The Coaches
Who We Are
Mari Blanco
Founder & Head Coach
Hello friends! My name is Mari Blanco. I was born and raised in Torrington, Wyoming, and I have proudly called the Scottsbluff/Gering area home for over 13 years. I am the founder and head coach of WyoBraska Extreme Cheer, a program built from passion, purpose, and community.
My cheer journey began in 8th grade, and by my freshman year of high school, I already knew coaching was my calling. I gained my first coaching experience with Gering High School, where I coached for three years. After my departure, I felt a strong pull to create something bigger—something that would serve our youth in a meaningful and lasting way. That vision became WyoBraska Extreme Cheer.
Cheerleading is so much more than athletic skills. It’s about building character, teaching morals, developing leaders, fostering trust, and—most importantly—having fun along the way. My greatest goal is to provide a safe, positive, and empowering environment where young athletes can grow both on and off the mat.
The Panhandle lacked a recreational cheer foundation, so I set out to create one—bridging the gap between recreational cheer and All-Star Cheer, and giving athletes the opportunity to grow at every level.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of my wonderful fiancé, Justin Chavez, my family, and this incredible community. Together, we are taking big steps toward even bigger and brighter futures for our youth.
When I’m not coaching, I’m usually working (a lot!). But in my downtime, I love spending time with family, creating social media content, thrifting, and planning my wedding.
Thank you for believing in the vision and being part of the WyoBraska family 🤍
Emily Probst
Team Black Assistant Coach
Emily Probst serves as the Assistant Coach for the Grade Level team under Head Coach Tazia Simpson. In this role, Emily supports daily practices by assisting with drills, stunting, athlete supervision, and overall practice flow, helping ensure a safe, positive, and structured training environment for athletes.
Emily is actively involved in the local community and brings a strong understanding of youth athletics through her family’s involvement in sports. Her two daughters participate in gymnastics, and she also has the privilege of assisting in coaching her daughters in cheer. This unique perspective allows Emily to connect with athletes and families while fostering encouragement, teamwork, and growth both on and off the mat.
Tazia Simpson
Head Coach for Team Black
I am the Assistant Head Coach of Aerial Gymnastics, and I have been coaching since 2014. I grew up doing gymnastics and competitive cheerleading. Once I graduated from high school in 2015, I went on to continue my education at Doane University on a cheerleading scholarship. I graduated from Doane and moved back to the area to coach. My boyfriend Dominic, and I welcomed our first child, Leilani Jo into the world in February 2024.
Carlee Todd
Head Coach Team Red
I was born and raised in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, on a small hobby farm alongside my four biological siblings and two adopted siblings.
My tumbling journey began at the age of five after being inspired by a movie, and I have now been involved in the sport for over 15 years. I competed in tumbling for approximately 13 years before transitioning into cheer, where I have continued training for the past five years. In addition to my athletic experience, I have coached for three years and volunteered as a tumbling coach for an additional two years.
Today, I continue to tumble within the cheer environment and am passionate about developing confident, skilled, and motivated athletes who feel safe, supported, and encouraged. My goal is to help build a cheer family that grows not only in technical ability, but also in passion, discipline, and self-confidence—both on and off the mat.
MaryAnn Saucedo
Head Coach of Team Gold
I cheered for Scottsbluff High School 2001-2005. I was captain my senior year, made all star cheer my senior year, where we cheered at the all Star football game for the Western part of the state and was a UCA all star selectee.
I went on to start my family and have two beautiful, grown children Osiris 18 and Emma 14.
I coached Scottsbluff Cheer Squad 2012-2015, 3 seasons. And coached Gering Cheer for a short time. I started my own competitive cheer squad The Western Nebraska All Stars from 2013-2018. I have had a passion for the sport of cheer for over 20 years and love every aspect that the sport brings.
Chelsea Cabral
Assistant Director of Operations and Media
Chelsea Cabral serves as the Assistant Director of Operations & Media for WyoBraska Extreme Cheer and has been a vital part of the organization since its founding. Often described as the backbone of WyoBraska, Chelsea plays a key role in supporting day-to-day operations, team communications, and the program’s media presence.
In her role, Chelsea manages social media and content creation, assists with photography and promotions, supports team communications, and helps ensure practices, events, and competitions run smoothly behind the scenes. Her dedication and consistency help keep the organization organized, visible, and connected with families and the community.
Chelsea is also a proud WyoBraska mom, with two daughters currently on Team Black and Team Gold. Her firsthand experience as both a leader and a parent provides valuable perspective and reinforces her commitment to the athletes, families, and mission of WyoBraska Extreme Cheer.
