Jessica Miller, head varsity cheer coach at Langley High School in McLean, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC, has built her program on more than stunts and scores. She’s built it on relationships, write Kate Whitson and Amaya Kohli in the school’s student newspaper.
A former captain at both her high school and Penn State, Miller brings her own leadership experience to the sidelines, shaping a culture where athletes feel valued as teammates and individuals. “My favorite part of being the Langley Varsity head cheerleading coach is the relationship with my athletes,” she said. “The team is truly like a family to me.”
Her philosophy centers on developing leaders as much as athletes. Miller encourages her cheerleaders to lead warm-ups, run routines, and support one another during tough practices and high-pressure competitions. She emphasizes time management, communication, and collaboration as life skills that extend far beyond cheerleading. “As a coach, my main goal is to be a role model and mentor for all of my athletes,” she said, adding that she wants them to carry those lessons into college and beyond.
That approach has earned Miller the trust of her team and the respect of her peers. Athletes describe her as a constant source of support, whether celebrating victories or helping them through setbacks. Fellow coach Carleen Troup credits her with creating “a supportive and loving atmosphere” that inspires not just the athletes, but the coaching staff as well.
In recognition of her impact, Miller has been named Fairfax County Liberty District Coach of the Year for three consecutive years, a testament to the significant difference one coach can make when the focus is on both performance and people.
