Brooklyn McQuilkin is back at Lakewood Ranch High School, this time leading the varsity cheer program.

The school announced McQuilkin as its new head cheer coach in a Mustangs Ahead profile published Thursday, Aug. 20. McQuilkin taught World Geography at LRHS during the 2020-21 school year and said she is thrilled to return.

She coached the cheer team at Sarasota High School before taking the Lakewood Ranch job. McQuilkin cheered competitively herself from ages 5 through 18 and holds a degree from Florida State University.

Her goals for the Mustangs this season focus on building a squad that supports one another, growing as athletes and people, and improving their skills.

"The biggest thing I want people to know is that cheerleading is about so much more than what you see on the sidelines," McQuilkin said. She added that the team works hard but is also building confidence, friendships, leadership and a strong sense of team identity.

One phrase she repeats often: the world needs more cheerleaders. She means people who genuinely encourage others, celebrate their success and lift them up when they need it most.

The hire comes ahead of a busy fall. The FHSAA's 2026-27 competitive cheerleading season opens with the first official practice and tryout date on Monday, Oct. 12. Regular-season competitions begin Monday, Nov. 9. The state championships are scheduled for Feb. 25-26, 2027, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.