Coach Shaniyah serves as the Head Cheer Coach and Spirit Program Director for the LHS Tigers Cheer program. She is passionate about building a program that feels like family while helping athletes grow into confident leaders both on and off the mat.
With experience in cheerleading leadership, program development, team management, marketing, and community engagement, Shaniyah brings both creativity and structure to the program. Her goal is to create an environment where every athlete feels seen, supported, and encouraged to become the best version of themselves.
One of the things she looks forward to most each season is watching athletes grow not only as cheerleaders, but as people. From Friday night lights and competitions to team bonding and everyday moments in the gym, she values the memories, confidence, and lifelong friendships built through the program.
Lakewood High stood out to her because of its spirit, diversity, resilience, and strong sense of community. She wanted to help create a program where athletes feel empowered, included, and proud to represent the Tigers.
Favorite Quote:
“What if your life became the total sum of the words you speak? Be kind and patient with yourself. Speak life into who you are becoming.”
Fun Fact:
Outside of coaching, Shaniyah is also an entrepreneur and Founder of a Digital Marketing agency and a lover for tennis, art, baking, and community.
Assistant Coach Emily is a proud Lakewood High School alumna and former cheer athlete who cheered throughout high school and continued cheering at the collegiate level. With experience working with children of all ages through nannying and managing daycare programs, she brings leadership, positivity, and mentorship to the cheer program.
Coach Emily is excited to return to Lakewood because of the positive impact being a student-athlete had on her own life. She is passionate about creating a supportive environment that encourages athletes to work hard, advocate for themselves, succeed academically, and build the drive and motivation that will benefit them far beyond high school.
She looks forward to watching the teams perform at assemblies, games, and competitions while helping athletes grow into confident young adults. Outside of coaching, Coach Emily enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending sorority events, and cruising car shows on the weekends.
Favorite Quote:
“You still haven’t met all the people that are going to love you.”
Fun Fact:
Assistant Coach Emily is a proud Lakewood High School alumna and former cheer athlete who cheered throughout high school and continued cheering at the collegiate level.
Hayley Bachicha
Coach Hayley chose Lakewood because she is a Lakewood alum, and her brother recently graduated from Lakewood as well. She was also a Lakewood Cheer alum! She cheered at Lakewood for three years, and it was truly one of the highlights of her high school experience. She made so many memories, lifelong friendships, and grew so much during her time on the team.
She has loved cheerleading since she was three years old, so being able to return and coach at Lakewood is very special to her. So far, she has really enjoyed getting to know the athletes and working on skills as they prepare for camp and competitions.
Coach Hayley is excited to help athletes grow not only as cheerleaders, but also as confident leaders, teammates, and individuals both on and off the mat. She looks forward to football games, competitions, team bonding, and creating unforgettable memories with the girls this season!
Favorite Quote:
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” – Vince Lombardi
Fun Fact:
She was also a Lakewood Cheer alum! She cheered at Lakewood for three years, and it was truly one of the highlights of her high school experience.
Our coaches believe the best teams are built on inclusion, encouragement, and respect. Having grown up in the Lakewood Cheer family themselves, they understand that every athlete brings something unique —
and every voice matters.
At Lakewood Cheer, our coaching philosophy is built around the belief that “We Are Family.”
We coach with the understanding that every athlete belongs, every voice matters, and every practice is a chance to grow — not only as performers, but as people. Our goal is to develop confident, compassionate leaders who represent Lakewood High School with pride, integrity, and heart.
We believe in hard work, accountability, and teamwork — but also in laughter, encouragement, and celebrating one another’s wins. Success isn’t measured only in trophies or titles, but in how we support each other, overcome challenges, and lead with spirit on and off the floor.
LHS coaching staff is built on the philosophy of T-I-G-E-R-S: Teamwork, Inclusion, Grit, Excellence, Respect and Service.