Meet the Coaches
Kristen Myers
Head Coach and Program Director Kristen has been cheering since 6th grade on both sideline (Football, Basketball) and competition teams (Varsity and all-star). She worked for Universal Cheerleaders Association, UCA teaching cheer camps across the country and also cheered for the University of Minnesota Co-Ed team. Kristen joined the Maple Grove coaching staff in 2012 and assumed the head coach role in 2013. She lives in Otsego with her husband, kids, and enjoys being a Student Services Staff Development Literacy Specialist in Osseo Area Schools. |
Alex Papademetriou
Game Day Coach Alex is an alumna of the Osseo Senior High cheerleading program however, before attending Osseo she spent 2 years cheering for sideline and competition at MGSH. She also was a member of the Planet Spirit All-Stars. Her passion has always been cheerleading and gymnastics, and she was happy to have the opportunity to return to Maple Grove as a coach in 2012. Alex spent 7 years working at The Little Gym teaching gymnastics. Currently Alex does Field Development for Allianz Life. |
Mackenzie Little
Varsity, Game Day Coach Mackenzie is an alumna of the Maple Grove Cheerleading Program. She cheered at Maple Grove for 6 years and then moved on to cheer at the University of Minnesota for one year. Mackenzie is excited to be able to teach a sport that she is so passionate about and that has been such a huge part of her life! She is in her second year at the University of Minnesota majoring in Nutrition with a minor in Health Psychology. |
Emma Zawlocki
JV Coach Emma has been cheering since 8th grade in Wentzville, MO. She continued to cheer at the University of Minnesota on the small Co-Ed team. Emma has experience coaching athletes individually to help advance skills on their own timelines. She is excited to work with athletes at all levels and to help build them up into the best they can be. She has her Masters degree in nursing and is currently practicing as a pediatric oncology/BMT RN. She enjoys playing with her dog, Dee, and crafting in her free time. |
Haley Ream
JV Game Day, Junior High Coach Haley is an alumna of Maple Grove cheer. She has been cheering since 3rd grade, and graduated in 2024. She is extremely excited to step into the role of coach and carry on being a part of something she is so passionate about. She is a sophomore in college at the University of Minnesota, majoring in Health Services Management. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her two dogs Charlie and Oliver and going to the gym. |
Ava Garnass
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Emily Hanrahan
Elementary Advanced Coach Emily has been in the cheer world since 5th grade. While growing up in Wisconsin, she cheered for Menomonee Falls High School and did competition cheer with Heat Athletics. She coached summer camps and competition teams with Stingray Allstars-Wisconsin before moving to Minnesota. She has loved teaching 1st grade for 3 years. Emily enjoys golfing with her boyfriend and spending time with her 2 cats! |
Bri Baer
Elementary Advanced Coach Bri is an alumna of the Maple Grove competition and sideline cheer program, she cheered from 8th grade through her senior year of high school. In 2021, she graduated from North Dakota State University with a dual degree in Elementary Education and Human Development. Bri is currently teaching first grade in the Osseo School District. Some things she loves are spending time with family, reading, and hanging out with her cats, Ruby and Benny! |
Lily Mast
Elementary Coach Lily is an alumna of the Maple Grove Competition Cheer Program, joining her freshman to senior year in high school. Lily was the Novice Head Coach last season and enjoyed watching and supporting the girls as they grow and develop their skills at the beginning of their cheer careers. Lily is currently attending Augsburg University pursuing her degree to become a nurse practitioner. |
Taylor Saugstad
Elementary, Performance Coach Taylor is an alumna of the Maple Grove competition and sideline cheer program, cheering from 8th grade through her senior year. In 2024, she graduated from St Cloud State University with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and works as a Clinical Counselor. Taylor enjoys mixing her love for cheerleading and mental health to help athletes grow and accomplish their goals on and off the mat |