From the sidelines to the competition mats, Langley Varsity Head Cheer Coach Jessica Miller has created a supportive and loving atmosphere for all of her athletes. Her diligent work has not gone unnoticed. For the past two years, she has been awarded the Fairfax County Liberty District Coach of the Year and has recently won the award for the third consecutive time.

Balancing her demanding roles as a Langley PE teacher, cheer coach, and new mom to her newborn, Chase, Coach Miller was uncertain if she could return for the upcoming season. However, despite the new additions to her life, Coach Miller made time to be both a loving mother and a dedicated teacher and coach because of her passion and love for her athletes and the sport.

“My favorite part of being the Langley Varsity Head Cheerleading Coach is the relationship with my athletes,” Head Varsity Cheer Coach Jessica Miller said. “The team is truly like a family to me, and the bond we all share is like no other… I love keeping in touch with my athletes who graduated, and I enjoy seeing how they are doing in college and beyond!”

Miller works to develop leadership skills in her athletes by giving them opportunities to lead warm-ups and routines. She empowers them to take initiative and support their teammates during practices and competitions. She aspires to build team cohesion and foster a culture of trust, respect, and camaraderie among team members.

“As a coach, my main goal is to be a role model and mentor for all of my athletes,” Coach Miller said. “Another goal of mine is to help them develop life skills, including working with others, time management, communication, and collaboration that extends beyond cheerleading and into the rest of their lives.”

Coach Miller pushes her athletes to do their best while also being mindful of where they are in the process and making sure they are not pushed into injury. Helping her athletes reach their full potential is something Miller strives for as a leader and a coach.

“As a cheerleader, I was captain of my high school team, all-star team, and college team at Penn State,” Miller said. “These experiences gave me leadership opportunities to lead my teams and jump-started my love for helping and leading others.”

Not only has Miller touched the hearts of her cheerleaders but also her fellow coaches. The Langley Cheerleading coaching staff looks to Coach Miller as both an inspiring role model and a friend.

“Over my last seven years of coaching JV cheerleading at Langley, I have had the privilege of watching Coach Miller grow as both a person and a coach,” JV Head Cheer Coach Carleen Troup said. “I love getting to learn from her and grow as a coach myself… she [Coach Miller] has helped me gain so much confidence as a leader.”

Beginning with her first season as JV Head Cheer Coach seven years back, Troup looked to Miller as both a mentor and an example of her coaching career.

“I have watched Coach Miller pour her heart and soul into everything she does for her athletes,” Coach Troup said. “Our athletes trust her immensely, and their hard work and drive to continue to improve is a true testament to Coach Miller’s leadership… Coach Miller is so deserving of this award!”
It can simply be said that a coach can make or break a team and truly is the backbone of any successful team. No one knows the athlete, or the athlete’s abilities, better than the coaches themselves. Coaches know the right tempo to set for their athletes as well as how to inspire and uplift them to strive to be the best they can be. Senior Sierra Page claims Coach Miller has been a prominent role model for her and has been there in times of need.
“Throughout my 3 years on varsity, Coach Miller has constantly supported me as a cheerleader and has been there for me in times of hardship…” Senior Sierra Page said. “She has shaped the team into two consecutive-time [district] champions and always wants us to do our best because she sees us not just as athletes but as a family.”

Being able to communicate and connect with your coach leads athletes to create stronger relationships, resulting in better performances. Coach Jessica Miller truly shows all the qualities needed in an effective coach as she creates an atmosphere in which each athlete feels supported and appreciated.
“Coach Miller shows us it’s ok to have down days as long as you’re always trying your best,” Page said. “She [Coach Miller] pushes me to get better and improve myself.”

There is truly no other coach more deserving of this award than Langley’s very own Head Varsity Cheer Coach, Jessica Miller. Coach Miller leaves an impact on all she meets, whether it’s on the cheer mat, in the PE classroom, or even on the sideline.