Dana Logan (Coach Logan)is super proud to say that she’s an Ames High graduate, Logan feels Ames is known as one of the best schools academically in the state. Moreover, she’s aware of the numerous state championships Ames has garnered across various sports, which adds to the school’s prestige in her eyes. She believes that mentioning being from Ames automatically impresses people due to its academic and athletic reputation.
As an Ames High cheerleader and alumni, Logan feels that teaching others the skills she learned brings her a sense of honor and fulfillment. She sees it as a dream job, albeit a responsibility to uphold the decades-long traditions and maintain the high skill level expected of Ames High cheerleaders something that was thought to her by fall cheer coach and now school counselor Mrs. Diblasi. With the school’s record of winning state championships ten times, she acknowledges the pressure but feels fortunate to contribute to the legacy.
Reflecting on her high school experience, Logan was surprised by her own resilience and capabilities “Cheerleading really forced me out of my shell and I had to perform and I had to throw people, I remember the first time I based, and I was like, I just threw a person in the air” said Logan. Despite being shy and non-competitive before high school, cheerleading pushed her out of her comfort zone, revealing her physical and mental strength. Through cheerleading, she learned to persevere through challenges, becoming both physically and mentally stronger than she thought possible.
Initially not considering cheerleading, Logan tried out in eighth grade on a whim, spurred by friends’ encouragement “I just became really physically and mentally strong. And I don’t think I would have known that about myself if I didn’t cheer” said Logan. Her background in dance prepared her somewhat, but she had much to learn about tumbling, jumping, and cheer motions. Under the guidance of her coaches, she immersed herself in cheerleading, finding fulfillment in both the sport and her other activities such as dance and tutoring.
In addition to cheerleading, Logan balanced various extracurricular activities and commitments, showcasing her ability to multitask and stay organized. From dancing to tutoring to participating in school committees, she embraced a diverse range of roles and responsibilities, enriching her high school experience.
As a coach, Logan meticulously plans each practice, balancing short-term goals with long-term aspirations”My favorite thing is seeing people improve over time” said Logan. From preparing for upcoming events to setting sights on state competitions, she ensures her team is ready for any challenge. Despite the physical demands of cheerleading, she remains focused on fostering a supportive environment where every athlete feels valued and encouraged to excel “It’s fun to get trophies and be successful at competitions, but the real cheerleading that takes place at practice and at games is my favorite thing to be a part of” said Logan.
