NAPPANEE — Coach Lisa Norville, who has served the NorthWood Panther cheer program for the past 17 years, has announced her retirement, effective at the conclusion of the 2025-26 winter season. Norville’s career leaves an enduring impact on NorthWood athletics, marked by championships and a cultural shift to make competitive cheer a recognized sport in the Wa-Nee community.
Under Norville’s guidance, NorthWood Cheer has become one of the most accomplished programs in Indiana. She led the Panthers to five IASP state championships, beginning with the 2015 Traditional Division state championship, followed by an unprecedented run of four consecutive IASP Time Out Division state championships from 2022-25. Her teams have consistently been recognized at the highest levels of completion, earning numerous bids to the UCA National Championships in Orlando, Florida, where they have represented NorthWood on the national stage.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNorville has been honored as one of the best coaches in the state and has earned national decorations, a testament of her coaching excellence, program leadership and the admiration she earned across the state, a statement from the school reads. Beyond the accolades, Norville has impacted hundreds of athletes, many of whom have gone on to cheer competitively at the next level. Her commitment to the sport and NorthWood Cheer have shaped a legacy that will be felt for years to come, the statement reads.
“Coach Norville has built something truly special within our cheer program,” NorthWood Athletic Director AJ Risedorph said. “Her leadership has helped elevate NorthWood Cheer to statewide and national prominence. We are deeply grateful for her 17 years of service. Due to her efforts and her student-athletes’ commitment, at NorthWood we proudly recognize cheer as a competitive sport.”
Though retiring from coaching, Norville is looking forward to joining the field of competitive cheer judging and as a cheer choreography clinician.
NorthWood High School plans to honor her legacy.
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