Follows the lives of two squads and their fierce, hardworking coaches, Lexington Kentucky's Dunbar High School coach Donna Martin and her daughter, Ole' Miss head coach, Ryan O'Connor. I have been involved in cheerleading my whole life! Cheerleading coach Ryan O’Connor wasted no time reminding her co-ed and all-girl teams not to lose focus. A native of Lexington, Ky., O'Connor began her cheer career as a five-time KAPOS state champion and five-time National High School Cheerleading Champion (UCA) as a team member at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. O'Connor was a cheerleader at UK from 2008-09, then at Alabama from 2009-12. Ryan O'Connor is a Lexington native and former UK cheerleader from 2008-2009. While Donna pushes her team to new heights to return Dunbar to its former glory of reigning champs, Ryan is fighting to earn the respect of her peers, her collegiate … I love that my athletes get a chance to perform in the middle of everything happening in the Grove before kickoff. During the holidays, the Square is definitely my favorite place to visit because of the lights. I spend most of my day in the gym preparing our teams for whichever game day is coming up that week. Ole Miss Cheerleading Head Coach Ryan O’Connor and her mother, Donna Martin, have been in the reality television and cheerleading arenas for more … Chapstick: I am addicted. Hey y’all! Ryan O'Connor was born into the cheer world and she has made it her passion ever since. I am a wife to Kyle and a mom to my son Michael, two dogs, and one cat. O'Connor is a Lexington native and former UK cheerleader from 2008-09, then at Alabama from 2009-12. Ryan Martin O'Connor, who previously coached Western Kentucky University's cheer squad, is the team's new head coach. Ryan built the UAB and Ole Miss cheerleading programs into national … They’re so passionate about Ole Miss, so it’s made it easy to love what they love! It’s the role Coach Ryan O’Connor was born to fulfill. Learn More. Oxford will always have a special place in my heart. We are all packed into our little house, but I wouldn’t change a thing! O’Connor comes to The Hill from Ole Miss, where she served as head cheer coach and mascot coordinator. What are the 3 items you always keep in your bag at football games? When exactly will Cheerleader Generation return? My favorite thing about living in Oxford is my job. A Lexington native and five-time UCA National High School Cheerleading Champion while at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, O'Connor cheered at … When I’m not leading a practice, I can be found in a meeting about gameday or in my office working on new ideas for our teams. During her time at Ole Miss, O'Connor's squad earned a Gameday National Championship, two third-place finishes, a fourth-place result and a seventh-place showing in the D1A Division, in addition to other accomplishments, You can now watch & read us wherever & whenever you want. After her sideline days were over, O'Connor followed in her mother's footsteps and became a coach. Ryan Martin O’Connor is returning home to the Bluegrass State to take on the role of Head Cheerleading Coach and Spirit Coordinator for Western Kentucky University. It’s everything the Draper James brand stands for. Ryan O'Connor Spirit Squad Coordinator/Cheer Skip To ... Ryan O'Connor. My husband and I love Lenora’s and Southern Craft Stove & Tap. We might have a basketball game on Friday night, football on Saturday, and volleyball on Sunday during a weekend in November. Blair Bergmann and Jason Keogh will both be members of O’Connor’s first Kentucky staff. hiring of Ryan O'Connor as Head Cheerleading Coach and Spirit Program Coordinator. In May, a three-month investigation revealed the coaching staff and administrative advisor of UK's cheerleading team did not provide reasonable oversight at off-campus events where members of the cheerleading squad participated in hazing, alcohol use, and public nudity. We have the best tailgating scene in the country with the Grove! Ryan O’Connor is coming to Lifetime. Donna is the cheerleading coach at Dunbar High School in Lexington, Kentucky. Welcome to the Draper James blog. At UK, she will be in charge of the 24-time national champion Wildcats’ coed cheerleading […] I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, where my mom is one of the most decorated high school cheerleading coaches in the country, and I cheered for the University of Kentucky and the University of Alabama. A native of Lexington, O'Connor was a five-time KAPOS state champion and a five-time UCA National High School Cheerleading Champion while cheering for Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. Ryan and her family will be a tremendous addition to our Athletics staff and the Bowling Green community." Welcome to the Draper James Southern Road Trip! Water bottle: I got used to drinking a lot of water while I was pregnant, and I have kept up that same thing these last few months. At each stop, we’ll share a look inspired by the city and introduce you to a fascinating woman who represents the heart and soul of her home. Ryan Martin O’Connor has been named head coach of Kentucky’s cheerleading program. I never go anywhere without my phone–especially at a game because I use it for social media for our team! After making our first stop in Atlanta, we journeyed to Oxford, Mississippi, home to passionate football fans and Ryan O’Connor, the Head Cheer Coach at the University of Mississippi. Donna Martin and Ryan O’Connor are both cheerleading coaches. LEXINGTON — Ryan Martin O’Connor is coming home. O’Connor, a former cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, was