Winter has officially arrived, which means it is that special time of year when athletes move into the gyms, coaches live on caffeine, and everyone politely pretends they don’t hear the word “conditioning.” Our winter athletes are deep into practice, fine-tuning plays, building chemistry, and putting in the work long before the stands fill up. Some teams are already competing, others are gearing up, and our cheer squads are preparing to bring the noise, the spirit, and the energy to every gym they step into.

This week, we are shining the spotlight on cheer—the athletes who hype our crowds, lead our student sections, and represent us at competitions statewide. We are also talking about what makes a great student section, how we show up as leaders, and what it means to wear “PSD” with class, respect, and pride.

Let’s set the tone for an incredible winter season!

If you have been to a football game or a packed gym on a Friday night, you have felt it: the energy, the crowd engagement, the electricity that makes the whole place come alive. That is our cheer teams doing what they do best: leading the student section, hyping up the crowd, and creating the kind of atmosphere that turns home games into experiences.

What many people do not realize is that cheer is far more than just sideline spirit. It is a demanding, high-level sport that blends athleticism, precision, stamina, and performance under pressure. Our cheer teams train year-round, compete across the state, and proudly represent Peninsula School District everywhere they go!

Head Coach: Laura Nation

Assistant Coaches: Dana Kravitz, Emma Creta

Coach Laura Nation is a seasoned veteran who has built a strong, high-performing cheer program at Gig Harbor. Her experience and leadership show in every routine, every game, and every competition. She knows how to develop athletes, build culture, and prepare her team to perform with confidence and precision.

The Tides cheer team brings unmatched energy to every football and basketball game, leading the crowd and creating an electric atmosphere at Roy Anderson Field and in the gym. They have already kicked off their competitive season and are back at it—fine-tuning routines, sharpening stunts, and raising the bar each time they step onto the mat.

Head Coach: Jonny Walker

Assistant Coach: Lori McCasland

This is Coach Jonny Walker’s first year leading Peninsula cheer, and he has been nothing short of amazing. His positive attitude, deep knowledge of the sport, and genuine care for his athletes have made an immediate impact. Jonny brings a level of expertise and enthusiasm that’s 10/10, and it shows in how his team performs and carries themselves.

The Seahawks cheer team has been at every football game this season, energizing the crowd and supporting their school. They have already kicked off competition season and are now preparing for basketball—fine-tuning routines, building skills, and fostering a team culture rooted in positivity, excellence, and school pride!

While most people see cheer teams at games, competition season is where these athletes truly showcase what they have been working on all year. Competitive cheer requires strength, flexibility, synchronization, and mental toughness with a smile through it all. Stunts have to be flawless. Tumbling has to be sharp. Timing has to be perfect. And all of it happens in front of judges who are looking for technical precision and creative execution.

Our cheer teams will be competing against some of the best squads in the state, and they are ready. The hours of practice, the commitment to conditioning, the focus on teamwork—it all comes together on competition day.

One of the most important things our cheer programs emphasize is positivity. Cheer is about lifting people up: your teammates, your school, your community. It is about creating energy that brings people together, not divides them.

Our cheer teams don’t just lead cheers; they set the tone for how we show up as a school. And they do it with class, respect, and pride. That is the standard, and that is what makes Peninsula School District cheer programs special.

To our cheer coaches and athletes: thank you for everything you do. You bring energy to our games, you represent our schools with excellence, and you work incredibly hard at a sport that demands so much. We see you, we appreciate you, and we are excited to watch you compete this season!

Winter sports are officially underway, and it is the perfect time to talk about leadership. Not just on the court, in the gym, on the field, or in the pool, but in the stands, and when we travel to compete at other schools. Leadership is not reserved for captains or star players. It is something every athlete, coach, parent, and fan can demonstrate.

Great leaders set the tone. They create environments where everyone feels supported, respected, and valued. And this winter, we have an opportunity to show what leadership looks like in Peninsula School District athletics.

One of the most visible forms of leadership happens in the student section and the stands. The energy our fans bring can lift our teams and create an incredible home advantage. But leadership in the stands is not just about being loud, it is about being positive, respectful, and classy.

• Cheer FOR their team, not AGAINST the opponent

• Support every athlete who steps on the court, field, or mat, not just the starters

• Respect officials, even when calls don’t go their way

• Represent their school with pride, especially when traveling

When we travel to other schools, we are not just representing ourselves; we are representing Peninsula School District. The way we cheer, the way we treat the host school, the way we carry ourselves: it all matters. Great leaders understand that respect and sportsmanship are not optional. They are non-negotiable.

Cheers are meant to energize and support—not to disrespect, intimidate, or tear others down. Positive cheers create an atmosphere where everyone can compete at their best. Negative or disrespectful cheers? They don’t make us better. They make us look small.

This season, let’s commit to cheers that:

• Celebrate our team’s effort and execution

• Energize the gym with positive vibes

• Show respect for opponents and officials

• Make visiting teams feel like they’re competing in a tough environment, not a hostile one

Our cheer teams set the example every game. They bring energy, positivity, and school pride. Let’s follow their lead.

Leadership also means speaking up when something is not right. If you see or hear something disrespectful, whether it is a cheer, a comment, or behavior that crosses the line, do not stay silent. Taking initiative does not mean confrontation. It means:

• If a teammate says something disrespectful, pull them aside and remind them of the standard

• Model the behavior you want to see. Be the loudest voice cheering FOR your team, not against the opponent

• Set clear expectations about conduct before every game or competition, especially away events

• Address inappropriate behavior immediately and use it as a teaching moment

• Recognize and celebrate when athletes and fans demonstrate great sportsmanship

• If you hear inappropriate cheers or comments, gently redirect

    •    Model positive support! Our kids are watching how you react to officials, opponents, and tough moments

    •    Have conversations with your athlete about what respectful competition looks like

Taking initiative is not about being the “cheer police.” It is about caring enough to protect the culture we are building. Great leaders don’t wait for someone else to fix a problem; they step up and do what is right.

Leadership is a daily choice. It is choosing to support your teammate who is struggling. It is choosing to cheer for effort, not just outcomes. It is choosing to treat opponents with respect, even in the heat of competition. It is choosing to speak up when something is not right.

And when we make those choices consistently? That’s when we build something special. That’s when we create programs and communities that people want to be part of. That’s when we develop athletes who carry these lessons far beyond the court.

This winter, let’s commit to:

    •    Cheering loudly and positively

    •    Respecting every opponent, official, and host school

    •    Holding ourselves and each other accountable

    •    Making Peninsula School District gyms places where competition is fierce, but respect is non-negotiable

⚠️ Reminder: Schedules are subject to change. Stay connected with your coaches and team communications for the latest updates!