As the school year ends and winter sports season continues, the season for competitive cheer begins. Different from sideline cheerleading, traditional competitive cheer (TCC) includes high-level competitions among multiple schools and teams with high-risk stunts, dancing, and tumbling.
Sideline cheer focuses more on supporting other teams, as the NDB cheerleaders support the Serra football and basketball teams, along with the NDB volleyball and basketball teams. This type of cheer involves cheers and a halftime routine. In contrast, competitions are more strictly about TCC. The competitions include a cheer section, a dance section, and a stunting and pyramid section, which all work together to perform a unique routine.
Many NDB cheerleaders look forward to this season and have many positive remarks on their experience.
“Each school shows its routine to the judges, some [teams] win trophies and other awards. I’ve been to four regionals and one national competition,” said junior Isabella Michael. “The experience is so much fun because even though it is a big competition, it feels like a celebration of spirit, and I’ve met some of my close cheer friends through these competitions.”
However, not every cheerleader prefers TCC to sideline cheer. Routines can be difficult and complex, and competitions can become too high-pressure, especially when traveling long distances to compete.
“TCC is definitely fun, I like the aspect of community. I think both [TCC and sideline cheer] are equally good, but competitions are where you can let out all of your energy,” said junior Cherie Gilbert. “If you’re more competitive and enjoying competing for something I’d definitely recommend competitions, but both styles are good choices.”
Head cheer coach Lea Santini remarked about her experience coaching cheer. This year marks her first year as head coach for NDB.
“I’ve been a coach for 10 years coaching at high schools, I’ve coached all varsity levels of high school teams. We’ve been to CCS, Regionals, Nationals, it’s been a good time.” Santini shared. “[Being head coach,] I feel great, I feel so blessed to be able to work with some of the most incredible kids I’ve ever met.”
With competition cheer season beginning soon, NDB cheerleaders have lots of excitement to look forward to. The first competition will take place on December 14 in Union City. Good luck to everyone competing this season.
