About NDCCA

The North Dakota Cheer Coach Association was formed to:

Promote excellence and safety in cheerleading.
Provide education and information to coaches.
Promote a positive relationship among coaches and administrators.
Establish and promote effective communications with NDHSAA, schools and administrators.
Study and make recommendations to proposed rules changes concerning cheerleaders.

Accomplishments of the NDCCA:

Safety certification program required of all coaches whose teams will be stunting above the waist.
Developed safety certification course using hands-on stunting class for coaches.
Mandatory spirit rules clinic attendance for cheer coaches.
Affiliation with ND Coaches Association - Cheer Advisory Committee.
NDCCA sponsors cheer competitions.
NDCCA sponsors the Coaches Convention.
NDCCA works with NDHSAA for summer convention.
NDCCA keeps track of certified cheer coaches.

NDCCA Membership Benefits:

NDCCA Cheer Team Scholar Award.
NDCCA scholarships for senior cheerleaders.
NDCCA Senior Award.
NDCCA Coach Longevity (recognizing years coached)
Coach of the year Award.
List of NDCCA members for networking.
Members at large to support ND Cheer Coaches.

Click HERE to become a Member today!

NDCCA is made up of a Board of Directors and Members at Large.

NDCCA Board of Directors

President

Preside at all meetings
Prepare agendas for all meetings
- Send reminders about reading minutes to members prior to meetings
- Coordinate dates, times, and locations of all meetings
Appoint persons to fill vacancies in offices, to then be voted on by the Board of Directors
Coordinate duties of Board Members throughout the year
- Assignment, progress, follow through, committees
Stay informed of all issues, items, etc. that the association is dealing with
Other duties as designated by Board
Keep members informed of updates
Awards Director
- Team Scholar
- Senior Awards
- Scholarships
- Coach of the Year
Oversee NDCCA Organization
- Competition duties shall fall under the President role
  - Takes care of NDCCA competitions and all details
    - Registrations (fees go to Treasurer), Forms, Jump Off, Comp Program, Practice Schedule
  - Select Site with approval from the board
  - Work with Site Director, making sure all duties are carried out per direction of the Board
    - Provide document to Site Director of Responsibilities
    - Update Site Director document as needed
  - End of each competition files a complete report to the Board
    - Coach evaluations and feedback (what things worked, what things didn’t work, suggestions for improvements on next competition)
    - Competition Financial Report
    - Feedback will come via Feedback form sent by the President
  - Select judges and coordinate transportation and lodging
    - Pay meal stipend and judging fees
  - Pay Competition workers
  - Have access to NDCCA checkbook and credit card
  - Set up clothing options
  - Ordering trophies and medals

Vice President

Assume duties of president in their absence
Stay informed of all issues, items, etc. that the association is dealing with the organization.
Receives all membership applications (fees go to Treasurer)
- Communicates to member about unpaid fees
Keeps track of all members
Takes care of Coaches Recognition Program
Receive Coaches Day registrations (fees go to Treasurer)
Report out to Board number of members and fees collected
- Social Media duties shall fall under the Vice President role
  - Create and manage updates to website
    - Making updates or changes needed in real time
  - Create and post all social media items

Secretary

Takes minutes at all meetings
Send minutes to board members
Send minutes to webmaster to be included on website
Have minutes ready at each meeting
- Certification duties shall fall under the Secretary role
  - Is NFHS certified
  - Sets dates and runs rules meetings
  - Sets up Spirit Rules tests
  - Keeps track of Certified Coaches
    - Test results
    - Forms
    - Required classes for certification (Sports First Aid, Concussion, Heat Related Illness, Hands on Stunting)
    - Recertification of Coaches
  - Communicate Certified Coaches to NDHSAA
  - Provides training in special circumstances
  - Provide educational resources to coaches via the website

Treasurer

Keep track of financial records
Create monthly financial report and share with the Board
Do all deposits
Has access to NDCCA checkbook and credit card
Create a yearly report for annual Executive Board meeting
Provide a receipt book for NDCCA events
Non-Profit Paperwork

Members at Large Responsibilities

Attend at least 80%
Help at competitions when not with a team
Help at Coaches Day and/or be a part of the planning committee
Other duties as assigned

Meet the NDCCA Board

Dedicated to Supporting, Educating and Advancing Cheerleading Across North Dakota

Welcome from the President

Welcome to the North Dakota Cheer Coaches Association

On behalf of our Board of Directors, thank you for being a part of our cheer community. Whether you are a coach, athlete, parent, official, or supporter of cheerleading, we are committed to providing opportunities that help programs grow, athletes succeed, and coaches continue to learn and lead.

