerleaders and getting involved with the cheers.

“Having a loud crowd makes such a difference to these girls,” she said.

Fans can also support the businesses sponsoring cheer boxes, donate snacks or drinks to the team, participate in fundraisers or simply share and promote the squad’s events and accomplishments.

VanWeerdhuizen said her goal extends well beyond winning or putting together successful performances.

“My goal this year has been to SHOW UP FOR THESE GIRLS,” she said. “I am asking a lot from them this season, and they are working incredibly hard.”

She wants the athletes to leave the season with more than improved cheerleading skills.

“I want them to leave with confidence, friendships, memories, leadership skills, and a deep sense of pride in themselves and in being a Lennox Oriole,” she said.

As a first-year coach in Lennox, VanWeerdhuizen said she has gained a new appreciation for the community and its support of local students.

“My vision isn’t just to have a successful cheer season, it is to build a program that the girls are proud to be a part of, and that Lennox can be proud to call its own,” she said.

She hopes to establish new traditions and opportunities that will allow the program to grow year after year.

“I want to create a culture where young gals support one another, hold each other accountable, celebrate each other’s successes, and genuinely enjoy being a team,” VanWeerdhuizen said.

For now, she sees this season as the beginning of that process — one built on hard work, community support and plenty of Oriole pride.

“This is only the beginning, but I am incredibly proud to be a part of it,” she said.