Just as many of the students here on campus are drawn to Pepperdine by the history of success surrounding beauty and the potential for future achievement so Jennifer Kehoe was drawn to stand where she does now as the new head coach for the Pepperdine cheer team.
Kehoe held the position of director of coaching tumbling and choreography at Elite Cheer for ten years and then moved to Santa Rosa Junior College where she was the head cheer coach for the past four years.
Having nearly 20 years of experience in a combination of gymnastics coaching competitive cheer and collegiate cheering Kehoe describes herself as someone that has more to offer than your average cheer coach.
“It’s a unique thing these days to find a coach that not only coaches but also does the choreography for the team Kehoe said. You’re getting two people in one.”
Beyond her well-rounded abilities Kehoe has high goals for the team that supersede the ordinary cheer season. While the basketball and volleyball games will continue to be the main focus of the squad alternative athletic events will also receive cheer attention. Kehoe predicts the cheer squad will attend soccer games and other athletic events which she believes deserve additional Pepperdine support the squad can enthusiastically provide.
Kehoe anticipates Pepperdine’s squad will challenge themselves to match the greatness of the athletic teams here on campus.
“I would like to see them bring their skills up to the height that all the other high level elite college squads are.”
To her this includes improving gymnastics two-and-a-half high college stunts more exciting dances and more exciting jumps which could help the team grow to be able to compete in national competitions.
The squad currently consists of twelve cheerleaders who Kehoe said “excel in all points of cheerleading and do it with smiles on their faces.”
Enthusiastic about the talent on her team Kehoe is looking forward to working more with the team of ladies not only on the court but also elsewhere on campus. Last week several of the cheerleaders were present at the grand opening of LaBrea Bakery on campus to help represent the Waves’ spirit. Kehoe expects to be available for many events like this throughout the year to function as ambassadors for the school and “show our spirit and show our support” for the many facets of the university.
The squad plans to echo spirit no only on the grounds of the school but also throughout the Malibu area in the coming school year. Kehoe said there will be several occasions for volunteer charity work and fundraisers off-campus to “get our name out there but also give our helping hand.” This squad will help exemplify the nature of Pepperdine University through their willingness to serve students and Malibu citizens alike.
With years of experience fresh choreography and goals that go far beyond athletics Kehoe hopes to bring Pepperdine cheer to new levels of excellence. The potential for this squad is soaring under this brand new direction and according to Kehoe “it is going to be an amazing year.”