Spotlight on Valley Cheer Coach is for the coach that is the heart and soul of the entire Valley Cheer Program. 

Heather Merritt is the owner of THE ROCK, Valley Cheer, and Myrick School of Dance.

Heather is from Roanoke Rapids and is happily married to her HS sweetheart.

Heather cheered throughout middle and high school; she has always had a passion for the sport.

She is a graduate of ECU, where she was a cheerleader and a member of the dance team. She was also a competitive Jr Olympic gymnast. When deciding to open Valley Cheer it was her goal to help nurture the youth of the Roanoke Valley and give them the opportunity to grow a love of the sport of Cheerleading, and she has definitely met her goal. 

Heather prides herself on running a program that is not only focused on the athletic goals of each cheerleader but on the athlete as a whole.

She has developed scholarship opportunities for those that need financial assistance and is the originator of the Roanoke Valley Cheer Jam, giving the athletes a chance to shine in their own town. 

With a lot of hard work, an amazing supportive staff, and a lot of faith Valley cheer is headed into its 9th season and Heather couldn’t be more pleased with the direction the program is going.

Valley Cheer has grown in size and accomplishments and with a dedicated staff that is more like a family. Valley Cheer is confident that this season, will be the best yet.