Tiffany Sutherland has been a passionate leader at Berkeley High School (BHS) for almost a decade. While she has worked at the school for over 20 years in various roles, Sutherland has served as the BHS cheer coach across all levels for the past nine.
Sutherland's journey into cheerleading began through her daughter. After graduating high school, she coached color guard, drill team, dance teams, and also instructed dance at her church. When her daughter decided to join cheer, Sutherland stepped in as an assistant coach. Soon after the current head coach was let go, she became the temporary coach before officially taking on the role. It was a path Sutherland described as something she “just kind of fell into”; but one she has fully embraced.
As a Black woman coaching at BHS, Sutherland says her experience has been positive. She sees Black History Month as a time for education and remembrance, “It is about making sure that lineages and legacies are remembered and never forgotten,” Sutherland said. That mindset shapes how she mentors her athletes.
Sutherland focuses on uplifting her team by listening and understanding that every athlete grows differently. “Each person has their own way of growing and understanding life,” Sutherland said. She added that her team works best when every athlete's individuality is valued. “We’re a huge puzzle,” Sutherland said, emphasizing the importance of recognizing different personalities, experiences, and needs within the team. Patience and communication, lessons from her own life, she says are central to her coaching style.
Inspired by Black women like Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashed, Erica Campbell, and Taraji P. Henson, Sutherland encourages young Black girls to lead boldly. “Don’t stop your push and stand on your word,” Sutherland said. Through supporting her athletes and their individuality, Sutherland continues to make cheer a space for recognition and empowerment.