While some students spend 2-3 years climbing their way up the ranking ladder on a team, many want to be on varsity as soon as they can. This year, the KHS Cheer coaches allowed six freshmen to get a spot on the varsity cheer team. 

Through multiple practices, tryouts, and watching different routines; the coaches were finally able to come up with the decision about who will and won’t be on the varsity team for the 2024 football season. 

Senior Captain Melina Lucci says, “Something that’s really surprised me is how quickly the freshmen can pick up things and it’s a really good trait they all have.”

Since the decision was an orthodox one, many are probably wondering why so many freshmen made the varsity cut. “I think the reason so many of us were selected for varsity was because we have a lot of talent in our grade and a lot of really strong girls with good energy,” says freshman Ashley Tumminia.

While some might think that most of the work is put in throughout the season not everyone knows it also takes time during the off-season to make it on varsity and the off-season is when most of the girls thrive. Many of the freshmen cheerleaders are also gymnasts and dancers on the side. Of course, during the tryouts and pre-season, the cheerleaders are still working hard and doing their best to impress the coaches but that continues with the rest of the year, even past the season with their other sports. 

“I think having all these freshmen will 100% help the team’s performance in the long run because next year when there’s another tryout the girls already know what to expect and they can help out their friends who can potentially be on varsity,” Lucci says. This addition of talent will not only improve the team but also represent the coaches’ commitment to noticing potential regardless of one’s grade level.

e cheerleaders are still working hard and doing their best to impress the coaches but that continues with the rest of the year, even past the season with their other sports. 

Along with that, having so many freshmen on varsity helps the older girls pick up a sense of leadership. Whether it’s a sophomore, junior, or senior all the upperclassmen have the opportunity to lead and support their younger teammates. As Tumminia said, the positive energy in the group is contagious, which leads to a supportive environment that encourages everyone to push themselves and try new things. 

Although all the upperclassmen do try their best to make everyone comfortable there is still some nervousness within the team. Freshman Camryn Maloney says, “Most of the time I feel pressure to perform at a higher level because I work really hard and I just don’t want to embarrass myself, especially in front of the older girls.” This sense of pressure is natural, especially for the young girls stepping into the responsibility of a varsity team but it also forces growth for the girls. 

Over time, as the freshmen gain more experience and confidence, the first few weeks of pressure will start to transform into motivation. With the support of their upperclassmen and the infectious energy among the team, the younger girls are in a position where they will be able to contribute to the success of the program while thriving themselves.