By Jeanni Ritchie

 

The St. Mary’s inaugural competition cheer squad traveled to Florida earlier this month to compete in their first Nationals at Disneyworld. This was no small feat as it was only their third-ever competition!

 

But these girls were determined and worked hard to receive a bid at the UCA Regionals in Baton Rouge last November.

 

Sophia Hogg, senior, explained. “The highlight of my time on the inaugural St. Mary’s competition cheer team is receiving our bid to Nationals. We received news the night before the competition that we would be short two members due to an injury and illness. Without reservation, we fixed the kinks and preceded to win second place with this routine, earning our spot at Nationals in Orlando, Florida. I can’t help but acknowledge the amount of heart poured into this experience by every single member. It was an incredible honor to be a part of something greater than myself.”

 

These young ladies, ranging from 8th-12th grade, placed 14th in their division. It wouldn’t have happened without Asst. Coach Charlie Gandy.

 

“She was instrumental in putting this competitive team together,” Head Coach Barbara Jackson shared.

 

Jackson also credits her seniors. Along with Hogg, Gabby Godfrey led the squad this year. Tryouts for St. Mary’s competition squad are not solely skill-based. Candidates must turn in evaluations to each of their teachers, these assessments counting for a percentage of their total tryout scores.

 

“My philosophy is that I’m not creating professional cheerleaders for life, I’m creating leaders.” As a former cheer mom, I applaud the sentiment. Hitting marks and dynamic routine performances are incredible but the resiliency, diligence, and determination learned through cheer are the true cornerstones of the sport.

 

NSU cheerleader Gavin Acor assisted the team this year. “My favorite part was when they announced us for semis and all the girls were jumping and screaming. It was that point where the girls finally realized that they could do great things at Nationals.”

 

Under Coach Jackson’s helm this team will not only continue to do great things in future competitions but in life as well.