The West Plains High School Zizzer cheerleading squad is busting out its school-spirit energy at football games this season.
The team is led by Head Coach Rachael Larsen, now in her ninth year at R-7, and assistant coach Keena Simpson, in her seventh year. "I call her co-coach, but her official title is assistant coach,” Larsen said of Simpson.
Beyond the football field, the squad also cheers for both boys and girls basketball and works the concession stand at baseball games. Simpson, who previously coached the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzlies cheer team, noted the difference between the levels. High school cheer features all-girl stunting with multiple bases, she explained, whereas collegiate cheer is often co-ed, where "a guy catches a girl."
The team’s core philosophy is “PRIDE,” an standing for Passion to cheer, Reliability to themselves and each other, Intentionality with their time, Discipline and Empowerment of each other.
To ensure her cheerleading squad’s safety and to stay current, Larsen said she follows guidelines set by national and state organizations, including the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) and USA Cheer.
Larsen is active in the Missouri Cheer Coaches Association (MCCA) and is the scholarship director on the MCCA board.
"They have a wonderful website ," Larsen said of MCCA. "They also put on a cheer coaches conference every spring and bring in some of the most sought-after speakers to talk to cheer coaches about trends and techniques."
MCCA supports cheer coaches and teams through resources, networking, training, camps, competitions and clinics, plus it awards scholarships to graduating cheerleaders through Larsen and provides professional development and a voice for cheer coaches across Missouri.
Larsen previously served as MCCA's Secretary from 2018 to 2024, further illustrating her long-standing involvement with the organization.
