2010 Coach of the Year

Kristi LaFleur, Mt. Pleasant High School

  • Former CCCAM District Coach of the Year
  • Former CCCAM Regional Coach of the Year.
  • MHSAA State Runner-up in 2009.
  • MHSAA Regional Champion in 2008 & 2009.
  • MHSAA Regional Runner-up in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010
  • MHSAA District Champion in 2009, 2010
  • Saginaw Valley League Champion in 2009 & 2010



CCCAM: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Kristi: I have been married to my husband Denny for 36 years and we have two sons: Matt (30) and Mike (23). We have a strong family background in coaching as Denny coached football at CMU for 21 years and is a football/track coach for Mt. Pleasant. Matt is the quarterback coach for the Washington Redskins and Mike is the quarterback coach for St. Joseph College in Indiana. I have been a physical education and health teacher for 34 years.

CCCAM: How did you get involved in Competitive Cheer?
Kristi: My involvement in cheer began as a participant in junior high, high school, and college at CMU. I also worked as an instructor for a national cheer company called Dynamic Cheerleaders Association located out of Kansas City, Missouri. I coached the CMU cheerleaders in the 70s and then got away from cheerleading as I coached girl’s basketball, softball, and track. When I got hired by Mt. Pleasant Public Schools in 1995, I took over the cheer program. I have had a great experience due to many factors. The support this program has received from parents has been tremendous. The young women I have had the privilege to coach have been committed and hard working.

CCCAM: What is your favorite part of coaching?
Kristi: My favorite part of coaching is watching the development of young women over four years of participation. Seeing these girls mature, becoming outstanding citizens with drive and ambition is what sport is all about. The self-confidence they develop as a result of hard work is irreplaceable. I believe when they enter the adult world they will be one step ahead on their way to success.

CCCAM: What is the #1 tip you’d give to new(er) Competitive Cheer coaches?
Kristi: Lead by example is the tip I would offer to new coaches. You need to set the tone; being on time, following through, showing respect and self-control are necessary. Your team will watch how you respond in situations; be in control and display high character. Set high standards for yourself as well as the girls you coach.

CCCAM: Anything else you’d like to add?
Kristi: Thank you to CCCAM for selecting me as coach of the year. I am proud to be a member of this group as well as one of the founders of such a great association. I feel truly honored to represent the many great cheer coaches in our state.