Hope International University

Kelly McCluskey was hired on as an Assistant Coach at HIU in 2021. Prior to joining HIU, she was the program advisor for Brea Olinda High School from 2010 to 2020. During this time, the program won numerous California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), regional, state, and national titles, including a Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) championship in 2020. The success of the program resulted in Kelly being awarded the Coach/Advisor of the year in 2014 as well as being a finalist for the Coach/Advisor of the year in 2103, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also awarded the prestigious Granite Apple Award from the Brea Olinda Unified School District. More recently, Kelly was CIF southern section nominations for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) California State Coach of the Year in Spirit in 2020.

Kelly's dedication and passion towards the advancement of competitive cheer also includes a seat on the CIF advisory panel for the last 4 years, to which she is currently a member. During her time as an advisor, she played an integral role in amending section 504M of the CIF Constitution and Bylaws to provide an exemption for students to compete in the National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC) on a Sunday.

Kelly's commitment to her students goes beyond their participation in cheer. In addition to her focus on athletic performance, she has worked to develop and strengthen her students' academic performances. This effort elevated her program's rate of students receiving scholarship offers to 70% of the graduating seniors.

“The greatest joy is being a part of a team. A team of coaches and athletes that are committed to working together to reach a common goal. Winning is great but some of the most rewarding experiences happen in the process of getting there”. 

Kelly is very passionate about urban farming and preventative care. When she is not in her garden she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.