Whitworth University

SPOKANE, Wash. – Katherine Melka, a Pirate cheer alum, was named as the head coach of a new STUNT program in January of 2026.  Melka begins coordinating Whitworth’s newest varsity program, et to begin competitions in the spring of 2027.

Melka has been the head cheer coach at nearby Mead High School since March of 2016.  Her teams have won a pair of state titles and made multiple national appearances.  She was the Washington State Cheer Coaches Association (WSCCA) Coach of the Year in 2023.  She has also served as an assistant cheer coach at Whitworth during the 2015-16 season and again during the 2025-26 campaign.  She is a leadership and health/fitness teacher at Mead as well. 

Melka earned her bachelor's degree from Whitworth in 2015 and completed a Master’s in Teaching at Whitworth in June of 2017.  She has gained certifications from USA Cheer in safety and risk management, along with STUNT training.