The Megan Lambert Approach5 min to read

Understanding Megan Lambert’s Philosophy

Megan Lambert’s coaching philosophy at Seabreeze High School revolves around high standards, consistent improvement, and fostering a strong, family-like team environment. Her approach has led the team to impressive achievements, including reaching the state championship in consecutive years. Lambert’s philosophy is grounded in discipline and clear expectations, with a focus on both athletic performance and academic achievement. She emphasizes that team members must meet set standards to participate, instilling a sense of responsibility and commitment.

Lambert’s background in cheerleading, which began in her early childhood, has significantly influenced her coaching style. She cheered for Power Cheer All Stars and Matanzas High School, continuing her cheerleading career at Jacksonville University. This extensive experience has provided her with a deep understanding of the sport, which she leverages in her coaching.

After starting her teaching career at the Imagine School in Palm Coast, Lambert later became the cheerleading coach at Flagler Palm Coast High School. Recognizing the limitations due to COVID restrictions, she founded Cheer Force All Stars, a gym in Ormond Beach, to provide year-round training opportunities. This initiative underscores her commitment to developing her athletes’ skills and ensuring continuous training.

Key Training Strategies

Rigorous Skill Development: Lambert focuses on honing the technical skills of her athletes. This includes regular and intensive training sessions emphasizing stunts, tumbling, and choreography. Her coaching style is characterized by her unwavering commitment to excellence.

She sets clear expectations for her athletes, both in terms of their performance and their conduct. This includes maintaining good grades as a prerequisite for participation, thereby instilling a sense of responsibility and discipline in her team members. Her philosophy is not just about pushing for athletic prowess but also about building character and life skills.

Lambert brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her coaching. This is reflected in her ability to train athletes effectively, focusing on the technical nuances of the sport.

Emphasis on Physical Fitness: Lambert emphasizes the importance of physical fitness in her cheerleading training routines. Understanding the demanding nature of cheerleading, which requires high levels of strength, flexibility, and endurance, she ensures that her training sessions are comprehensive and rigorous.

Building a Cohesive Team Culture

• Setting Clear Expectations: Lambert establishes clear expectations in terms of commitment, performance, and behavior. This clarity helps in fostering a disciplined yet nurturing environment.
• Creating a Sense of Belonging: By promoting a family-like atmosphere, Lambert ensures that each member feels valued and part of a unified team. This approach has been instrumental in building trust and collaboration among team members.
• Encouraging Leadership: Leadership development is a crucial aspect of Lambert’s approach, with senior members and captains playing active roles in mentoring and guiding newer members.

The Impact of Effective Training and Team Building

• Enhanced Performance: The combination of rigorous training and a strong team culture leads to enhanced performance in competitions. Teams that train effectively and work cohesively are more likely to execute complex routines flawlessly.
• Resilience and Adaptability: A well-trained and tightly-knit team can better handle the pressures of competition and adapt to unexpected challenges.
• Long-term Success: Lambert’s approach has not only brought immediate successes but also established a foundation for sustained excellence in the program.