This year marks a new chapter for the Cheer Team as they take on this season with more energy and enthusiasm. According to team captains Salomé Tarac and Sydney Spence, the season has already brought “stronger bonds and a refreshed sense of unity.”
With many newcomers joining the team, and the new team traditions such as the game stick and Bigs and Littles have helped connect upperclassmen with underclassmen.
“Our connection grew even more through these traditions,” Tarac said. “I loved getting to work closely with them and watching them grow throughout the season.”
One of Tarac’s favorite moments this year was performing at the Pep Rally, something the team had never done before.
“Getting the chance to do an updated version of the fight song really showed that all our hard work paid off,” Tarac said.
The performance also gave the team a platform to show off their new uniforms and demonstrate how much the program has grown.
“It was so exciting to show off our new stunts and set a spirited tone for the Homecoming game,” Tarac said.
Spence agreed, saying, “My favorite memory as a captain so far was Homecoming Day — performing at the pep rally and then going straight to the game was so exciting. We had so much fun cheering and interacting with the crowd.”
Another team member, Samiyah Causey, shared how much growth she’s seen this year, both on and off the mat.
“I feel that the cheer team has improved because the girls on the team this year are more committed and engaged in the sport,” Causey said. “We’ve also built this great bond where we trust each other and are genuinely friends outside of cheer.”
As captains, Tarac and Spence also focus on encouraging their teammates through the challenges of cheer.
“When learning new stunts, it’s impossible for everything to hit perfectly the first time. It all comes with practice,” they said. “We remind e
veryone to trust themselves and each other, especially since cheerleading is both mental and physical. It’s very important to remind others of that sometimes because we struggle with it too.”
This season has also been dedicated to rebuilding school spirit. Tarac explained that one of her goals was to keep the team “strong, positive, and connected,” fostering an environment where everyone can grow. Another priority has been to help more members gain confidence in tumbling and incorporating those skills back into routines.
“We wanted to make sure our team stayed supportive and focused on learning,” Tarac said.
Being captain represents a full-circle moment for her.
“Coming in as a scared freshman who had never done cheer before, it’s amazing to now be leading the team,” she said. “It means so much to share this role with one of my best friends, Sydney, whom I first met at freshman orientation.”
With a revitalized team spirit and strong leadership, the Cheer Team is entering a season of growth and excitement.
“Staying together through all the ups and downs has made it even more special,” Tarac and Spence said. “We’ve truly built something we’re proud of.”
