It took Katie Underwood a couple years in high school to work up the nerve to become a cheerleader.

Little did she know one day she’d be the coach.

Underwood, a development program assistant in the UO School of Journalism and Communication, is the cheerleading coach for the junior varsity and freshman cheerleading teams at Thurston High School.

Cheerleading is virtually a year-round commitment: Cheerleaders train during the spring and summer, cheer during football and basketball games and compete early in the year. Underwood’s team is building a reputation for success, too – they recently won the Junior Varsity State Coed Division.

Got a suggestion for someone we should spend “a couple minutes with …”? Send an e-mail to AroundtheO editor Joe Mosley.

We’re looking for people whose personal interests make them stand out. We’ve focused on tai chi teachers, soccer fanatics and tango aficionadas. If it catches your eye, share it!