Monday, January 20, 2025
Both coaches were recognized for their dedication, expertise and passion in leading the Rams’ cheerleading team of about 14 students. The cheerleading team performs at football games in solidarity with other sports groups in the school building.
Section 8 of the New York State Public High School Activities Association is a governing body for high school sports in Nassau County. It is also known as Nassau County Public High School Athletic Association.
Hernandez has served as varsity coach for three years, bringing extensive experience from her time as a Division II competitor at Long Island University, where she participated in multiple National Cheerleaders Association championships, securing a second-place finish in the intermediate small co-ed division. Her approach focuses on enhancing her athletes' skills and fostering team unity, drawing on her own competitive background.
The National Cheerleaders Association’s College Nationals, held annually, is considered one of the most prestigious cheerleading competitions in the U.S., attracting top collegiate teams from across the nation showcasing their skill, athleticism and creativity.
Dedicated to personal growth and athletic excellence, Hernandez said she viewed her coach of the year recognition as an honor and looks forward to furthering the success of the West Hempstead cheer program.
"I was sincerely shocked and humbled to learn I received the award,” Hernandez said. “Although my time coaching at West Hempstead has been short, the hard work and dedication of our team are clearly shining through. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the other Class C cheerleading coaches for voting for my co-coach and I. It’s an honor to be considered among such talented and inspiring coaches. Being named coach of the year is truly gratifying and reinforces that the efforts my co-coach and I are putting into our program are paying off."
Lynch, who has more than a decade of coaching experience, has led her teams to multiple appearances at the Universal Cheerleaders Association nationals, achieving several second-place finishes in Nassau County. Known for her commitment and deep technical knowledge, Lynch is dedicated to helping the athletes reach their highest potential. Her motivational leadership and expertise have made her an invaluable part of the Rams’ cheerleading team.
According to varsity.com/uca, Universal Cheerleaders Association was founded in 1974 by Jeff Webb to provide the best educational training for cheerleaders with the goal of incorporating high-level skills with traditional crowd leading. Nationals are the highest level of this competition that exists.
"I am truly honored to be receiving this distinguished honor,” Lynch said. “I have dreamt about this moment since my first year of coaching. I am extremely humble and grateful for this honor and will continue to strive to be the best coach I can be."
In the recent past, the West Hempstead School District has earned other top honors from Nassau County. In 2018, Alexa Virgo, a sophomore at West Hempstead Secondary School, was recognized as one of the top cheerleaders on Long Island. That same year, her varsity coach, Christa Spano, was named the Nassau County cheerleading coach of the year.
“Coaches Hernandez and Lynch exemplify the values of West Hempstead athletics —dedication, sportsmanship and a commitment to excellence,” Jonathan Gill, the district’s director of physical education, health and athletics, said. “We are fortunate to have coaches of their caliber guiding our cheerleading program. Their recognition as coaches of the year is well-deserved, and I am thrilled to celebrate their achievements and the inspiration they bring to our community.”
