Two years ago, ACE master’s student Shelbie Ann Straughn envisioned creating the first special needs all-star cheerleading team in Morgantown. Through Straughn’s passion to create access for all, the Shining Stars team was born. Today the team is thriving with a complete two and a half minute routine and six competitions under their belt.
Straughn, a life-long cheerleader, came to West Virginia University from Ohio in 2009. She began working as a certified USAF level 5 all-star cheerleading coach at the Champion Training Academy later that year.
The idea of the Shining Stars team originated when Straughn coached a team where two sisters of cheerleaders had disabilities. The sisters loved to watch the girls practice and perform. That’s when she knew she wanted to create an inclusive team for kids with disabilities.
“I wanted to start this program to give back to the community and to give everyone the opportunity to have fun and experience competitive cheerleading,” Straughn said.
“My goal is to get our name and program out around the state of West Virginia and let it be known that this is the first special needs all-star cheerleading team Morgantown has ever had,” she added.
Straughn received support from Stepping Stones, who shared brochures with the Special Olympics organization. The Times West Virginian in Fairmont, W.Va. wrote a front-page article for the sports section. The Shining Stars team began practicing at the CTA by the start of the 2013-14 season.
The team includes seven members and six helpers who are cheerleaders on other teams at CTA. The group practices their routine to music once a week, including tumbling, stunting, jumping, and dancing. CTA tuition, uniform and entrance fees to the competition are all free to the squad. The only athlete expenses are travel costs, a competition bow and cheerleading shoes.
To date the Shining Stars have competed six times in three different states. This year they have competed in Pittsburgh twice. The team is looking forward to the rest of the season, which includes competitions in Ohio, Pennsylvania and the US Finals in Virginia Beach.
“Being able to see the excitement on all of my athletes faces after competing is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced,” Straughn said. She serves as the head coach of the team as well as head coach of the Mini level 1, Junior level 2, and Senior Coed level 3 squads.
Straughn received her bachelor’s degree in Sports and Exercise Psychology, with a minor in Athletic Coaching Education. As an undergraduate she was a member of the Sport and Exercise Psychology club. Currently, Straughn is studying to complete the Disability Studies certificate program and is a graduate assistant in the Office of Accessibility Services.