American Cheerleader

Marisa Walker
Editor In Chief

Growing up in Centerville, OH, cheerleading was my whole world—and with this job, it still is! I cheered all through junior high (with my mom as my coach) and high school (go, Alter Knights!). I coached, choreographed and taught camps all through college, while earning my degree in journalism at Ohio University, where I was the captain of the dance team. With my background, no one is ever surprised that this is what I do for a living. Once a cheerleader always a cheerleader, right? My job is so cool: It’s like being the captain of a super talented squad, all working their tails off to make something great happen. And to top it all off, I have the best readers in the world to learn from along the way: you guys! Here are some random facts about me. Shoot me an e-mail and introduce yourself! You can find me at marisa@americancheerleader.com

Five Fun Facts About Me
1. If you’re from Ohio, I’ll feel instantly bonded with you.
2. I love almost anything caramel, especially Dulce de Leche Hagen Daas ice cream. Seriously, try it. You won’t be disappointed.
3. I love all types of board games, but I get super competitive when playing.
4. At any given time, you’ll find about two books in my purse. I can’t stop reading—I fly through novels like it’s my job.
5. My favorite way to spend a day involves good food, good friends and good sales!

Brittany Geragotelis
Senior Editor

I may be an editor at AC, but I have no problem blending in with the cheer crowd at competitions (all you fellow 5 ft gals know what I mean!). I got my start as a hard-core competitive gymnast at the age of 8, and competed at level 10, before trading in my grips for poms in high school. I cheered for 3 years at Oak Harbor HS in Washington (I was even captain my senior year!) and then cheered at Washington State University. I coached a high school team during college, as well as rocked my summers as an NCA staff instructor for 5 years. Now I’ve got probably one of the coolest jobs ever—hanging out with you guys and talking about cheerleading! When I’m not lending my spirit fingers to AC, I’m either reading, writing teen fiction (check out a few of my stories at myspace.com/brittanygeragotelis) or obsessing over celebs and entertainment. I’m a big TV and movie buff, so if you want to chat about “Hannah Montana”, any new CW shows, High School Musical or other pop culture dish, I’m your girl!

Five Fun Facts About Me
1. I used to break dance in high school.
2. I have Celiac Disease (which means I’m allergic to gluten—wheat, oats, barley and rye).
3. I have two cats (One’s named Murray after Chad Michael Murray, and the other’s named Cohen after Seth Cohen).
4. I had a walk-on role in Bring It On: In It to Win It.
5. I’ve written four novels.

Kathleen Hager
Associate Editor

I grew up a small town girl with a big personality. Born and raised in Jim Thorpe, PA (you’ve never heard of it because it’s that tiny), I was always super outgoing and made (and still make) a lot of noise with my big mouth, which made cheerleading the logical love of my life. Jumping up and down yelling on a football field in front of lots of people—perfect. Maybe that’s what cheerleading felt like at 7 years old, but throughout junior high and high school, it became what taught me how to challenge myself, where I met my best friends and where I genuinely felt talented and special. After earning a journalism degree at Temple University and eventually making the big move from Philly to NYC, I’ve gotten a chance to open a new cheer chapter in my life with AC!

Five Fun Facts About Me
1. I’m completely and utterly obsessed with my baby nephew, Ethan. I miss him so much and just love him to pieces!
2. If I lived near a beach, I’d be there 24/7, including the winter months.
3. I love hanging out with my family. I even did as a teenager when you’re supposed to feel embarrassed by everything they do.
4. Onions are my worst enemy. If I accidentally bite into one, it’s not pretty.
5. I go to Bonnaroo every summer in Manchester, TN. It’s a huge music fest my entire year revolves around.

Jessica Pribush
Assistant Editor

Ever since MTV produced a little show called “The Jersey Shore” my home state hasn’t gotten the best wrap (okay, it never really did, but the show didn’t help much). I promise you though, New Jersey doesn’t smell, not everyone’s day includes fist pumping and tanning, and we do have a bunch of awesome cheer teams that hail from the Garden State. I started cheering when I was in second grade, and continued up until two years ago. I was a part of my grammar, middle and high school teams and I was even a captain my senior year. I also pulled double-duty at Central Jersey All-Stars in Cranford, NJ for five of those years. I continued my cheer career at Kean University and have coached a Pop Warner team for the past six years. As you can see, I’m cheer-obsessed, and so happy to continue spreading cheer as a member of the AC staff!

Five Fun Facts About Me

1. I’m obsessed with Nicole Richie. Her style, her sense of humor, her lifestyle—I love everything about her.
2. I am the pickiest eater ever. I have to somehow alter almost every order I make at restaurants, and it can get really annoying.
3. I’ve played almost every sport at some point in my life. Basketball, softball, track, soccer, gymnastics, cheerleading, volleyball—you name it, I’ve probably tried it.
4. Ice cream is my absolute favorite food and I eat it at least 5 times a week. I’ll take a gooey sundae over a turkey dinner, any day.
5. I talk way too much. I can carry on a two-hour convo about cheese…seriously.