Cheerleading Programs & Staff

General cheerleading is for students who wish to be exposed to the basics, without entering the competitive cheer world. Students are grouped according to age and ability levels. In this once a week class, they will learn jumps, motions, stunts and tumbling.

Tiny Gems All Stars is a Level 1 squad consisting of cheerleaders ages 5-11 years. We follow USASF rules and regulations. They commit to practicing twice weekly for a total of 3 hours weekly. The commitment to the team is year round from September until June. Tiny Gems will be competing for the first time during the 2008-2009 season. They will be competing throughout the Tri-State area. We follow all USASF rules and regulations.

The Diamond All-Stars are a Senior Level 3 all star squad that compete in the state of Connecticut and throughout the Tri-State area. We follow all USASF rules and regulations. This is a senior team that accepts children ages 12 to 18. They commit to practicing three times weekly for a total of 5 hours. The commitment to the team is year round from September until June, with a mandatory camp at the end of August. The Diamond All-Stars have competed at venues such as Mohegan Sun, Six Flags New England and University of Connecticut.

Cheerleading Staff:

Director/Head Coach

Barbara Hughes
Coach Barb received her B.A. in Communications from The University of Connecticut. She also has a B.S. in Nursing from Pace University. Barbara is a former UConn cheerleader and cheerleading coach. She has been coaching the Diamond All Stars for 6 years. Coach Barb is USASF certified in Levels 1-5. She is also CPR and First Aid certified.

Head Coach

Sarah Simmons
Coach Sarah received her B.S. in Rehabilitation and Disabilities Studies from Springfield College. She is a Behavior Therapist. Sarah has been coaching Portland High School Cheerleading for 7 years and the Diamond All Stars for 4 years. She is AACCA and USASF certified in Levels 1-5. Sarah is also an NCA certified judge and CPR/First Aid certified.