For 26 years, Michelle Stroup made an impact on hundreds of cheerleaders she coached at Wellsville-Middletown High School.

On April 29, the school celebrated her long career during the W-M Athletic Banquet at Roundtree and Johnson Court. Stroup is retiring after the school year ends in May.

After handing out awards to her cheerleaders, Stroup was about to share her plans to retire to all of the athletes, parents and fans who were in attendance. She struggled to find the words.

After a 25-second pause, Stroup composed herself and asked the audience to give praise to the two players the W-M basketball court is named after – Bill Roundtree and Fred Johnson. They combined for 6,795 points in high school and are the top two scorers in Missouri state high school basketball history.

“Any chance you get to celebrate them, you should,” Stroup said. “They both helped put the Wellsville-Middletown school district in the record books for what would probably be forever.”

Then, Stroup ended her speech on the importance of cheerleading.

“Please remember that everyone needs a cheerleader in their life,” Stroup said. “It’s amazing what people can do when they have someone who believes in them and cheers them on.”

Stroup’s daughter, Brittany Bishop, was one of those hundreds of cheerleaders Stroup she coached since she first took over the program in 1999. Bishop gave a four-minute speech on how important her mother was to the W-M cheerleading program as well as the communities of Wellsville and Middletown. She coached over 100 varsity cheerleaders and held clinics that helped introduce many elementary students to cheerleading.

“For 26 years, she has dedicated herself to coaching Tiger cheerleading with unmatched commitment, heart and consistency,” Bishop said.

Stroup received an appreciation plaque from her daughter. There were pictures of each of her teams during her 26-year tenure posted on the wall at the gymnasium.

In her first season as W-M coach, Stroup coached one of her daughters, Brianne. In her final season as coach, Stroup coached her youngest daughter, Brooke, who is a senior.

“In so many ways, her career began and ended with her own children right here in the program, something we would always see as incredibly meaningful,” Bishop said. “She didn’t just coach teams. She built confidence, taught discipline and created a sense of belonging for generations of students.”

Besides Brooke Stroup, the other cheerleaders from the 2025-26 team in attendance were juniors Jenna Collins and Legend Davis, sophomore Addison Nation and freshmen Emma Null, Alexis Brennan and Ashlyn Beach.

Collins said she enjoyed working with Stroup during her three years on the cheerleading team.

“Mrs. Stroup is always so nice as a coach and as a person in general,” she said. “Since her daughter (Brooke) was on the team, I felt that my years on the team with Michelle coaching were really special. She made it really special not just because of Brooke, but because she had a deep personal relationship with each one of us.”

During Stroup’s tenure, the Tigers had five teams (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2012) that placed in state competition. W-M’s best finish was second in 2005. Bishop was on that squad.

The Tigers also placed in the top four in regional competition 14 times under Stroup, including titles in 2003, 2009 and 2010.

Stroup teaches her cheerleaders to strive to be the best in practices, competitions and basketball games.

“Cheerleading is more than yelling at the sidelines and shaking your pom poms,” Stroup said. “It’s commitment, dedication and attitude. If it’s done correctly, it will change your life in many ways such as sportsmanship, discipline, hard work, teamwork, physical fitness, mental strength, confidence and self-esteem, community outreach, leadership, social skills, perseverance and dedication.”

Stroup’s last year as coach was a special one. Five of her cheerleaders were named All-American cheerleaders during a private Universal Cheerleaders Association cheer camp at W-M. They also were invited to participate in Mizzou Spirit Day in Columbia, where they performed a pregame routine at a football game.

“I would like to thank everyone who played a part in our success this year,” Stroup said. “I would especially like to thank these girls for their hard work and dedication.”

An announcement has not yet been made for Stroup’s replacement. She is also retiring as superintendent secretary at W-M after 41 years.

Collins said even though Stroup is not coaching anymore, the cheerleading program will continue to be successful.

“I think Michelle will make sure the program continues to grow and that we all still continue to have a great time being cheerleaders because once a Tiger is always a Tiger,” the junior said. “Michelle wants to make sure it stays that way.”