Blinding lights pierce the night sky and stars shine brightly, as the final stretch of the football game begins. Around you, a sea of orange and blue erupts in energy, cheering loudly as the athletes start to perform.
But, the excited eyes are not on the athletes who are tackling each other or throwing footballs. Instead, they are on the athletes with unmatched core strength, formidable forearms, and dazzling pearly whites. These are the Hoffman cheerleaders, united in a display of flips, tumbling, and soaring through the air.
During the annual community Halloween event, a student recalled an unexpected moment: “It was around 8 p.m., and I remember when we walked down into the cafeteria, we saw all the cheerleaders still practicing.”
Whether braving the shivering cold or working late nights, the girls cheerleading team’s dedication shines through. “It was really shocking they were still going,” said Jacob Scigalski, junior. “We were all astonished.”
However, cheerleading is ultimately a team sport. When someone makes a mistake, it can throw off the whole routine, making every person and skill count.
“Our season operates nine months out of the year, so burnout and tension among teammates is inevitable,” said Francesca Cudney, head coach.
Despite these challenges, the secret to having success is communication. Instead of shouting at each other when one gets mad, they actually openly discuss and elaborate unlike most teams.
“We encourage open communication and dialogue when issues arise,” said Cudney. “We also have weekly team talks during the competitive season where athletes are encouraged to openly discuss their thoughts and feelings.”
Inevitably, these athletes see each other everyday, so coming to each practice with uplifting and supportive words is the key to a positive team.
Additionally, in order to keep a tight knit team, the cheer team believes that team bonding is essential. Something that differentiates them from other sports teams is their special ritual: each week, before every game, somebody on Varsity hosts a team gathering where teammates can talk and have fun outside of their usual environment.
“These experiences help us connect and get to know each other outside of cheer, so that we work better together at practice,” said Nia Bridgeman, junior.
“I trust my teammates so I know that I can rely on them to do their jobs and ensure success for our team,” added Nina Oliver, junior.
Allowing students to know each other both in a competitive environment and an informal one can strengthen their bonds deeply. When athletes perform, they are more emotional from competition and the anxiety that comes with it. But, when everyone sees each other and how hard they are working, it can really put in perspective that everyone is trying their best, despite the constant challenges.
Another way the cheer team maximizes their success is through preparing for their competitions beforehand. In any sport, the physical aspect is always important, whether it is having strong muscles or being able to perfect your technique. The physical aspect is always beneficial as well. The cheer team does this by conditioning six days a week, sometimes staying late nights in order to perfect that routine.
“Giving my all in practice and putting in work on and off the mat is what really helps me feel prepared and confident going into competitions,” said Oliver.
Along with physical rigor, mental health plays a part in success too. If athletes are not confident in their abilities, they can easily stumble or become discouraged from doing a routine. When athletes do not feel that confidence or motivation, they do not put their full effort into it. This is highly important when it comes to a team sport because one false move can cause the whole team to fumble.
Nevertheless, the cheer team always comes prepared. “We journal and visualize leading up to the competition and perform meditative breathing and grounding before we compete,” said Cudney.
Their dedication has been paying off. The team placed fourth in state in 2021-2022 and made it to day two of the State Series.
Next time you’re under the blinding stadium lights, surrounded by a sea of orange and blue, take a moment to appreciate the athletes who are more than just the backdrop of the game. Whether they are flying through the air, chanting the HEHS Fight Song, or cartwheeling across the track, their commitment, persistence, and passion bring an unmatched school spirit. Without their cheers or stunts, the game would never feel quite the same, leaving us inspired to reach a little further than before.
