DeKalb Tigers Cheer Head Coach Mollie Bratten became the head coach of a high school cheer team for the first time this school year.
Bratten said she inquired about the role after the position was still vacant as football season approached. She teaches at DeKalb West Middle School. Bratten said once she was accepted the position, she hoped to change the perception of cheerleading.
“I’ve always heard that cheer is not a sport, but it absolutely is,” Bratten said. “My girls are definitely leaders, role models, and a good support system for each other and they work hard. They truly represent the student body and I’m very proud of them.”
Bratten started her high school coaching career when the Tigers played on Opening Week. Bratten saw the crowd cheer on the Tigers every week since, including during homecoming last week. The football team would win that game against Friendship Christian.
“They’re doing amazing,” Bratten said. “It’s been definitely a learning experience, but I have enjoyed it and they have made this transition so easy for me.”
Part of Bratten’s transition included teaching brand new students. Only one cheerleader transitioned from DeKalb West Middle School to DeKalb County High School. Bratten said she also did not realize initially how advanced the stunts and skills are for high school.
“You would not believe the counting and the precision that goes into it,” Bratten said. “I like the behind the scenes things like I can handle the ordering and things like that so I depend on [Coach Sheila Kirby] a lot to teach me the actual cheer skills. It’s taken me a few months.”
Bratten will transition from DeKalb County High School football when the season ends to solely focus on DeKalb West Middle School basketball. Sheila Kirby will lead the cheer team during basketball season.