Last year, it took the Foxes cheerleaders two tries to generate a first-ever invitation to the prestigious National High School Cheerleading Championship at Disney World in Orlando. Now, one year later, they have done it again.
The team will compete in the small varsity division 1 non-tumbling group along with teams from across the country. The event will be held Feb. 9-12, 2024.
Relying on the experience and knowledge they gained last year, and qualifying two months earlier this year, has given the team extra time to perfect more difficult performances that will draw higher scores.
“A competition routine is made up of different sections – jumps, stunts, dance, and pyramid,” explains senior captain Mia Pietropaolo, who is making her second trip to Orlando. “Last year, we used a different order where we performed jumps before individual stunts. This year, we started off with individual stunts, then jumps, and then more stunting – all of which have combined to create more action, and it’s made a huge difference over last year.”
“As with any stunt progressions, you work your way up to the elite ones,” says coach Aleta Balcer. “Now that we have the bid, we will take some time to rework the stunt sequences and pyramids to make them even more difficult and more advanced for nationals. We have our work cut out for us, and the girls are so excited and ready to get back at it.”
In addition to the actual routines, the girls also are focusing more on fitness and health.
“I can see how it has helped all of us,” says Mia. “We worked out in the fall in the weight room with (football) coach (Anthony) Griggs, who pushed us and always wanted to learn more about cheer and our competitions. We now work out with one of our coaches, Krista. She gives us different workouts specifically for our individual stunting positions. She makes sure all of us rotate with cardio, as well. It has been very helpful.”
“It feels amazing to be able to do this all over again,” says junior Alexandra Vita. “I know that all the girls and I have worked really hard to reach this opportunity and it feels great to see our hard work pay off.”
Members of the 2023-2024 cheerleading squad are seniors Fiona Brown, Mia Pietropaolo, and Sophia River; juniors Maurena Cilenti, Mary Ann Frauenholz, Gretchen Shelestak, and Alexandra Vita; sophomores Catherine Conway, Lillian Fontenot, Trista Jackson, and Emma Kurtz. Freshman cheerleaders are Ainsley Goode and Evie Rosen.