Crystal Gilmore Harris is the epitome of a cheer boss. With a radiant smile and a booming voice that makes everyone sit up and listen, she is a lifelong cheerleader, both on the court and off.
Gilmore Harris is the head coach of the Reading High School cheer squad, which doubles as its own Girl Scouts Troop. She began her cheer career with the Northwest Athletic Association when she was a child. Following in her late father’s coaching footsteps, she has spent the past 20 years as a youth and high school cheerleading coach.
“My heart is in coaching and mentoring,” she says. “I try to serve as a positive role model, and I do all I can to support youth in Reading and Berks County, I want them to recognize their potential and possibility”
Gilmore Harris, a proud Reading High School graduate, is also a community cheerleader. She strives to highlight all of the positives happening throughout the city, and she has volunteered with multiple organizations, including TLC Fore, Kids That Ball (KTB), Lonnie Walker IV Foundation, Blacktop Basketball, The Real Deal 610, Reading Youth Athletics and Voice Up. “Giving back to the community is in my DNA: she says. “It’s something my family believes in, and I’m continuing that service because I know the impact it can have.”
During the day, she serves as the administrative assistant in the Reading School District’s Social Services Department. Through her work and commitment to the community, she has received several awards, including the 2013 Girl Scout Take the Lead Award and Athena Award from the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance.
“Coaching is more than teaching our youth the fundamentals of cheerleading,” she says. “It’s also teaching them the fundamentals of life. I will always be there to cheer them on, no matter where their paths lead.”
Palo Magazine
