By The Seattle Medium
Compiled from articles written this season by Seattle Medium Staff Writer Kiara Doyal
As part of this season’s Youth Football Sideline Spotlight Series, the Seattle Medium profiled some of the extraordinary women who are dedicating their lives to youth football and cheer programs in Seattle. These women bring passion, structure, and a deep sense of community to youth sports, building safe, nurturing spaces where young athletes can grow both on and off the field. Each of these leaders has created an environment for kids to develop skills, resilience, and self-confidence, with lasting impacts that echo throughout their communities.
Among those spotlighted is Chalayia Jackson, President of the CD Panthers, who carries on her family’s legacy in Seattle’s Central District. Following the example of her grandfather, Charles Jackson, the founder of the Panthers, Chalayia’s mission is to provide local youth with the support and structure that her grandfather prioritized for over 25 years. Jackson’s passion for creating a safe space is rooted in the challenges her community faces with violence and instability, giving young people a refuge in sports.
“What keeps me going is my family’s legacy and the youth,” Jackson said. “Especially for us as minorities, we don’t have much around here, so I try to keep this going, something no one can take away from us.”
ShaVon Robinson, Vice President and Head Cheer Coach for the Panthers, shares Jackson’s dedication to youth development. With over 20 years of service to the Panthers, Robinson is committed to instilling confidence and a sense of belonging in each of her athletes. Inspired by the mentorship she received as a young person, Robinson builds self-esteem and resilience in the cheerleaders she coaches.
Former Panther cheerleaders Myleah Lexing and Lynisha Bailey described Robinson’s influence as transformational.
“She didn’t just feel like a coach—she was more like a mother or an auntie figure,” Bailey said. “That’s something a lot of us girls needed growing up, and it’s had a big impact on all of us.”
Both Lexing and Bailey, now recent high school graduates, continue to support the Panthers, mentoring the younger cheerleaders just as Robinson mentored them.
Shimika Dowlen has taken her commitment to youth development to new heights at the Renton Rangers. Starting as a volunteer cheer coach, she now serves as the president of the organization, fostering a family-like environment where young athletes can grow. “For me, it’s not just about the games—it’s about guiding these kids toward becoming strong, resilient individuals,” Dowlen said. “If we can teach them discipline, confidence, and the value of community, then we’re helping them build a foundation they can carry for life.”
Cathy Sisk Banks, who serves as Cheer Director for Northwest Premier Junior Football & Cheer, brings 15 years of experience to the cheer community. Beginning as a volunteer when her daughter took an interest in cheer, Sisk Banks has since become an anchor for Seattle’s youth cheerleaders, providing them with a strong foundation in a values-driven environment. Her involvement extends beyond practices and game-day performances, as she works with the Washington State Cheer Coaches Association to ensure safe, well-trained programs statewide.
“Recreational cheer has really grown,” Sisk Banks said. “I love seeing kids—girls and boys—develop their skills and find something to look forward to. That’s what I want for all our young people.”
Areyonna Jackson, Cheer Director at HEIR Sports Academy, brings a vision of diversity and inclusion to her program. Jackson’s work is grounded in her belief that cheerleading should be an empowering, inclusive experience where athletes of all backgrounds feel valued and encouraged. With over five years of competitive coaching experience, Jackson has built a program that prepares young athletes for future competitive teams while ensuring they develop confidence and skills in a supportive environment. Her friend and assistant coach, Danielle Wade, describes Jackson as “passionate about making cheer more than just an activity, but a place where kids can feel that they belong.”
“Areyonna brings a different style of cheer,” Wade added. “She’s getting these young athletes ready not just for little league but for high school and beyond, showing them what competition and dedication really mean.”
The Sideline Spotlight Series also featured Evia Wright, who doubles as Treasurer and Cheer Director for the Benson Bruins. Her commitment to cheer and financial stewardship has elevated the Bruins program, which recently reached record-high participation.
“Football is such a big thing that cheer can sometimes get lost in the mix,” Wright said, “but I’m here to make sure our cheerleaders are seen and respected as athletes.”
Through partnerships with local high schools, Wright has fostered a strong mentorship program, creating connections that extend well beyond the field.
Ratina Rose, a sideline coach for the Benson Bruins Cheer team, has built a legacy of mentorship within her community over the past decade. Known for treating her athletes like family, Rose is passionate about providing a safe, structured environment where young people can thrive.
“The kids can come and talk to me about anything they need—whether it’s safety, school, or just life,” Rose explained. “I’m kind of like a second mom to the kids, and I’m there to be a mentor outside of coaching.”
Her dedication doesn’t stop at the field. Many of her former athletes, now young adults, credit Rose with helping them during difficult times, and Rose considers it a privilege to watch them grow into leaders. “To me, I’m not just their coach,” she said. “Seeing these kids progress into great people brings me the greatest joy.”
Patricia Cheid and Crystal Chatters, team moms for the Parkland Raiders, play crucial behind-the-scenes roles in supporting their team. Cheid, a 26-year Army veteran, has brought her skills and sense of duty to the Raiders, inspired by the community’s warm welcome when her family moved to Seattle.
“These kids gain direction, teamwork, and accountability,” said Cheid. “For some of them, this is their sanctuary.”
For Chatters, being a team mom allows her to give back to the community in a meaningful way, helping young athletes develop resilience and build relationships.
In her role as the Northwest Premier Junior Football League Registrar, Meegan Prince ensures the league runs smoothly. She started as a team mom, inspired by her son’s involvement in youth football, and quickly saw the need for organizational support. Former colleague Jennifer Jackson called Prince “a beautiful soul” who brings compassion and structure to every aspect of her role. Prince describes youth football as essential to building family bonds.
“You spend so much time with these families—they become like family themselves,” she said. “Football isn’t just a sport; it’s a way to bring people together.”
These women—mentors, directors, team moms, and program presidents—embody the spirit of youth sports as a pathway to personal growth, resilience, and a stronger community. The women featured in the Youth Football Sideline Spotlight Series are committed to empowering young athletes and offering them opportunities to thrive, no matter their circumstances.
As ShaVon Robinson says, “I hope the lessons we teach—confidence, resilience, self-respect—stay with these kids for a lifetime. We’re here to give them something solid to build on. In a way, we’re not just shaping athletes; we’re helping shape strong, confident people.”