Cheer has had a few changes made this year, with the addition of a new coach things are looking very different. Coach Jodi DeFilippi. She brings a passion for cheer and seventeen years experience as a successful cheerleader. Coach DeFilippi is currently also serving as an assistant cheer coach at the University of Notre Dame.

Ariana Ybarra is a cheerleader this football season and explains, “Cheer takes a lot of commitment and dedication, if one person doesn’t do their job everything can go wrong. We always need everyone at practice so we can fully practice the material because once someone is not present their whole stunt group is unable to properly execute their stunts. Cheer always builds strong bonds with one other, you are trusting this person to do what they need to do(or if their a flyer they are trusting their teammates to catch them and never let them hit the floor). That trust builds friendships that are strong and that will last a long time!”

Liliana Galicia was a cheerleader last basketball season. After speaking with her this is what she told me about cheer. “The most important things to remember if wanting to become a cheerleader is to have spirit, to always smile, and to be present at practices.” She made it clear that it is about your spirit rather than anything else others may think. It is a common assumption that flexibility is all cheer is about, but you do NOT have to be flexible in order to be a cheerleader.

“I did cheer for basketball season which I preferred because it is inside rather than football season where you are outside. I liked doing stunts which was the best part for me. You get to see the game front row and centered. If you are nervous there are smaller crowds on some games. Your uniform will go with some of the themes. You get you keep the shoes, socks, and the bow. We will be getting brand new uniforms for this season. “

It is more about the structure you create with your fellow cheerleaders. You become closer with the people you spend everyday with, it is an amazing way to branch out and make more friends.