hired as coach of the Wildcats on Tuesday. By KEITH TAYLOR LEXINGTON, Ky. — Ryan Martin O’Connor is coming home. With a handful of years coaching the talented University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers under her belt, O'Connor is ready to take the next step in her coaching journey. They are my family here. With Donna Martin, Ryan O'Connor. The previous head coach, Jomo Thompson, had been head coach since 2002. January 29, 2021 FBF: 2000 Semi-Final Dean Harrison FBF: 2000 Semi-Final Dean Harrison After making our first stop in Atlanta, we journeyed to Oxford, Mississippi, home to passionate football fans and Ryan O’Connor, the Head Cheer Coach at the University of Mississippi. Cheerleader Generation follows Lexington Kentucky’s Dunbar High School coach Donna Martin and her daughter, Ole’ Miss (University of Mississippi) head coach, Ryan O’Connor, as this mother-daughter duo try and compete for national titles. Ole Miss is the most beautiful campus. It’s a great chance for them to be up close with fans and to show off their skills! “Every team in the country is tired right now,” O’Connor said. “I have watched this program my entire life and I can't wait to experience these traditions again from a new role. Ryan Martin O'Connor is on Facebook. When the first Lifetime show aired, O'Connor was actually on her mother's high school cheer team at Kentucky's Dunbar High School. KSR sat down for a one-on-one (virtual!) What’s your all-time favorite part of football season? Those are definitely our date night spots; eating is one of our favorite things to do together! I am over the UAB Spirit Program which includes our nationally ranked Small Coed Cheerleading team, Golden Girls and our mascot, Blaze. Describe your typical work day with the cheer squad. Below, you’ll meet Ryan, a Lexington, Kentucky native who decided to make the move to Oxford to coach not one, but two different teams (plus the mascot program!) I also love Uptown Coffee on the Square. Oxford is also where we started our family! I love running through campus or down through the Square. LEXINGTON, Ky. – After the University of Kentucky dismissed all four of its cheerleading coaches last month, the search for a new head coach is over. hiring of Ryan O’Connor as Head Cheerleading Coach and Spirit Program Coordinator. I never go ANYWHERE without it! Overall, what’s your favorite thing about living in Oxford? Not only that, she also has an intimate understanding of the proud tradition of this program and what it means to cheerleaders, this university and the Big Blue Nation. This fall, we’re “road tripping” through some of our favorite Southern cities. Cabin 82 is a great place to sit and have coffee because it is a part of the Graduate Hotel. Comfort is a MUST for long days on the football field or at a camp. While at Alabama, she won the 2011 Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) College National Championship. Before heading to WKU, O’Connor was making waves in the cheerleading industry at the University of Mississippi. Story Links LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky cheerleading head coach Ryan Martin O'Connor has announced UK's 2020-21 cheerleading squad, which was revealed on Friday. “Ryan is exactly the kind of person we wanted to hire as we sought the next leader of Kentucky cheerleading,” said UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart. Ole Miss is a great place to work, and it’s a perfect little college town to raise my family in! Tryouts were held virtually over the last week, with O'Connor and a select group of judges selecting the team from video submissions from cheerleading candidates. TITLE Spirit Squad Coordinator/Cheer; EMAIL roconnor@olemiss.edu; PHONE 662-915-7522; Footer Ryan Martin O'Connor, who previously coached Western Kentucky University's cheer squad, is the team's new head coach. “It’s a dream come true to be back home in Lexington to lead the best cheerleading program in the country,” O’Connor said. Ole Miss cheerleading coach Ryan O’Connor is set to star in a new Lifetime reality show alongside her mother, legendary cheer coach Donna Martin. — Ryan Martin O'Connor (@RyOconnor17) July 17, 2019. 15.5k Followers, 1,456 Following, 1,787 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ryan Martin O'Connor (@ryoconnor17) I love Ravine! I have the BEST seat in the house for football games, and I love feeling a part of something bigger than myself. You have permission to edit this article. I interviewed for this job just two weeks after getting married, and my son was born here! We have 6 am workouts followed by two hours of practice for each team (4 hours for me) and an hour practice for Tony’s team. After her sideline days were over, O'Connor followed in her mother's footsteps and became a coach. Our city does a great job! I love working at a school that people grow up dreaming of going to; there is so much pride for Ole Miss, and it keeps me motivated to figure out how to make the experience better for my students, our fans and the community. In addition to WKU, O'Connor also coached at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Ole Miss. Ryan O'Connor Spirit Squad Coordinator/Cheer. In addition to WKU, O'Connor also coached at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Ole Miss. I’m the Head Cheer Coach at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi. Ryan O'Connor Spirit Squad Coordinator/Cheer. Ryan Martin O'Connor has been named the new head cheerleading coach for the 24-time UCA National Champions, The University of Kentucky Wildcats. That’s what our cheerleaders and the best fans in the world deserve.”