About the Coach

Vanessa has been passionate about cheer since elementary school, where she began on the Ponies drill/cheer team. She went on to cheer for four years in school programs while also training in tumbling and cheerleading for a total of nine years. Her dedication to the sport built a strong foundation in leadership, performance, and athleticism — qualities she now brings to her athletes as a coach.

In addition to cheer, Vanessa is a lifelong dancer who trained over 10 hours a week in styles such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, tap, hip hop, jazz funk, pointe, acro, and musical theater. She has studied under professional ballerinas and dancers such as Victoria Vittum, Barbara LeGault, Kristy Nilson, Priscilla Nathan Murphy, Julie Holmes, and Alie Reynolds, among many others. Her passion for dance has taken her to countless conventions and summer intensives, where she expanded her skills under the guidance of world-class instructors.

Vanessa also has a love for acting, with training from guest artists at The Alley Theatre, drama classes since middle school, and performances in numerous plays, musicals, and theater tournaments.

When she’s not coaching, working, or in the dance studio, Vanessa can usually be found hiking or watching documentaries with her dog, Sugar — her little sidekick and biggest cheerleader! 🐾✨