This week, as part of our ‘Meet the Coaches’ series, we introduce you to two of our cheerleading coaches, Anna Barkla and Maddie Oudman. ANNA BARKLA

What is your day job/study?
I’m an Occupational Therapist.

What is your association with SMC?
Unfortunately, none previous to coaching! I volunteered working with Lisa Winkler for several years prior to becoming a registered coach with SMC, just because I loved working with Lisa and the girls!

How long have you been involved in cheerleading?
I started cheerleading when I was 12 at Kalamunda High School. I quickly became involved in competitive cheerleading and have competed at a state, national and international level including the world championships.

How many years have you been coaching?
I have been coaching cheerleading since 2011 at F2C Allstars (primarily level 1-3 teams) and since that cheer gym closed its doors in 2016, I have been coaching solely at SMC.

What is your favourite part of coaching?
I love choreographing stunts, working hard to clean up routines and forming bonds with all the teams!

Which team are you coaching?
Comets

Can you give us one tip for aspiring cheerleaders?
Cheerleading is the ultimate team sport and takes a lot of trust, commitment and hard work! Because of this you’ll create cheer friends for life and always have a cheer family! MADDIE OUDMAN

What is your day job/study?
I recently graduated from university with a Bachelor in Exercise and Sport Science. I am the Colts Head Trainer for Subiaco Football Club and coach cheerleading for TNT All Stars as well as working part time as an Office Administrator.

What is your association with SMC?
Coaching cheerleading.

How long have you been involved in cheerleading?
I started cheerleading through my high school program back in 2011 – the year after I joined an All Star Team and have travelled to various National Championships from 2012 to 2018.

How many years have you been coaching?
I started coaching in 2017 for TNT All Stars and took on Santa Maria College half way through 2018.

What is your favourite part of coaching?
Seeing the athletes make improvements and achieve something they thought they couldn’t or something that they have struggled with.

Which team are you coaching?
SMC Gravity – Level 1

Can you give us one tip for aspiring cheerleaders?
Don’t be afraid to give something a go! You may not be the best at one thing in the routine, but every person plays a position in the team and every position is as important as the next.