Longtime cheer coach set to retire

The Saddleback athletics department announced this week that longtime cheer instructor Denise Harris has decided to retire at the end of the year.  Harris has been at the school for 25 years.

Harris grew up in South Orange County and has had cheer in her blood since her youth.  She started in elementary school and eventually cheered at El Toro High School, Saddleback College and then with the Los Angeles Rams.  Her enthusiasm for cheer was on display for the past 3.5 decades when making the transition from participant to coach, leading teams to awards, advisor/coach-of-the-year and pep squad/program-of-the-year honors.

Harris started her coaching career at Trabuco Hills High School in 1989, winning multiple awards during her tenure before retiring after 34 years.  She started at Saddleback in 1999 and has been actively involved with then program throughout, coaching as many as 40 athletes every year.  Harris says her proudest moments have been seeing her athletes grow up to be respectful, young adults.  She also praised the people she has worked with over the years.

"I am grateful to have worked with the best football coaches and the best staff in the very best athletics department," said Harris.   "A special thanks goes to Jamée, A.J., Sydney and the entire athletic training staff for taking such good care of our teams.  In addition, working for Dan Clauss and Brett Franchino has been nothing less than first class."

Harris was also quick to give credit to the people that came before her.

"A special thanks to Betty Sherrer, my predecessor, for putting her trust in me with the program," Harris said.  "It has been one of my biggest honors and greatest joys."

Saddleback athletics plans to celebrate her career at the completion of her tenure. 

"Denise's retirement marks the end of an era defined by her dedicated, passionate, and loyal service," Saddleback Dean and Athletics Director Dan Clauss said.   "Throughout her career, Denise consistently went above and beyond, demonstrating a commitment to her work that inspired everyone around her. Her passion for excellence and unwavering loyalty to her students and Saddleback College have left a lasting impact."