The Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association is the professional organization for Missouri's cheerleading coaches.  Even though we concentrate on the junior high and high school cheerleading programs, we invite cheerleading coaches who are or have been involved at any educational level to join the organization. 

Organized in 1987 by Suzy Thopmson, current MCCA President and Nancy Allen, with the assistance of Linda Rae Chappell, MCCA  was dedicated to assisting cheerleading coaches to master the multitude of responsibilities which came with the title of coach in addition to understanding the complex nature of school cheerleading.  The initial dues were $1 per year.  Within a few months the first newsletter was distributed and MCCA was launched. 

In 1988, MCCA became a more formal organization with the approval of its constitution, approval of its incorporation  and non-profit status, the inception of its annual conventon, and "real" membership dues that became and still are $20 per year.   Immediately,  Thompson, Ferguson and Allen, began working to make cheerleading a true athletic entity by addressing specific issues to MSHSAA such as re-instating the basket toss.  Since 1988, MCCA has worked closely with the state activities association to foster an understanding and adherence to the NFHS safety rules, and with major national cheerleading organizations to promote high standards in performance for all cheer teams. 

In 1989, MCCA held its first Regional and State Competitons.  The competition was officially sanctioned by MSHSAA  from 1992 until 2006.  In 2001, more than 12,000 spectators attended the State Competition held  in the Hearnes Center in Columbia, Missouri.  In 2007, a record 16,000+ spectators attended State.  

Today, MCCA is more than competition. The organization gives $10,000 in scholarships to outstanding seniors, whose coaches are members of MCCA.   The association honors administrators who have made an outstanding contribution to their school's cheerleading program, with its annual Administrator of The Year Award.  It promotes sportsmanship and community service with corrresponding awards.  Most importantly, it helps to develop professional attitudes and skills within the cheer coaching community with ots annual convention and quarterly newsletter.


In 1989 Thompson was formally elected President of MCCA, a position she has held until the present, Allen was elected Vice-President, Ferguson became the Treasurer, and Jan Riepe became Secretary, a position she has held since.   In 1990, Nancy Knipfel was elected Treasurer. The position of Vice-President was filled by John Yates in 1997, and by Linda Whitford in 2001

Our Philosophy

The role of a cheerleading squad is to be a support group for the school's interscholastic athletic program.  The squad should strive to (1) boost school spirit, (2) promote good sportsmanship, and (3) develop positive crowd involvement.

Practicing good sportsmanship should be the goal of each cheerleader and coach.  All cheer coaches should be role models for their cheerleaders, especially during competitions.

Cheerleading competitions should be considered as a secondary part of a school's cheerleading program.  Cheerleading competition aids in developing leadership, confidence and skill; however, it needs to be placed in perspective with the total educational program.

Membership on a cheerleading squad provides an opportunity to (1) improve physical skills and develop exercise habits which promote good health, (2) create strong and lasting friendships, (3) develop skills in working with others, and (4) maintain high standards of citizenship.