WATERBORO — Massabesic recently named Sam Paradis as its new cheerleading coach, bringing in a familiar face with strong credentials.

Paradis is originally from Lewiston, and competed in cheerleading at both the high school and college level, where she cheered for Husson University in Bangor.

Paradis is now a teacher at Massabesic, and is looking forward to getting back into the sport.

“I was a cheerleader from the time I was in first grade through college, I’m also a teacher now at Massabesic. When the position opened I saw it as a perfect opportunity to get back into the cheering world. It’s been a few years since I’ve graduated, I’ve missed it,” said Paradis.

The Mustangs have an improving program, and have their sights set on competing at the state level this upcoming season. Paradis is excited to meet the girls, and help steer the ship toward that goal.

“I don’t know a whole lot about the program but I’m looking forward to getting to know the cheerleaders to see what level they’re at, and expanding on that,” said Paradis. “Hopefully we can make it to states this winter. It’s always been their goal and I know they haven’t had the best luck at that so I would like to make that a long term goal for the program.”

Overall, Paradis hopes to be a teacher as well as a coach, and feels that the Mustangs have what it takes start building on the success the program has already achieved.

“My coaching philosophy and teaching philosophy align — I’m very much about the kids and getting to know them, they’re strengths and they’re weaknesses, building on their strengths and improving their weaknesses,” said Paradis. “Going into the fall season it will be about growth, team spirit and building that foundation.”

— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at asponseller@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323.