Blue Valley Northwest named Lauren Ragland head cheerleading coach for the 2026-27 season after the previous coach's unexpected departure.

Ragland, a former competitive cheerleader, took over the Overland Park program alongside math teacher Kate Gabel, who joined as assistant coach. The team learned about the coaching change through an email from assistant principal Kelsey Bakalar, as first reported by BVNWnews, the school's student newspaper.

Senior co-captain Peyton Todd said the news caught the squad off guard.

"I was a little surprised because she had been the coach for so long," Todd told BVNWnews. "I was also excited to see how our team would change."

Todd said the transition has gone smoothly and that, despite the change, things have not felt that different. Ragland, who cheered competitively throughout her youth and high school years, said she applied as soon as the position opened. She told the student paper that building a cohesive team culture is her top priority, where every member supports one another.

The behind-the-scenes work has been a learning curve. Ragland said responsibilities she had not anticipated include placing orders, fundraising, booking practice spaces, organizing camps and arranging transportation.

Gabel, who never cheered herself, said she has leaned on athlete feedback to guide her coaching since she started teaching in the Blue Valley district in 2025. She was nominated for the 2027 Kansas Horizon Award, a state program recognizing outstanding first-year teachers.

Freshman Claire White, who started her cheerleading career at the same time as the new staff, said Ragland brings positive energy and cheers alongside the athletes. "She will be your cheerleader," White said.

The Huskies finished fifth in Class 6A at the 2025 KSHSAA Gameday Cheer Showcase with a score of 85.67, according to KSHSAA results. Todd said she hopes the new coaches help the program compete at state and beyond.

The 2026-27 KSHSAA Gameday Cheer Showcase is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21.