Music echoed through the gym as everyone counted together: “Five, six, seven, eight!” The room was filled with laughter, smiles, and people cheering each other on. With winter just around the corner and basketball season approaching, everyone showed up ready to bring spirit to the cold months ahead. Winter cheer tryouts are not about being perfect or having the best skills and motions; it is about confidence, energy, and working together as a team. As the gym filled with the sounds of counts, sneakers, and upbeat music, the energy was impossible to ignore. This season brings a fresh wave of cheerleaders ready to show their spirit, with coaches looking for athletes who bring confidence, teamwork, and dedication. Between learning routines and perfecting jumps, everyone is giving their all, in hopes of earning a spot on the winter cheer team.
This year’s tryouts began with a full group warm-up to get everyone stretched and ready. After that, the athletes split into groups of five, giving each person space to practice the dance together and review the motions. Once everyone felt confident, the groups began rotating in and out of the gym for their tryouts, performing the routine for the judges while the next group prepared outside. This system kept everything organized and helped everyone get a fair, focused chance to present their skills.
For some, this season is all about stepping out of their comfort zone and trying unfamiliar things. Junior Anna Cecilia tried out because she wanted “to try something new” since it’s her junior year, and she thought she could try for cheer. Her excitement reflected the spirit of winter tryouts, where athletes come together not just to compete, but to grow.
For many cheerleaders, tryouts are more than just motions and timing; they are a chance to build new connections. Returning cheerleader, Sarah Vieira, shared that she is “excited to meet new people and make new friendships.” She also mentioned how much the team has already started to connect, and that she felt like the team began “to grow as a group.” Looking ahead, she hopes “the new team members for this season are supportive and kind to help the team grow.”
While everyone hopes to see their name on the final list, it is important to remember that making the team does not define anyone’s talent or potential. Cheerleading takes practice, confidence, and time, and many athletes who don’t make it one season come back even stronger for the next. Whether someone made the roster or not, showing up, trying their best, and stepping out of their comfort zone is already something to be proud of. Even if you don’t make the team, what truly matters is trying your best.
By the time the final group performed, the gym felt full of spirit, not just from the routine, but from determination and confidence on every face. The school is looking forward to a season filled with energy, pride, and plenty of snowy excitement.
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