John Anderson entered his first season as the Red Flash head coach of cheer and dance in 2021-22.
Anderson joins the Saint Francis University Red Flash with an extensive career blending elite cheer and dance coaching with specialized expertise in movement and athlete development. His professional experience spans collegiate coaching, specialized training, and national competition.
Expertise in Movement and Athlete Development
Since 2000, Anderson has been the founder and operator of Stunt Doctor, a specialized consulting company for aerial athletes (Gymnastics, Cheer, Dance, Baton, and Ninja). Through this practice, he developed a system to diagnose inefficient movement patterns and introduce motor learning techniques that improve body control through mindset, coordination, and fitness.
His commitment to health and performance is backed by multiple certifications: he is an ACE Certified Health Coach, a former Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), a former Level 1 Club Coach for USA Weightlifting and a Certified Orthotic Fitter.
Collegiate Coaching Success and National Championships
Anderson's collegiate coaching career includes multiple successful stints, highlighted by immediate championship results:
- Appalachian State University (2007-2008): As Head Cheer and Dance Coach, he led the programs in cheering on the Mountaineers to their third-consecutive FCS National Championship, including the historic upset of No. 5 Michigan. That season, his coed cheer squad also won the Spirit Sports National Championship in Myrtle Beach, SC.
- Penn State Altoona (2003-2005): He served as the Head Cheer and Dance Coach, leading his cheer squad to consecutive Reach the Beach National Championship titles in the coed division.
- Ursinus College (2002-2003): Immediately following his own graduation, Anderson served as the Head Cheer Coach, Assistant Women's Gymnastics Coach, and Strength and Conditioning Coach. The Gymnastics team finished as the runner-up at NCAA Division III National Championships that year.
Leadership in Cheer Education and Camp Direction
Anderson has been a foundational force in cheer education and training:
- Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) (2000-2004):Â He traveled the Western Hemisphere as an instructor, teaching crowd-leading techniques and stunting skills to athletes and coaches from Pop Warner through the collegiate level. He also staffed numerous UCA National and World Championships in Orlando.
- Woodward Camp (2005-2007):Â As the Director of Cheer at the world-renowned Woodward Camp in Pennsylvania, his staff included Olympic Athletes, Cirque du Soleil performers, and XÂ Games athletes. Under his leadership, the camp significantly expanded enrollment, necessitating the construction of a new gym to accommodate the growth.
Competitive Athlete Profile
Anderson has also achieved success as a competitive athlete himself:
- 2010 Cheerleading Worlds (Orlando, FL): Ranked seventh with the Pittsburgh Superstars.
- 2006 USA Nationals (Las Vegas): National Champion with Arizona State (graduate student).
- 2001 CheerTech Nationals (Philadelphia): National Champion with West Chester University.
- 1997 Pennsylvania States (Johnstown): State Champion with Hollidaysburg Area High School.
Anderson is a 2002 graduate of West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and a Minor in Coaching. He started a Graduate Degree in Hospitality Management at Arizona State in 2005-2006. Outside of cheer and dance, he enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, and kayaking. He resides in Hollidaysburg with his wife, Melinda, and their children, Meaghan and RJ.
