Cheer
Team Info
The purpose of the Saint Thomas Aquinas High School Cheer Team is to lead the student body and Saints fans in a positive way at athletic games, pep assemblies, and other events. The team shall strive to promote spirit through a group effort to bring about school pride and loyalty. The cheerleaders are expected to be Catholic Student Athletes, being positive representatives of their school at all times.
Any questions can be directed to :
Head Cheer Coach
HALIE PAULSON
Goals for the Saint Thomas Aquinas cheerleading program for 2022-2023 are as follows:
-
Communication between the coaches, athletes and parents
-
Representing our school through Leadership, Hard work and Dedication
-
High level of school Spirit
NFHS CREDENTIALED: June 14-15, 2021 during a NCA Camp, Saint Thomas Aquinas Cheerleaders were credentialed by the National Federation of State High School Associations. They have learned to exemplify and uphold their role of a cheerleader while practicing leadership skills, and implementing safety, while encouraging well rounded, educated cheerleaders, as well as receiving leadership training among the team.
Athletics Event
vs.
Rockhurst, St. James Academy, Shawnee Mission-West, Maranatha Christian Academy, Washburn Rural, Olathe West, Blue Valley West, Shawnee Mission-North, Blue Valley Northwest, Wyandotte, De Soto, Shawnee Mission-East, Leavenworth, Olathe South
Home
Shawnee Mission Park
vs.
Blue Valley West
Home
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
vs.
Manhattan, St. James Academy, Mill Valley, Seaman, Wamego, Blue Valley, Washburn Rural, Olathe West, Blue Valley West, Free State, Topeka, Lawrence, Shawnee Mission-East, Shawnee Mission South
Home
Wamego Country Club
Tournament
vs.
Blue Valley, Lansing
Home
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
vs.
Washburn Rural
Away
Washburn Rural High School
Roster
Coaches
Halie Paulson, Head Coach: This is Halie's 10th year with Saint Thomas Aquinas. She has been Head coach for two years, Co-head coach for two years and JV coach for two years. Halie cheered competitively for 10 years. After high school Halie cheered at The University of Kansas for 4 years and was able to compete at the national level. For the past 14 summers, Halie has been involved with the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), and is currently a head instructor for the state of Kansas. Halie is a member of St.Michael’s and was a Kindergarten teacher in the Blue Valley School District. Halie looks forward to bringing her passion for cheerleading to our athletes for the upcoming season. GO SAINTS!!!!
Sarah Dean, Assistant Varsity Coach: Sarah has been with the STA program for 7 years. Sarah cheered for Derby High School and competitive cheer, then went on to cheer at Butler Community College and Kansas State University. In college, she competed with her team at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) and United Spirit Association (USA) Nationals. Sarah was also an NCA Staff Instructor while in college. Sarah currently works for a Dental Sales Company. Sarah is very excited to share her love and enthusiasm for cheer with the team!
Freshmen/JV Coach- Connelly Barnes Connelly is entering her 5th year as the Freshmen/JV coach for STA. Connelly cheered competitively for 13 years. After high school Connelly cheered at Kansas State University for 4 years. For the past 9 summers, Connelly has been involved with the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), and is currently a head instructor for the state of Kansas. Connelly is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor.
Freshmen/JV Coach- Kylie Hazlett Kylie is entering her second year as the Freshmen/JV coach for STA. Kylie was a competitive gymnast for 10 years before cheering competitively for 4, including 2 trips to the Cheerleading Worlds. After high school Kylie continued on to cheer at Kansas State University with fellow Freshman/JV coach, Connelly Barnes. Kylie is now a nurse for the University of Kansas Health System. She has been involved in judging/coaching different cheer and gymnastics programs in the area and looks forward to continuing that at STA.
“Tommy the Saint” has been the Saint Thomas Aquinas mascot for over 15 years. He has been a leading role model of good sportsmanship and supporting spirit on the sidelines of every Aquinas sport. His positive actions and happy face spreads love and laughter at whatever activity he attends. “Tommy the Saint” has recently been recruited to join the cheerleading teams at STA.