New Cheerleading Coach Named At North Haven High School

NORTH HAVEN, CT — North Haven resident Shari Cretella has been appointed as the new head coach for the North Haven High School cheerleading team, Athletic Director Steve Blumenthal announced Wednesday.

Described as a dedicated leader within the North Haven cheer community, Cretella brings “years of coaching, mentorship, and competitive experience, along with a strong athlete-first philosophy focused on teamwork, resilience, and the overall growth of student-athletes both on and off the mat,” according to a news release.

“We are excited to welcome Shari as our new head coach,” Blumenthal said. “Her deep roots in the North Haven community, proven leadership, and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the mat make her an outstanding fit for our program.”

Cretella has spent nearly a decade helping develop athletes through North Haven Youth Cheer.

“As a previous competition director and coach, she has guided teams to numerous regional and national experiences while building a culture centered on dedication, accountability, and teamwork,” according to the news release. “Her knowledge as a certified youth cheer judge, combined with her leadership of the NHHS program during a successful interim season that included multiple competition trophies and a state runner-up finish, has helped shape her athlete-focused approach to coaching and program development.”

Read more from the news release below:

Outside of coaching, Cretella has built a successful career in healthcare leadership, bringing more than 20 years of nursing and patient advocacy experience to her role as a mentor and coach. As a leader working in the pharmaceutical industry, she has managed and supported multidisciplinary teams while developing a leadership style rooted in communication, compassion, accountability, and teamwork. A devoted wife and mother of two student-athletes, Cretella’s passion for building strong relationships and supporting young people extends far beyond athletics, helping shape a family-centered and athlete-first approach within the cheer program.

Cretella resides in North Haven with her husband and two children and is honored to continue giving back to the community that has played such an important role in her family’s life. Through her leadership, she hopes to build a program rooted in hard work, accountability, inclusivity, and school pride while creating an environment where every athlete feels valued, challenged, and supported.

“I want our athletes to leave this program with more than just competition experience,” Cretella said. “I want them to gain confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and lifelong memories. My goal is to create a positive culture where athletes learn the importance of teamwork, dedication, and believing in themselves both on and off the mat.”