By Cecilia Schutt
Photo courtesy of Abby Gotzkowsky
The Willow School’s cheerleaders are bringing school spirit again this year, with positivity and new tricks up their sleeves. One might say the positivity the cheer team brings has to do with the close bonds among the group.
“The thing I like most about cheerleading are the girls on the team.” said sophomore Isabella Swanson. “They’re so encouraging, and I think we’re a very tight-knit team.”
“I love the community and friendships I’ve made from cheering.” said sophomore Olivia Moses. “I’ve become a lot closer with my coaches, which also helps with my dancing, since they’re dance teachers, too. I’ve made friends with girls I wouldn’t have talked to on my own, and they’re some of my closest friends to this day. I also like how my friends cheer us on, while most people only cheer on the football players and how friendly everyone is in the cheering community, even from other schools.”
Students new to the cheer squad are also saying that things are looking up.
“I can’t wait to make new friends and be on the sidelines.” said senior Delanie Sundmaker.
Veterans of the team have also expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming year.
“I’m feeling incredibly excited about this season. Since it’s my last one, I’m determined to make it my best and give it everything I’ve got,” said senior Kylie Butler.
As for new things, this season, the team is going to focus more on stunts.
“This year we are doing stunts and more tumbling during the games and half-time performances, which we would rarely do before.” said Moses.“We’re doing stunts with a main base, a side base, and a back spot in a prep position where the flier’s arms are in a high V, and then popping down to a clean position before spiriting!” A flier in cheering is the person that is being raised into the air when doing stunts.
And a new season means a shift in leadership.
“We are missing the seniors from last year, which means now the current seniors, juniors, and sophomores have to step up,” said sophomore Vivian Jupiter.
“We lost some strong teammates due to graduation, but I think it has made our team closer,” said Butler, who is one of this year’s team leaders. “We’re all working very hard to keep the bar high and support each other more than ever.”
While the cheer squad is known for bringing school spirit to football and basketball games, they are also present at a variety of other events.
“Cheer season is all-year long. We cheer during the fall games and winter games, and we have events to do during the spring season. So it is a year-long commitment,” said junior Maricella Blancaneaux. Some of these events include volleyball, sports assemblies, senior nights, and events on other campuses.
“At the middle school schedule day, we went and greeted people at the door and helped parents and new students navigate the building,” said Moses. “We’ve also helped guide people at our open house as well as high school spirit day, too.”
Students at the Willow School can count on their cheer team to raise school spirit and spread positivity, no matter what event.
