Charlcie Holden
Submitted Photo
PENDLETON — Pendleton Heights cheerleading will be led by a new head coach, but a face more than familiar with the Arabians program.
At its last meeting, South Madison Community School Board of Trustees approved Charlcie Holden as the next Pendleton Heights cheerleading head coach.
She replaces long-time head coach Brenda Jamerson, who returned for the 2023 season after two years away from the program. Prior to her first departure, she coached the team for 19 years.
Holden’s first leadership role in Pendleton Heights cheer happened as a student-athlete at Pendleton Heights. Holden was a part of one of the most successful stretches in PHHS Cheer from 2014-2018.
She also has spent the past two years as an assistant coach for the Arabians.
“Becoming the PHHS head coach is something I have always dreamt of,” Holden said. “Cheering for PHHS completely altered the trajectory of my life. I never thought I could make cheerleading my full-time job, but look at me now. I am coaching two teams while a part of the UCA staff.
“My passion for the sport of cheerleading stems from this program and everything that Brenda Jamerson taught me along the way,” she said. “In this position I aspire to create the same impact on the athletes as Brenda did on me.
“I plan to create an environment that helps the athletes grow not only athletically but personally and mentally. Having the opportunity to positively impact young athletes’ lives is not something I take lightly. I hope to create the same love and passion for the sport that was taught to me long ago. This program holds a special place in my heart. I will give my all into this program because of all the opportunities and love it gave to me.”
Following high school, Holden went on to cheer at Purdue University from 2018-2022.
She also has worked on the national cheer circuit for UCA and has earned a spot as a core staff member, which is one of the highest positions held at the cheer organization. She is also a member of the IU Indianapolis (IUPUI) coaching staff.
“Promoting Charlcie Holden was an easy decision,” Pendleton Heights athletic director Chad Smith said. “She is tough-minded, demanding, has a vision for the future, and is mature for her age.
“She already has the respect of our cheerleaders and a connection with them because of her time already spent coaching them. It is always a proud moment for me when we hire an Arabian to mentor our student-athletes as a coach. Charlcie has a great support system around her and is well-connected in the cheer world. I look forward to watching her grow with our team.”
