Meet US National Team All Girl Coach Leighton Clarke!

Leighton Clarke is originally from Lincoln in the Manchester Parish of Jamaica, but he currently lives in Tampa, Florida. He has been coaching the U.S. National All Girl team for five years alongside Tony Nash and Savanna Sibley and has much experience when it comes to coaching a team!

Leighton, Tony, and Savanna deciding on the new team at USA tryouts

Leighton cheered for seven years and has been coaching a total of 22 years. He got his start in the cheerleading world while in high school, and there’s something about the cheer industry that brings him back year after year.

"It’s the only activity/sport that you can do something new or teach someone something new every day. I never really cared that much about winning. I always feel that if my team hits their routine, then they won!"

Leighton's Coaching History

Recreational Program: 1995 – 1998

Florida Wildcats: 1998 – 2001

Brandon Allstars: 2001 – 2008

Chamberlain High School: 2001 – 2004

Tumble Tech Allstars: 2008 – 2012

University of South Florida: 2001 – Present

USA National Team: 2014 – Present

Varsity TV caught up with Leighton to ask him some questions.

Varsity TV: What were some of your favorite skills as a cheerleader?

Leighton Clarke: As for coed stunts, my favorite was hand to hands and inversions from the ground to the top.

What is your favorite memory as a coach?

Every time a team I coach hits their routine!

What is your favorite memory as an athlete?

My first UCA College Nationals with USF Coed was my favorite. All the males dyed our hair blonde, which looked gold (USF colors are green and gold).

What was one of your favorite moments during USA training this year?

The excitement from everyone when they showed up to the training location!

"This season’s team became a family and their work ethic was very hardworking."

How much are you looking forward to reclaiming the title next year?

Looking very forward to it!

Be sure to check out Going For Gold, Varsity TV’s three part documentary series following the US National Team on their journey to the ICU World Championship!

Going For Gold: USA All Girl (Trailer)