During the final weeks of August, while many students were still clinging to the last days of vacation, the mats of Tappan Gymnasium could not muffle the sounds of aspiring cheerleaders, already back and hard at work.
In prior years, cheerleading was a “no-cuts” sport. This year, the team held competitive tryouts for the 57 attending girls, up from 30 in 2024, according to head coach Neva Taylor. As the first month of their fall season comes to a close, the girls and Taylor have been busy building a close-knit team culture through games, competitions, team bonding and special events.
With an increase in students trying out, Taylor made the difficult decision to select 26 girls for the sideline team, a figure that allowed for a larger team than previous years, though it still resulted in many cuts. This team attends school sports and spirit events, leading cheers and performing stunts to engage the crowd.
“We have a big sideline this year, which allows us to do so much more, and it’s been really exciting. Now we can have five stunts instead of three. More girls and more energy equals more opportunities for us,” Taylor said.
During tryouts, Taylor said she was evaluating the cheerleaders on choreography, body awareness and strength for tumbling and jumps. According to freshman Camila Paulino, the first day of tryouts consisted of running laps, conditioning and learning the moves they would perform on day two.
“It was stressful, but they also worked us hard to see who we are as a person and what we would do in a certain situation,” Paulino said. “And it was not without fun. Once somebody cracks a joke, it spreads to the entire team. You will never be made fun of in cheer.”
Junior and captain Ariel Tromer is a member of a 12-girl competition team, which attends extra practices in addition to their sideline team responsibilities. According to Tromer, the team learns and rehearses a traditional routine for their weekend competitions, which includes tumbling, stunts and a dance.
“Everyone on the team is genuinely best friends and, because of that, when we’re on the mat and we’re competing, we know that our teammates are gonna be there for us, no matter what,” Tromer said. “When you’re being thrown 10 feet in the air, you know that your bases are gonna catch you.”
This summer, Tromer said the team enjoyed their stay in Rhode Island at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Cheer Camp. Throughout the week’s training sessions, they formed a cheerleading routine, which they showcased at the end of camp, competing against 15 other teams.
“As a team, we’ve grown over time and we’ve learned to trust each other and put in 110 percent effort into everything we do, which is why I think our program has grown so much,” Tromer said.
The team also holds biweekly spirit days, alternating between cheer uniforms and different themes. Junior Iliyana Velez said they recently did class colors as their theme.
“So juniors and freshmen wore blue and sophomores and seniors wore red. There has also been Friday bake sales and team bonding at the captains’ homes, which have both been really sweet,” said Velez.
Velez, who came to cheer looking for something new after her time in performing arts, said that freshman flyer Maria Pinto and junior Kim Claussen were amazing to work with.
“When we were first trying stunting, Maria was a bit nervous, but I’ve seen her become stronger in her flying technique and skills. