Meet the Founder
Discover the Vision and the Individual Driving the Dream
Sara Garcia de Alba’s journey in cheerleading spans over thirty years and is a true reflection of her deep passion for the sport, commitment to her athletes, and drive for excellence. From her early days as a competitor in the Pop Warner organization to her successful coaching career, Sara has always been at the heart of cheerleading.
Her coaching journey began as a junior coach, helping younger cheerleaders by creating routines, teaching proper techniques, and fostering skill development. She quickly became a dedicated coach, working tirelessly with teams as a young adult. One of her most notable achievements was coaching her youth team to a first-place finish in their final year, overcoming fierce competition that had been dominant for years.
Sara’s impact as a coach continued when she took on the role as Head Coach with the Hampshire Jr. Whip-Purs. Starting with a first-grade team, she led them to incredible success, including a second-place finish at Nationals in Florida after just two weeks of practice following a team merger. Over the past three years, she has served as Vice President of Cheerleading for the Hampshire Jr. Whip-Purs, where she has devoted countless hours to growing the program, shaping it into a successful organization in the area.
While Sara will certainly miss her time with the Hampshire Jr. Whip-Purs, she is excited to embark on a new chapter by creating Patriot Cheer Academy, a standalone competitive cheerleading organization. This new venture will allow Sara to take her passion, experience, and dedication to new heights, reaching even more athletes and helping them unlock their full potential. Sara’s passion for the sport and her commitment to her athletes will no doubt make Patriot Cheer Academy a powerful force in the world of cheerleading for years to come!
By launching Patriot Cheer Academy, Sara can offer a more focused, personalized approach to competitive cheerleading, helping athletes reach their goals and develop the skills they need for future success in the sport. It’s an exciting new chapter that will allow her to continue shaping the future of cheerleading, while providing a platform for young athletes to shine and achieve greatness.
Her mission has always been to nurture a positive and supportive environment, creating a program that focuses on building strong, confident athletes. By listening to the community and pushing her athletes to reach their potential, she has fostered a culture of self-confidence, positivity, and hard work. Sara has led her teams to numerous victories, including multiple first-place finishes, bids to state competitions, and two consecutive trips to Nationals. She believes that the best way to prepare athletes for the challenges of middle school or high school cheerleading is through the Illinois Cheerleading Association (ICA), where her teams have excelled.
Sara remains dedicated to helping every cheerleader succeed—not only as an athlete but as an individual with a positive attitude and a love for the sport. Her commitment to both excellence and fun has made her a beloved coach and mentor. If you ever see her around, don’t hesitate to say hello and ask her any questions you may have—Sara is always eager to connect and share her knowledge and passion for cheerleading.
Coaching Philosophy
Demonstrating Techniques
Hands-on demonstration helps to effectively teach cheerleading techniques. Sara believes that seeing a technique in action is crucial for understanding its nuances, so she actively performs each move, breaking it down step-by-step. This approach helps athletes visualize the correct form and execution. By encouraging an interactive environment, Sara invites cheerleaders to ask questions and practice alongside her, fostering both confidence and skill development.
Immediate Feedback
Providing immediate feedback is essential for fostering growth and building confidence in athletes. By offering timely, constructive critiques during practices, Sara can help athletes understand what they did well and where they can improve, reinforcing positive behaviors while addressing areas for development. This real-time guidance not only enhances their skills but also strengthens team dynamic, encouraging open communication and collaboration. By celebrating successes and addressing challenges on the spot, Sara creates an environment where athletes feel supported and motivated to reach their full potential.
Collaborative Team Atmosphere
A collaborative team atmosphere is crucial for creating a supportive and effective training environment. When athletes feel valued and connected to one another, they are more likely to communicate openly, share ideas, and work together towards common goals. This sense of unity not only enhances performance but also builds trust, allowing team members to push each other to excel. Encouraging collaboration helps develop leadership skills among the athletes, as they learn to support and uplift one another, ultimately leading to a stronger, more cohesive team. A positive and collaborative culture instills a sense of belonging, making each cheeleader more committed to their individual roles and the team’s overall success.
Tailoring Individual Training
Sara's philosophy is not all athletes learn the same. Sara's coaching style emphasizes tailoring training programs to the individual needs of each cheerleader, recognizing that every athlete has unique strengths, weaknesses, and goals. By taking the time to assess their skills and understanding their personal aspirations, Sara creates customized training plans that cater to their specific development areas. This personalized approach not only helps athletes improve more effectively but also fosters a sense of ownership and motivation in their training journey. Whether it’s focusing on stunts, tumbling, or choreography, Sara ensures that each cheerleader receives the support and guidance they need to thrive. This commitment to individualization not only enhances performance but also builds confidence and a deeper love for the sport.