About Us
Program Mission
The mission of Tides Cheer is to uphold the integrity, pride, and spirit of our program by representing our school with excellence at all games, performances, and events. We strive to set an example of respect, sportsmanship, and good behavior, fostering lifelong values and meaningful relationships. Through dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to personal and athletic growth, we empower our cheerleaders to become leaders, ambassadors for the school community, and role models both on and off the field.
Program Vision
The vision of the Gig Harbor High School cheer program is to create a community of confident, skilled, and compassionate student-athletes who excel in athletics, leadership, and personal development. We strive to build a program that empowers members to grow not just as cheerleaders but as individuals who inspire pride, respect, and unity within our school and beyond. By embodying integrity, teamwork, and dedication, we cultivate future leaders who will positively influence their peers and represent our school with pride.
Educational Value for Cheerleaders
Tides Cheer provides opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and participation in a variety of activities. A team member's attitude, dedication, and enthusiasm are just as important as their skills. Both the GHHS cheer squad and its coaches are committed to the highest standards of athleticism, performance, self-discipline, respect, and personal conduct - all in pursuit of school spirit and pride.
Goals
Enhance Athletic Development: Build physical strength, endurance, and overall athleticism through cheerleading.
Support School Spirit and Athletics: Cheer at athletic events, support pep rallies and spirit weeks, and perform at assemblies to foster school pride and unity.
Strive for Academic Excellence and Leadership: Strive for academic excellence by maintaining a strong GPA, while demonstrating leadership, responsibility, and serving as a positive influence both in the classroom and as ambassadors for the school community.
Engage in School and Community Service: Provide assistance to the school through various events and initiatives, while also participating in community service projects to give back and strengthen relationships with the local community.
Cheer Program Code of Ethics
Ensure equal opportunity for all students, regardless of gender, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, or economic status.
Emphasize the ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, integrity, accountability, and fair play.
Live out The Tide Way by demonstrating integrity, kindness, engagement, and responsibility in all actions.
Abide by all school, district, and league rules.
Show courtesy and respect to all visiting teams, competitors, hosts, and officials.
Respect the integrity and judgment of all sports and competition officials.
Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and a positive attitude both on and off the field.
Represent Gig Harbor High School with respect, pride, and exemplary behavior at all times.
Commit to serving the school and community through acts of service and support.
State Standings
2025 | 3A Small Game Day - 4th Place
2024 | 3A Small Game Day - 2nd Place
2023 | 3A Small Game Day - 1st Place
2022 | 1A/2A/3A Small Game Day - 3rd Place
2021 | Small Game Day - Non-Tumbling, Non-Build - 3rd Place
2020 | 1A/2A/3A Small Game Day - 2nd Place
2019 | 2A/3A Game Day Super Large - 4th Place
2018 | 2A/3A Medium - 5th Place
2015 | 3A/4A Large - 3rd Place
2009 | Medium - 7th Place
2008 | Super Large - 2nd Place
Community Involvement
Here are some of the special events/activities we participate in :
Cheer with the GHHS Band in the annual Maritime Parade
Assist GHPD with National Night Out
Support at the annual Race for a Soldier marathon
Write letters to Veterans to honor 11/11
Hosted a charity Mini Cheer Clinic to support Mary Bridge's Children's Therapy Unit (a senior project)
Donated Blankets to Tacoma General Hospital
Helped at PenMet Parks Festivals
Hosted games at Harbor Hounds
Welcomed back all staff for the PSD August pep rally
Nationals Standings
2024 | USA Nationals - Anaheim, CA
Fight Song – Placed 3rd out of 14 teams; scored 95.7 (video)
There was a tie for first place, GHHS was .3 points away from first!
Situational Sideline/Cheer – Placed 7th out of 10 teams; scored 94.7
Crowdleader – Tied for 8th place out of 13 teams (video)
Band Chant – Placed 9th out of 13 teams; scored 94.4
In the news:
Gig Harbor Now - Sports Beat: Gig Harbor cheer wins state title
Tacoma News Tribune - This local cheer team just won a state championship. Now they’re planning for nationals.
Gig Harbor Now - Sports Beat | Gig Harbor cheer squad second in state
Meet the Coaches
Safety and Educational Certifications:
First Aid CPR Certified
AACCA (American Asoc. of Cheerleading Coaches & Advisors) Certified
WIAA/WSCCA Stunt Level 1 and 2 Certified
NCSSE (National Council for Spirit Safety and Education)
Program Management & Cheer Fundamentals
Cheer & Dance Coaching Principles & Ethics
Coaching Stunts & Tumbling 1 & 2
Type II Driver Training
WSCJA, Judge
Coaching Experience:
Gig Harbor High School: 2012 – Present
Head Cheerleading Coach
Central Kitsap High School: 2011 – 2012
Co-Head Cheerleading Coach
Peninsula High School: 2007 – 2011
Assistant Cheer Coach
WSCCA Assistant Cheer Coach of the Year 2011
Washington State Cheerleading Coaches Association (WSCCA) - Board Member
Executive Board Member, Vice President 1 (current)
Prior West Side Director
Executive Board Member, Webmaster/Marketing Director (Thru 2015)
Past WSCCA Cheer Liaison for WIAA State Basketball
*WSCCA Hall of Fame - Contributor 2023
*WSCCA Member of the Year 2012
*Program of the Year, Nominee 2016
Laura Nation, Head Coach
Assistant & Volunteer Coaches
Safety and Educational Certifications:
First Aid CPR Certified
WIAA/WSCCA Stunt Level 1 and 2 Certified
Prior Experience:
Volunteer Coaches & Tryout Judges for the Program
PSD Cheer Alumni
Stunt Demonstrator
Gymnastics Coach
Varsity Brands Judge
All-Star and College Cheer Experience