(not exactly live) 5 at 5 p.m.: Head Cheer Coach Tiffanie Woods

Head Cheer Coach Tiffanie Woods ’10 served as an assistant coach to the squad until assuming the role of Interim Head Coach prior to the 2017-18 academic year.

The Interim tag was removed in the spring of that season, and in her first official season as head coach Woods led her Monarch squad to an Open Coed Division national championship at the 2019 CANAM Nationals.

The former MU cheerleader provides answers to our brief 5-at-5 session today:
 

What led to you becoming a coach and what brought you to Methodist?

As an alumna and cheerleader of Methodist University I knew as soon as I graduated MU that I wanted to come back and coach. What would be better than to go back and help build a program that you love, and that is exactly what I wanted to do! I always knew that I wanted to be in a profession that I could be a role model for the people around me and cheerleading was the way I wanted to do it. I began coaching when I was just 16 years old for a recreational league and have been hooked since! 

How has your approach changed from when you first started coaching?

Coaching any sport or athlete is not for the faint of heart. Every day is different, every athlete is different, and you have to take the time to get to know each and every one of them individually. It has taken me many years to figure this out.

You cannot coach everyone the same. You have to learn what motivates them, what brings them down, how to pick them up. I do not believe that I have this mastered, but I do think this has something that I have improved in and take pride in as a coach. 

What fundamentals do you devote the most time to in practice?

Stunting is what I enjoy spending the most time on at practice. Most of our stunts are extremely difficult, especially pyramids, and require a lot of time to learn. I like to focus on safety, technique, and building strength. I also LOVE trying new and exciting things!

What is the biggest thing that you tell your athletes to work on in the off season?

Condition. Condition. Condition! If you keep your body in shape, then coming back will be a breeze! I also remind them that conditioning is my favorite during our two-a-days the first week! 

What does it mean to you to be a coach at Methodist University?

Being a coach at Methodist University means success to me. It was always one of my goals to be able to come back to Methodist and coach the sport I love. I pray every day that I can be the reason our cheerleading program stays growing every year!