Jessica Murphy, a 1998 Stevenson High School alumnus who led her alma mater’s cheerleading program to sixth-place finishes in the state in 2009 and 2010, is returning as head coach. She has been serving as an assistant coach for the past two seasons.

Murphy has a long history with the SHS cheerleading program, beginning with her four years on the team from 1994-98. She returned as an assistant coach in 2002, serving in that role until taking the reins in 2008. In two seasons as head coach, Murphy won the school’s first conference cheerleading championships and also captured sectional titles in addition to finishing sixth at the IHSA state finals.

Stevenson’s cheerleading program has long been among the leaders in Lake County. Stevenson has qualified for the Illinois High School Association state finals every year since the sport was added by the organization in 2005-06. In addition to the sixth-place finishes under Murphy, Stevenson was third in 2006, fifth in 2007 and 10th in 2012.

"I am absolutely elated and honored to have the opportunity to return to Stevenson Cheerleading in the head coaching capacity," said Murphy, a Communication Arts teacher at Twin Groves Middle School in Buffalo Grove since 2002. "Stevenson Cheerleading has a tradition of excellence that I am committed to continuing. I am prepared to take the program to the next and highest level. I am excited to start the new season and I look forward to what the future holds."