Promotional graphic announcing Alissa Hodges as Head Game Day & Sideline Cheer Coach at The Dalton Academy. On the left, a smiling young woman with shoulder-length curled blonde hair wears a maroon cardigan over a cream blouse, standing against a dark brick background. On the right, The Dalton Academy circular logo appears above bold white and red text reading ā€œThe Dalton Academy Announces Head Game Day & Sideline Cheer Coachā€ with ā€œAlissa Hodgesā€ displayed prominently in red script at the bottom.

THE DALTON ACADEMY NAMES ALISSA HODGES HEAD GAME DAY & SIDELINE CHEER COACH

Kendra Pannell

February 16, 2026

Dalton, GA ā€“ The Dalton Academy is proud to announce Alissa Hodges as the new Head Game Day/Sideline Cheer Coach for the Pumas, ushering in an exciting new era for Puma Cheer.

As the Academy launches Game Day Competition Cheer and expands its sideline program, school leaders conducted a focused search for a coach who could elevate performance standards while continuing to build a culture of excellence. Coach Hodges distinguished herself as a dynamic leader with the technical expertise, competitive background, and athlete-centered mindset to take the program to the next level.

She will build upon the strong foundation established by Coach Caitlin Tidwell while leading Puma Cheer into a bold new chapter defined by skill development, school spirit, and competitive success.

Most recently, Coach Hodges served as Assistant Cheerleading Coach at Tyner High Academy, where she transformed a developing program into a confident, performance-ready squad.

During her tenure, she:

  • Implemented safe, high-level stunting in a program largely composed of athletes new to cheer

  • Established structured stunt progressions to accelerate skill mastery while prioritizing athlete safety

  • Increased student engagement and school spirit through elevated student section coordination

  • Integrated high-energy HBCU-style stomp and shake elements with advanced stunting and tumbling

  • Prepared the team for UCA Camp participation and certification prior to her transition

In addition to her school-based coaching, Hodges has served as a Stunt Camp Director (2024ā€“Present), leading instructional camps across the Chattanooga area for middle and high school athletes. Her camps focus on building strong technical foundations in stunting and tumbling ā€” particularly for athletes new to the sport ā€” creating confident, fundamentally sound performers.

Coach Hodges began cheering and dancing at any early age and comes from a proud legacy of cheerleaders and majorettes. Her background in theater and choreography further strengthens her ability to design engaging, high-impact performances that energize crowds and elevate competitive routines.

She received collegiate cheer interest from Bryan College, Lee University, The University of the South (Sewanee), and Reinhardt University, where she ultimately attended. While health challenges prevented her from cheering at the collegiate level, her passion for the sport never wavered ā€” instead evolving into a dedication to mentoring and developing the next generation of athletes.

Coach Hodges expressed both gratitude and determination as she steps into the role.

ā€œI am deeply honored by the opportunity to continue building the program Coach Tidwell founded. The Academy is an incredible place, and I look forward to helping our student-athletes grow in skill, confidence, and character as they proudly represent Puma Nation.ā€

With the addition of Game Day Competition Cheer and a renewed focus on technical excellence and performance quality, the future of Puma Cheer is poised for growth and success.

The Dalton Academy community looks forward to the energy, innovation, and competitive spirit Coach Hodges brings to the mat and the sidelines.

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