Missy Shepherd, the new head cheer coach of Venice High, replaced last year’s cheer coach Ms. Frances Evans. Already, the cheerleaders are more organized than last year, according to team captains Jackie Delgado and Lizzy Lopez.

Ms. Shepherd comes from El Sereno Middle School in East Los Angeles where she taught physical education for three years. She is now teaching P.E. at Venice High. Her hobbies are surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and weight training.

The cheerleaders practice Monday through Thursday and have a total of 15 girls.

“This year’s cheer squad is better than last year,” said Delgado. The 2003 cheer squad is extremely positive, according to Ms. Shepherd. They work hard as a team at all times, she said. They also laugh and have a super time together. "They are very focused and confident,” she said.