Brooklyn Woman Honored for Her Dedication to the Sport of Cheer

      Franci McClenathan, far left, back row, is pictured with part of the team of the board of directors of the ICCA at the 2026 annual meeting in Johnston. McClenathan was honored for her 25 years of service to the cheer profession.

​By J.O. Parker
 
     A former cheerleader and long-time cheer coach at BGM has been elected to serve as the ICCA Special Olympics Director. 
      Franci McClenathan, who was recently recognized for her 25 years of coaching by the Iowa Cheer Coaches Association, will oversee a squad of approximately 50 cheerleaders from across Iowa who will perform at the Special Olympics Summer Games Opening Ceremonies at Hilton Coliseum in Ames on May 21.
“At this year’s annual membership meeting, held during the conference on April 10 and 11 in Johnston, I was elected to serve as the ICCA Special Olympics Director,” said McClenathan.
      McClenathan’s love for cheerleading started at a young age when she began the sport in junior high and she has continued to share her passion to this day.
      “I cheered all throughout junior high and high school. When my oldest was in 7th grade at BGM, I started going to games as a parent watching her cheer and occasionally, I would help supervise when the coach couldn’t be there,” said McClenathan. “Then in 2001, I was asked to co-coach. I took over as head coach when the other coach resigned. I coached both of my daughters during their junior high and high school years. Over my 25 years, I have coached varsity football, basketball and wrestling cheer; junior high football and basketball cheer, YSF youth cheer and all-star cheer.”
     Early in her coaching career, McClenathan joined the Iowa Cheer Coaches Association and started attending their annual spring conference so she could become AACCA (now USA Cheer) safety certified and to continue educating herself on all things related to cheer. ICCA also gave her cheerleaders opportunities outside of sideline cheer.
     “I’ve had cheerleaders participate in the State Cheer Championships, All-State Cheer Squad and Iowa Cheer Honor Squad,” said McClenathan.
    She served several years on the ICCA Rep Council before being elected to serve as an at-large representative on the ICCA Board of Directors in 2023. 
       “Being recognized for my 25 years of coaching just puts value on the commitment I’ve made to an athletic program I feel passionate about,” McClenathan said.