Chapin cheerleading program led by legendary coach
Chapin – Chapin High School boasts one of the state’s top overall athletic programs. The Eagles have won numerous state championships across all sports in their rich athletic history.
No team or program has been as successful as the competitive cheerleading program, led by Vicki Williams. In her sport, Williams is the standard bearer for success. Chapin has won 15 state championships in Williams’ 23 seasons as coach, which is more than double the number of titles won by any other school in South Carolina.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have committed, hard-working girls over the years,” said Williams, a Texas native and graduate of SMU. “I ask a lot from them. We practice every day, even on the weekends. We work all summer. They don’t mind it much because of the tradition that we have here. They want to be a part of this program. But they aren’t entitled. Our girls will be good students and will be good citizens in school. Sports is about developing the total person.”
Competitive cheer has grown by leaps and bounds in terms of participation since Williams started at Chapin in 2002 with no mats and having to practice at the football field. Chapin did not qualify for the state meet in that first season but has been a mainstay since. Chapin has won state titles in three different classifications.
“I always wanted to be a coach and cheer just sort of happened,” Williams said. “I was coaching the Irmo middle school team and I was asked about coming to Chapin. At first I said no but they convinced me. That first season I did Chapin and Irmo middle school. We definitely had some early growing pains.”
Now, two decades later, Williams has seen her sport explode across the state in every classification. At the 2022 state championships in November, there were 58 teams competing in four classifications, and that’s not counting those schools that did not qualify.
“The sport is so much more competitive. There are so many schools with programs now and everyone is getting really good,” Williams says. “I love it. I love seeing the sport grow. We’ve come a long way.”
As she prepares for the 2023 season, Williams admits that she can see the day coming when she steps away. When that is remains to be seen. But she has survived two bouts with breast cancer (2003, 2006) and if that didn’t stop her, only her desire will.
“Every year I say I’m done but I keep coming back,” she laughs. “I just enjoy this so much. I still have a strong desire to compete and win. I love seeing the girls grow and develop, not just in cheer but as young ladies. Coaching is very rewarding, especially when you have great girls.”
In August, Williams, 72, will be inducted into the Chapin High athletic Hall of Fame. She and her husband, Bill, will celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary this fall as well.
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