Ballard High School Head Coach NancyEllen Elster is stepping into semi-retirement (we're told she can't fully let go) and will be taking a role as assistant coach.

Elster was recently inducted into the Washington State Cheer Coach Association's Hall of Fame for her work in radically transforming the BHS cheer program. Elster led her cheerleaders from a "moribund state" to win awards, state championships and compete nationally. She herself won the State Coach of the Year award in 2006 and the Cheer Ltd Pinnacle National Coaching Award for Coaching Excellence in 2009.

A group of Ballard mothers would like to show Elster their love, support and thanks by having a banquet in her honor. They also would like community members to take time to write a note for Elster and send it to NEEisthebest@gmail.com by April 12. Read their full note below:

Hello Ballard Community,

NancyEllen Elster, Cheer Coach extraordinaire, will be honored at the year-end BHS Cheer banquet on April 27. After 13 years of self-instigation and cheerleading love, NancyEllen is transitioning from Head Coach to Assistant Coach - and this is a big deal! (Fortunately, future squads will be in the capable hands of Michelle Whelan and Marit Mork!)

We are putting together book with photos and messages from those impacted and touched by NancyEllen’s contribution to BHS sports and cheerleading over the past 13 years. Please take the time to:

1. Write kind words for NancyEllen and send to NEEisthebest@gmail.com (doesn't have to be long, just a few sentences, if that)

2. Ask others to send a note to NEEisthebest@gmail.com

Please do this by April 12! Thank you!

If you have any questions, please send them to NEEisthebest@gmail.com. We are hoping our Ballard community will understand the impact of NancyEllen how meaningful it will be for her to see and hear our appreciation.

Thank you!

A Group of BHS Cheer Moms

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