. This evening, UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart announced O’Connor, who built the UAB and Ole Miss cheerleading programs into national contenders in recent years, would be … Head coach Ryan O’Connor names Blair Bergmann, Jason Keogh assistant coaches LEXINGTON – August 1, 2020 Kentucky cheerleading head coach Ryan Martin O’Connor has announced the hiring of two experienced assistant coaches. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. With a handful of years coaching the talented University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers under her belt, O'Connor is ready to take the next step in her coaching journey. Athletic, casual, comfortable. It is a hidden little spot in between my house and campus. I hope you like it. at Ole Miss. conversation with Kentucky’s new head cheerleading coach to discuss her cheerleading career, beginning at Lexington’s Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and continuing throughout college and with USA Cheer. Ryan O'Connor was born into the cheer world and she has made it her passion ever since. Stay up-to-date with our special section, Booze, Nudity, Hazing: Kentucky’s Prized UK Cheer Team’s Shocking Fall, Former UK Cheerleaders Defend Former Coach, Fired UK Cheer Coach Says He Doesn't Like the Way His Career Ended, California Consumer Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I work in athletics, so I’m always on the move! Join Facebook to connect with Ryan Martin O'Connor and others you may know. I have been to many football games across the country, but no one has an experience quite like the Grove. We are excited to help her write the program’s next chapter.”. At WKU, she will be the head coach for the All-Girl and Coed Cheer squads, as well as oversee operations and financials for the Topperettes and Ryan Martin O'Connor Returns To The Bluegrass State To Coach WKU Cheer Apr 2, 2020 Varsity TV Western Kentucky University has been a strong competitor in Division IA at the UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship for many years, but the Toppers' most recent addition to the program is sure to have them climbing the ranks even higher for years to come. O'Connor comes to The Hill from Ole Miss, where she served as head cheer coach and mascot coordinator. The fall is our busiest season because all three of our sports overlap! Both come with stellar credentials in the coaching field. “She has a proven track record of success, brings incredible energy to her work, and shares our commitment to both integrity and competitive excellence. Cheer coaches Ryan O’Connor, Jason Keogh and Blair Bergmann oversee the UK cheer team as they prepare for a pep rally performance alongside the dance team and marching band on the lawn of William T. Young Library on Friday, October 2. A new Lifetime television series will feature Lexington’s Paul Laurence Dunbar High School’s veteran cheerleading coach Donna Martin and her daughter, Ole Miss cheerleading coach Ryan O’Connor. While coaching at UAB, O'Connor's squads had four top-10 finishes at UCA College Nationals, as well as in group stunt. I look forward to continuing our success and building on our game-day atmosphere. O’Connor comes to UK from Western Kentucky University, where she was the head cheerleading coach and spirit program coordinator. The answer is Thursday, September 26th, on Lifetime. O’Connor previously held the same position at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Ole Miss and Western Kentucky University. Reese Chats “Sweet Home Alabama,” 15 Years Later, And Her Favorite Line, 6 Tips for Hosting a Flawless Southern Brunch, 6 Things You Need to Throw the Quintessential Southern Bridal Shower, Please Meet: Kathryn Sukey, Head of Design at Draper James, © 2016 DRAPER JAMES, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. What’s the thing you miss the most (besides family or friends) when you’re away from Oxford? O'Connor is excited to uphold and continue Kentucky Cheer's legacy and we can't wait to see what the Cats do next. I coach two cheerleading teams at Ole Miss: the Co-Ed team and the All-Girl team, and I’m in charge of Tony’s Team (the mascot program). Comes to UK after successful head-coaching career at UAB, Ole Miss and WKU LEXINGTON, Ky. – June 23, 2020 Ryan Martin O’Connor, who built the UAB and Ole Miss cheerleading programs into national contenders in recent years, is the new head coach of Kentucky’s cheerleading program, Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart announced on Tuesday. They give me purpose, they teach me about myself, and they keep me motivated. Being on campus with my teams! At WKU, she will be the head coach for the All-Girl and Coed Cheer squads, as well as oversee operations and financials for the Topperettes and The “Oxford” Look: Tailgates & Touchdowns Tee, Go Y’all Mittens, Stadium Crossbody Bag, Scallop Denim Skirt. Ryan O'Connor Head Cheer Coach/Coordinator at Ole Miss Oxford, Mississippi 500+ connections My job brought us to Oxford a little over two years ago, and my students are what keeps us here! This is my little slice of space to share the things I love most about life in the South: the people, the parties, the food, and the fun! Introducing our Spectrum News app, Kentucky's Patient Numbers Continue to Rise. LEXINGTON, KY (WOWK) — Ryan Martin O’Connor, is the new head coach of Kentucky’s cheerleading program, Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart announced on Tuesday. Again, on Twitter, Ryan answered the sea of fans’ questions about when exactly the Cheerleader series will return.