CHEERLEADING
Cheerleading is currently offered to students 7th-12th grade.
The cheer season at MCS runs from September - February, and tryouts are in March for the following year. Practices start in September and are generally held 2-3 times per week. During the summer, there are some practices and possible camps.
COACH SHAVER
COACH JABAAY
Melissa Jabaay is thrilled to return for her fourth season coaching the Maryville Christian Cheer Squad. Originally from Alabama, Mrs. Jabaay was a collegiate gymnast at the University of Alaska at Anchorage, where she met Mr. Jabaay before graduating with a B.A. in Technical Theater. Before coming to Tennessee, Mrs. Jabaay worked throughout the country as a professional Dancer, Singer, Choreographer, Stage Manager, Lighting Designer, College Gymnastics Coach, Sports Commentator, University Professor, and Stage Director. When she arrived in Maryville from Alaska with her family in 2022, Mrs. Jabaay eased into the MCS community with her signature subtlety and restraint, serving as a K-12 substitute teacher, cheer coach, and spring musical choreographer. Mrs. Jabaay also teaches dance at Makers Ekklesia Dance in Knoxville. She desires to bless and encourage each MCS student with joy, inspiration, and motivation to keep their eyes up and focused on their Heavenly Maker.
This is my third year teaching at Maryville Christian School, and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to coach our cheerleaders. Cheerleading has been a huge part of my life and holds a very special place in my heart. I was a cheerleader throughout middle and high school and went on to cheer at the University of Tennessee from 2002–2006.
As a coach, I am passionate about helping our girls grow in their skills and pushing them to work hard, pursue excellence, and become the very best cheerleaders they can be. But even more than that, my heart is to use the platform of cheerleading to point them toward Christ. I want them to understand that who they are becoming matters far more than what they can accomplish on the sidelines. It is such a joy to watch them learn and grow!
One of my favorite things about coaching is watching these girls build one another up and cheer each other on every step of the way. We have a terrific group with a strong work ethic, and I am continually encouraged by the way they support one another. My hope is that they leave this program not only as stronger athletes, but as young women who know they are deeply loved by Christ.
MCS CHEERLEADING
"I want them to understand that who they are becoming matters far more than what they can accomplish on the sidelines." -Coach Shaver
MCS cheerleaders cheer mostly for boys and girls basketball, however have been known to show up for volleyball or cross country as well.
Each summer, we have the opportunity to attend a week-long FCA Cheer Camp in Georgia, and it is truly one of the highlights of our season! These girls grow so much! This year was especially exciting as our team received several awards, and our captain, Hope McCaffrey, was even offered the opportunity to return next summer as a staff member! We are so proud of these girls and love watching them grow and cheer each other on every step of the way.
