This year, John Carroll’s cheer team brought back their competition team.

They wrapped up the season by winning two competitions after not competing for many years.
Coach Shaunna Rivera said, “This is truly astounding, especially with the number of inexperienced athletes we had join our program this year. It was exciting to watch the growth that took place over both seasons.”

She added that they started with a young team with little experience, but the girls were coachable and willing to put in the work.

“They respected the coaches and one another and worked hard to develop their skill and cohesiveness as a team. They were motivated to help one another and be team players.”

“The team is extremely versatile, meaning many of them can perform a variety of stunting positions which makes an athlete even more valuable to the team,” Coach Shaunna continued.

The group’s main goal this season was to work together as a team, showing kindness and respect toward one another.

Freshman cheerleader Melina Boyle said that she “loves the cheer team, and how everyone is so different. The different personalities make the team so special.”

Coach Shaunna said some of the best moments from the season was watching it all come together.

“We had six signed up right before tryouts, and by the third day, we had 16 athletes ready to make a commitment to our program, many of whom were brand new but eager to learn. Seeing these athletes from day one, and then watching them progress into bettering their skills, and finally being able to put a competitive routine together, was really rewarding.”

Next year the team will have the option to compete in both fall and winter competitions in local public school invitationals, independent school competitions and local privately-held competitions.

Coach Shaunna added, “We hope to host our own invitational this coming season or in the next few years. . . We are anxious to see the talent returning, as well as new talent emerging from our incoming freshman class. We feel that we have truly created a culture of athleticism and positivity that has brought in true ambassadors of our spirit program that resemble great character and work ethic. That is what will move our program forward into further success.”