March 18, 2025
Contacts: Matt Spellman, Athletic & Activities Director, 440-617-7430
Karen Misciagna, Communications Director, 440-617-7307
Bay Village City School District Announces New Head Rockettes Coach
(Bay Village, OH) At the Monday, March 17, 2025, Bay Village Board of Education Meeting, the Board voted unanimously to approve the hiring of Bridget Dougherty as Bay High School’s next head Rockettes coach. Dougherty succeeds Liz Baumgartner, who announced in December, 2024, she was stepping down as coach after four seasons to focus her attention on obtaining her degree. Coach Dougherty has been serving as interim head Rockettes coach since Baumgartner’s resignation.
According to Bay Village Schools’ Athletic & Activities Director Matt Spellman, an interview committee interviewed three candidates for the position. The committee consisted of a teacher, several parents, a community member and Spellman.
Spellman also said that Coach Dougherty has been a dedicated volunteer coach for the past three and a half years, most recently serving as interim head coach following Coach Baumgartner’s departure.
Throughout her time with the Rockettes, Coach Dougherty has taken on numerous responsibilities, including but not limited to: managing the team’s social media account; organizing and maintaining the uniform inventory; overseeing uniform distribution and collection; creating and managing communications; coordinating with parent volunteers and sending weekly updates; and teaching essential Rockette skills.
As interim head coach, Coach Dougherty has planned and led practices; organized the first annual Rockettes Showcase; supervised the Rockettes at community events; planned the post-season banquet; and led the current tryout process.
“During the interview process, it was evident that Coach Dougherty has a deep passion for teaching and leading the Rockettes,” said Spellman. “She values the program’s traditions, while striving to help the team reach its full potential. She believes in collaborative decision-making with students, Marching Band Director Darren Allen and the administration, and recognizes the invaluable support of parents to the program’s success.”
Coach Dougherty said her vision for the Rockettes is to continue to build a strong community within the team, where there is space to collaborate, communicate and share with every individual dancer. She said she also wants dancers to become more confident, stronger and skilled with the encouragement of a strong support system within the team. Balancing school, dance and life in a healthy way is also part of Coach Dougherty’s vision, one she herself has honored.
“I have been with this team as both a dancer and a volunteer coach since 2017,” said Coach Dougherty. “I was a dancer on the team all four years of high school, which left a large impact on me. I knew from my freshman year that I wanted to become the head coach one day. After I graduated in 2021, I worked as a volunteer coach, assisting with roles and responsibilities year round. My passion for Rockettes has only grown as I have worked toward this role.”
Coach Dougherty is currently pursuing a degree in Family and Consumer Science Education.
“We are excited for Coach Dougherty to begin this new chapter as the Rockettes Head Coach and look forward to a great season ahead,” said Spellman.
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