For Heather Holmes, cheering isn’t just something she did through high school and then forgot about. Instead, she’s keeping the fire alive by volunteering her time to make a difference in the lives of others following in her footsteps.

“I’ve coached for years and still currently have a tumbling program in Newcastle,” Holmes said. “So I know what it’s like to have someone who will help when needed. I cheered all through high school and have coached the last 15 out of 20 years. I love the athletes and this sport so much, so I want to be a helper and servant anywhere I can.”

Holmes is a mother to a cheerleader and is seen as a cheer mom to the squad. She said she has myriad duties when it comes to the team.

“I do hair the day of competitions,” she said. “I tease and proof the hair to heaven. I do vinyl on the megaphones, gifts, help boosters with breakfasts, good-luck gifts, and helping the coaches wherever they need me.”

“I love giving and helping where it’s needed,” she continued. “So long as my help is wanted, I will be available. My heart is with this sport and the athletes. I love supporting my town and their programs. This is one reason I love coaching and helping the athletes on the side with their tumbling, jumps and overall becoming a better cheerleader. It’s truly a passion. I believe in the sport and the athletes, and I want them to grow and learn life lessons from both their individual and team journeys.”

Holmes said with a daughter on the team, sometimes they butt heads, but at the end of the day they both want the team to be successful.

“The key is learning how your child is in different situations and how they will respond,” she said. “Know what they need and don’t need you to do. They’re kids. So they like to feel that you’re helping, but the squad is theirs and not the other way around. I try to remember to let them have ownership of their team.”