Mt. Diablo HS Cheer Coach Heather Hollis named CA Varsity Cheer Coach of the Year by Nfinity

MDUSD sends a big cheer of congratulations to Mt. Diablo HS Cheer Team Coach Heather Hollis, who has been named the California Varsity Cheer Coach of the Year by cheer athletic apparel company Nfinity, which based the award on an anonymous nomination in its annual nationwide contest and a follow-up interview with Hollis. "These leaders have inspired, motivated, and elevated their teams to greatness, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate their incredible achievements," Nfinity said, when it announced winners including Hollis and others from around the country earlier this month. "Your passion, dedication, and impact on the cheerleading world are truly unmatched. We are so proud of each of you for the hard work and heart you bring to the sport!"

The company would not reveal who nominated Hollis or what the nomination said. But Nfinity Sales Director Erin Connors, who interviewed Hollis based on the nomination, said Hollis was a great fit for the award. "For the longest time, coaches were like the unsung heroes," Connors said. "We were looking for somebody that's made an impact, not just won a competition. It has nothing to do with competitions. It has to do with making changes, helping kids, and being a good influence."

Hollis' cheer team members and volunteer Assistant Coach Kelly Bartlett, who is also the school's Head Softball Coach, said Hollis definitely deserves the award for her tireless work to elevate the team's status at the school since she arrived last year, while nurturing team members like a second Mom. She teaches team members life lessons - such as the importance of doing their homework, setting goals and giving back to the community - while also restructuring the way they practice by starting with the basics to avoid injuries, then working to build on a strong foundation. 

"She's very understanding," said Damariz Ramirez, a senior who is one of two Captains of the team. "She's done a lot for us." Before Hollis arrived, the team had no designated room on campus to practice in. Now, they practice in a room in the Girls Gym and feel more included in schoolwide activities, Damariz said, adding, "I'm so thankful for her." Senior Denise Romero, who has been on the team since she was a freshman, said Hollis is warm and approachable. "You can talk to her when you need help with something and she will listen to you and she gives us feedback even if it's outside of class or in cheer. She's very caring." Nyomi Cedeno, who joined the team as a senior in June, said Hollis was very welcoming and easy to talk to. The girls also said Hollis stresses community service, such as working on school supply donation drives and volunteering at KidFest. In addition, Hollis helps them look at potential colleges, said Damariz, who wants to study fashion design at an out-of-state college. Denise wants to study business focusing on the retail industry and Nyomi wants to study business, cosmetology and real estate. 

As a 2007 MDHS grad and former cheerleader herself, Hollis said she wants her team members to feel empowered to complete college or an apprenticeship program. "I don't want them to think: 'I can't because I came from here' or 'I can't afford it,'" Hollis said, noting that the 11 team members live in Bay Point or Concord and many can't afford expensive gear. They fundraise to buy uniforms and pay for bus transportation. And sometimes, Hollis pays out of her own pocket for extras like makeup and bows. "I don't mind," she said, "because I want to grow the program. I lived in a homeless shelter when I went here and my captain paid for everything. I tell the girls, 'We always give more than we take, which can also mean a smile or a compliment." Hollis also tells the girls, "You can make an impact on someone." She stresses working as a team, developing leadership skills, and having a positive attitude. "I treat them the way I would want someone to treat my own daughter," Hollis said. "I'm really big on them being advocates for themselves." Hollis was especially proud of the team's enthusiasm and hard work when they attended a three-day Cheer Camp at St. Mary's College of Moraga last month and earned several awards and recognitions, including "most improved" out of 22 teams, which she called "the highlight." Because it was too expensive to stay overnight at the camp, team members' parents dropped them off every morning at 6 a.m. and picked them up at 9 p.m., Hollis said.

Bartlett, who has assisted Hollis since last year, was on the MDHS cheer team with Hollis, graduated with her and remains one of her best friends. "She does everything from her heart," Bartlett said. "She just pours her all into the program and the girls." They both have a "big vision for the program" that includes a cheer team, flag team and dance team, Bartlett said. When the flag team coach left this year, Hollis and Barlett took on the 14-member team in addition to cheer, even though they are still learning about flag themselves. A dance team has yet to be formed, but Hollis and Bartlett said they want the school to have the same types of spirit squads it had when they were MDHS students. Bartlett said she's happy that Hollis has earned the Coach of the Year award, which brings a lot of attention to Hollis, Mt. Diablo HS, and their cheer program.

The team already knows 21 cheers and four chants, and plans to work on stunts as they develop their skills, with six new members this year. Planning is underway for its first fundraiser in September, with details to follow on Instagram. Anyone wishing to donate to the program can send a check to the school in care of the cheer team or contact Hollis at hhollis8831@gmail.com.
 
The teams Instagram posts show their Summer Camp experience and stunt routine last year. And this reel highlights Hollis' coaching and the team's practice for the school's Friday Night Football game at 7 p.m. at Deer Valley HS in Antioch.