Our board is dedicated to promoting safety, education, sportsmanship, and excellence throughout the state.

Thank you for your continued support of NDCCA.

Jennifer Lawson
President, NDCCA

NDCCA Board of Directors

The NDCCA Board of Directors is made up of passionate coaches, leaders, and advocates dedicated to supporting and growing the sport of cheerleading across North Dakota. Through education, collaboration, and service, our board works year-round to provide opportunities, resources, and events that help athletes and coaches succeed. Get to know the individuals who are committed to making a positive impact on the cheer community.

President

Jennifer Lawson

president@ndccaboard.com

701-609-1999

About Me:

Originally from Arkansas, Jennifer moved to North Dakota in 2018 and quickly became deeply involved in the cheer community. Although she has since returned to Arkansas, she remains actively invested in North Dakota cheer and continues to work with and support teams across the state.

Jennifer began coaching in Williston as the Middle School Head Coach in 2019 before taking over the high school program in the fall of 2022. During her tenure, she helped build a successful and competitive program, leading the team to multiple state competitions and earning the opportunity to compete at NCA Nationals in Dallas, Texas.

While she is no longer coaching in Williston, Jennifer enjoys traveling to assist teams with routine development, skill progression, and program growth. She is passionate about helping athletes and coaches succeed and remains committed to advancing the sport of cheerleading.

Jennifer has two children, Allie and AJ, both of whom have been involved in the cheer world for many years. In her free time, she enjoys spoiling her granddaughter, reading, spending time with family and friends, taking road trips, and exploring new places through travel.

Vice President

Courtney Pierce - Class AA

mandanhighcheer@gmail.com

About Me:

Courtney Pierce is the Head Cheer Coach at Mandan High School and is entering her 12th year of coaching. She is passionate about developing athletes both on and off the sidelines and enjoys helping students build confidence, leadership skills, and lasting memories through cheerleading.

Coaching has played a significant role in Courtney’s life, even leading her to meet her husband, who is also a coach in Mandan, serving as a Basketball and Track & Field Coach. Together, they have three children and three dogs who keep their family active and busy year-round.

Outside of cheer, Courtney works as an Oncology Massage Therapist at the Bismarck Cancer Center, where she has dedicated nearly a decade to supporting cancer patients through their treatment and recovery journeys. Her work is especially meaningful to her as a two-time cancer survivor, giving her a unique perspective and deep appreciation for the strength and resilience of those she serves.

Courtney is grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the North Dakota cheer community and is committed to helping athletes and programs continue to grow and succeed.

Treasurer

Audrey Lenz

audge1220@gmail.com

701-690-5998

About Me:

Audrey Lenz has been involved in cheerleading for many years, beginning her coaching career in Billings, Montana, before continuing in Dickinson, North Dakota, where she has coached since 2009. Her passion for cheer stems from the relationships she builds with athletes and coaches, as well as the opportunity to help programs grow and succeed.

When she is not at practices, games, or competitions, Audrey can be found cheering on her two boys from the sidelines as a dedicated soccer mom. She has been happily married to her husband since 2003, and together they enjoy supporting their children's activities and spending time as a family.

Professionally, Audrey is a nurse with experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including obstetrics, public health, and most recently serving veterans through the VA healthcare system. Her commitment to caring for others extends beyond her career and into her everyday life.

Audrey is excited to return to the NDCCA Board as Treasurer after previously serving four years in leadership roles, including Vice President and President. She looks forward to helping the organization continue to grow, supporting coaches across the state, and creating opportunities that strengthen cheerleading programs throughout North Dakota.

Secretary

Melissa Jansen - Class A/B

melissa.jansen@k12.nd.us

About Me:

Melissa Jansen has been involved in cheerleading her entire life, cheering at South Prairie, Minot High School, and Minot State University. She later spent eight years coaching Junior High, Junior Varsity, and Varsity Cheer at South Prairie High School, where she helped establish a Football Cheer program and a cooperative cheer program that expanded opportunities for student-athletes. After a brief retirement from head coaching, Melissa returned to the sidelines as the Assistant Cheer Coach at South Prairie High School. She is passionate about mentoring athletes and helping build a positive, competitive, and supportive cheer program.

In addition to her involvement in cheer, Melissa serves as the Speech-Language Pathologist at South Prairie, where she is dedicated to supporting students in their academic and personal development.

