The NFHS is proud to name Stephanie Blackwell of Bixby High School in Bixby, Oklahoma as the 2018-19 Spirit Coach of the Year!

School: Bixby High School

Seasons Coaching: 30 | State Championships: 2

Coaching Highlights: OCA Region Cheer Coach of the Year (1996-97), OCA All-State East Cheer Coach (2001-02), OCA Region & State Cheer Coach of the Year (2003, 06-07), and NFHS Section VI Spirit Coach Award (2006-07). 

14 Regional Cheer Team Championships, 3 State Coed Cheer Team Championships, 2 State Coed Cheer Team Runner-Up Championships, and 2013-2014 NFHS National Citation.

Philosophy of Athletics

Coach Blackwell's coaching philosophy is to use cheer as a platform to teach educational based athletics. Through educating cheerleaders of their roles both individually and as a team, she prepares cheerleaders to be a support group for the school’s athletic programs. This is accomplished by showing cheerleaders how to boost school spirit, promote good sportsmanship and develop positive crowd involvement. Cheerleading competition is secondary to a cheerleading program, however, competition aids in developing leadership, confidence and skill. She knows that there will be ups and downs in this sport, as in life, but sharing the knowledge of discipline, integrity, hard work, sportsmanship, character and fun will provide an opportunity for student-athletes to improve on skills such as: tumbling, motions, jumps and stunts, leadership, teamwork, positive attitude and the passion to become a better person through educational based athletics.

See all of the 2018-19 National Coach of the Year recipients in our press release.