Varsity cheer team captains step into the roles of leaders

The varsity cheer team began the season without a head coach, relying on its captains, seniors Akemi Ike, Scarlett Montoya and Hailey Thompson, to lead practices and prepare the squad during summer camp.

After just one year with the team, their former coach Victoria Alvarez moved to New York because of personal issues. The transition left the squad without official leadership over the summer; however, even in her absence, the captains organized practices and helped lead the group at the United Spirited Association’s four day camp at Cal Lutheran University on July 22-25. 

“I feel like as a team, it just made us closer, because we had to learn how to move quickly and listen to one another. The seniors really took on that coach role. So it brought us seniors closer together as well,” Thompson said. “We were basically doing everything a coach would do—picking out outfits for our camp, doing meet times, making sure everyone was wearing the right uniform [and] putting people in formations for routines. I definitely learned to be more patient and empathetic.”

During camp, the team learned new routines and stunts while bonding with the group. Two parent chaperones and english teacher Randi Wagner accompanied the team to the camp, stepping in to represent the team during coach meetings. The captains’ responsibilities focused on guiding younger teammates and ensuring everyone had a proper camp experience. 

Although the lack of a permanent coach presented challenges, most of the returnees felt motivated. 

“Obviously, we didn’t have someone telling us what to do, so sometimes we weren’t sure if we were doing things right, but we put in the work, and I’m proud of how the girls never gave up,” Ike said. 

On Friday Aug. 22, the team met their new head coach, Tisha Pasante, who will oversee both varsity and junior varsity squads until further notice. The former junior varsity coach—Jordynn Leilua—continues to assist and gives the team guidance during practices. 

“[Our new coach] seems very experienced when it comes to cheer and I’m really excited that we finally have someone, and I think the girls are too,” Ike said. 

For the past four years, the team has faced a change in leadership twice. Even with the changes, the team is committed to keeping traditions alive. Upperclassmen in particular have taken responsibility for passing down customs and spirit such as team bonding and specialized cheers from past years. 

“I think our girls have worked really hard, especially with everything that was going on. We still were able to push through,” Ike said.