Melissa is married to her husband, Wesley, and together they have two teenage children, Landen and Olivia. Outside of work and cheer, she enjoys staying active and spending time with her family. Whether she's boating, golfing, or cheering on her children at their various sporting events, Melissa values every opportunity to be outdoors and involved in the activities she loves.

As a member of the NDCCA Board, Melissa is passionate about supporting coaches, athletes, and programs across North Dakota while helping promote the continued growth of cheerleading throughout the state for all Class A/B programs.

Member at Large

Brenna Williams - Class A/B

brenna.heidbreder@gmail.com

About Me:

Brenna Williams lives in Stanley with her husband and serves as the Radiology Manager at the local hospital. She has been the Assistant Cheer Coach for the Stanley Blue Jays beginning in 2017. Brenna has a deep-rooted passion for cheerleading and the positive impact it has on student-athletes.

Since joining the NDCCA Board in 2023, Brenna has been committed to supporting coaches, athletes, and programs across North Dakota. She values the opportunity to help strengthen the cheer community and contribute to the continued growth of the sport throughout the state.

Outside of coaching and her professional career, Brenna enjoys spending time outdoors and making memories with family and friends. Her favorite activities include camping, kayaking, biking, and enjoying all that North Dakota has to offer. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the NDCCA Board and help create positive experiences for cheerleaders and coaches alike.

Member at Large

Baylie Pounds - Class AA

bayliepounds@outlook.com

About Me:

Baylie is entering her third year of coaching cheer and brings enthusiasm, dedication, and a genuine passion for the sport to the NDCCA Board. She enjoys helping athletes build confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting memories through their cheer experience.

As a board member, Baylie is excited to support coaches and athletes across North Dakota while contributing to the continued growth and success of cheerleading throughout the state. She values the sense of community that cheer provides and looks forward to helping create positive opportunities for programs statewide.

Outside of coaching, Baylie is a proud wife and mother to two daughters, along with two beloved doodles who keep life entertaining. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, reading, and making memories with her family.

Member at Large

McKenna Schmitz - Class A/B

mckennabeeter@gmail.com

About Me:

McKenna has been involved in cheerleading since her high school years, where she cheered for three years before beginning her coaching career shortly after graduation. She has a passion for coaching and enjoys helping athletes grow in confidence, develop their skills, and achieve their goals both on and off the sidelines.

In addition to coaching, McKenna stays busy wearing many hats. She runs her own small business, works as a caregiver, and serves as a substitute teacher. Her dedication to supporting others and staying involved in her community is reflected in everything she does.

When she finds a little free time, McKenna enjoys being creative and can often be found in her craft room working on embroidery projects. She is excited to serve on the NDCCA Board and looks forward to supporting coaches, athletes, and cheer programs across North Dakota.

Member at Large

Haylie Wiberg

coachhaylie@gmail.com

About Me:

With more than 17 years of experience in gymnastics and cheerleading, Haylie brings extensive knowledge and passion for athlete development to the NDCCA Board. She is the owner of a successful cheer and tumble gym in Devils Lake, North Dakota, where she works with athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Haylie is USASF certified in all tumbling levels and stunting levels 1–3 and also holds a NASM-accredited fitness and nutrition certification. She coaches competitive all-star cheer, tumbling, and dance acro, with a strong emphasis on building confidence, developing strong fundamentals, and helping athletes reach their full potential both physically and mentally.

In addition to her all-star coaching experience, Haylie has coached high school sideline cheer in South Dakota and is passionate about expanding cheer opportunities in her community. She is dedicated to growing the sport and creating positive experiences for athletes, coaches, and programs throughout North Dakota. As a member of the NDCCA Board, she looks forward to supporting the continued growth and success of cheerleading across the state.

Member at Large

Chelsey Schatz

chagel0909@gmail.com

About Me:

Chelsey Schatz has been involved in cheerleading and gymnastics since the fifth grade and has been coaching since 2007. Throughout her career, she has worked with youth, high school, and All-Star athletes, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for developing confident, successful athletes.

As a head coach, Chelsey led WCHS to its first-ever state championship and has built a consistently competitive high school program. She has also found success at the All-Star level, with her team earning first-place finishes at every competition they entered during the previous season. In addition, she has helped many athletes achieve individual success and continue their cheer careers at the collegiate level.

Chelsey is passionate about supporting athletes and coaches and is committed to helping grow and strengthen cheerleading programs across North Dakota through her service on the NDCCA Board.