About.The Illinois High School Cheerleading Coaches Organization (IHSCCO) was founded by coaches, for coaches. The main goal is to provide support for its member coaches by creating educational opportunities, providing resources and promoting growth within the IHSA cheerleading community.
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IHSCCO Board of Directors
Tim Babin
Antioch HS (Medium Varsity) President tim@ihscco.org Tim has been coaching cheerleading for 23 years at the all star, college, and high school level. He is currently the co-head coach at Antioch Community HS with his wife, Amber. Before coaching at ACHS, he was the head coach at Mundelein High School for 8 years. He currently manages a global portfolio of clinical research in the biopharmaceutical industry. His favorite part of coaching is seeing the development of student athletes skills on the mat, but more importantly playing a vital role in their development as young adults. Term End: 2024-2025 |
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Matt Dawes
Johnsburg HS (Small Varsity) Co-Treasurer matt@ihscco.org Matt has been coaching cheerleading for the past 14 years at the all star, college, and high school level. He is currently the Head Coach at Johnsburg High School. Prior to coaching at Johnsburg, he coached at Morris ('14) and Antioch ('15-'17). During the day, Matt is a 6th Grade Teacher in the Antioch 34 school district. Term End: 2023-2024 |
Kacie Jones
Oakwood HS (Small Varsity) Co-Treasurer kacie@ihscco.org Kacie served as the head coach for her alma mater, Oakwood High School, for 10 years before stepping down to start a family. She now serves as a volunteer assistant coach for the same program and is pleased to support two of her former athletes in leading the team. Her favorite part of coaching is developing relationships that last long after graduation, and she loves moments when things "click" for an athlete for the first time. Kacie has a degree in recreation, sport & tourism and leads recruiting and admissions for business graduate programs at the University of Illinois. Term End: 2024-2025 |
William Hansen
Hersey HS (CoEd) Co-Technology Chair wil@ihscco.org Wil has been coaching cheerleading in Illinois for 10 years. He is entering his third year as a head coach at Hersey High School. Before coaching at Hersey he coached at Buffalo Grove where he is a business / multimedia teacher and also sponsors Yearbook. His favorite stunt is the low to high full around. Term End: 2025-2026 |
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Savannah Benett
South Elgin HS (CoEd) Co-Education Chair savannah@ihscco.org Savannah has been coaching cheerleading for 7 years at the allstar and high school level. She is currently the head varsity cheerleading coach at South Elgin High School, where she attended and cheered all four years of high school. Savannah currently works as a Hotel Coordinator at Homelink Corporation and is working towards her Bachelor’s Degree at Grand Canyon University. Her favorite part about coaching is watching how excited her athletes get after achieving an individual and/or team goal. Term End: 2024-2025 |
Kearsten Nardulli
St. Viator HS (Medium Varsity) Co-Mentor Advisor kearsten@ihscco.org Kearsten is going into her 15th year as a coach in the IHSA, and is currently the head coach at Saint Viator High School. She is a stay at home mom to two very energetic little boys! Kearsten’s favorite part of coaching is the relationships she forms with her athletes that last well after they have graduated. There is no greater feeling than seeing once timid freshman become amazing adults, who have been shaped by cheerleading. Term End: 2025-2026 |
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Abby Bilinski
Huntley HS (Large Varsity) Social Media Chair abby@ihscco.org Abby has been coaching cheerleading in Illinois for 18 years. She has a background in coaching recreational cheerleading teams and has spent the past seven years coaching Large Varsity teams in the FVC and setting school records at her respective schools. She coached at HHS in 2015-16, and MCHS from 2016-2021. Abby took a year off of coaching after having her daughter, but continued to serve as the Social Media Chair for the IHSCCO and serve the ICA for the feeder programs of IHSA cheerleading teams. Abby is thrilled to be returning to Huntley HS as a RED RAIDER as the Assistant Varsity Coach for the 2022-23 season (and beyond!). Term End: 2024-2025 |
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Heather Vecchione
Boylan Catholic HS (Small Varsity) Awards Chair heather@ihscco.org Heather has been coaching at the rec and HS levels for approximately 10 years and is currently the JV Head Coach for sideline and Assistant Varsity Competition Coach at Boylan Catholic HS. In addition to coaching, she runs a small in-home daycare and works as an event planner for parties/festivals/events in the Rockford area! Heather is married with 2 kids. Heather is excited to bring her enjoyment of event planning to our organization and gain more experience from all of the board members! Term End: 2023-2024 |
Janelle Stubs
Marian Catholic HS (Medium Varsity) Voting Board Member janelle@ihscco.org Janelle has been coaching cheerleading for 10 years. She coaches at her alma mater Marian Catholic High School. Janelle is also a criminal defense attorney. Her favorite part of coaching is watching athletes develop skills and confidence that transcend this sport. Term End: 2023-2024 |
Colleen Duncan
West Aurora HS (Large Varsity) Voting Board Member colleen@ihscco.org Term End: 2025-2026 |
Voting Board Member
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Jenn Ellinghausen
Hinsdale Central HS Voting Board Member jenn@ihscco.org Jenn has been coaching for 6 years including high school and all-star. She is currently the head coach at Hinsdale Central High School, where she is also a Physical Education Teacher. Before Hinsdale Central, she coached at Plainfield East for 3 years. Jenn is also an IHSA official. Her favorite part of coaching is being able to help athletes set goals and see their excitement when they accomplish them. Term End: 2024-2025 |
IHSCCO Board Liaisons
Katie Clemons
IHSA Officials Liaison Katie has been an IHSA official for 12 years, and has officiated state for the past 10 years. She is the head coach at the University of St. Francis, and worked for UCA as an instructor and judge since 2008. She is a physical education teacher, and enjoys spending time with her family in her spare time. |
Tina Woolard
Grayslake North High School Athletic Director Liaison Tina has served as the Athletic Director at Grayslake North High School for the past 15 years. She coached cheerleading for 13 years at Grayslake Central High School and at her alma mater Round Lake High School. She has loved witnessing the growth of cheerleading throughout her 28 years associated with the sport. The caliber of the athletes and coaches is incredible and she is proud to be part of this group |
Steve Millsaps
Joliet West High School Athletic Director Liaison Steve has been involved in Athletic Administration since 2006. He is the Athletic Director at Joliet West High School. He admires the commitment and dedication of the cheerleading coaches and athletes. Cheerleading is an essential core for an athletic department. He loves to see how cheerleading brings the whole school and community together at games and competitions. |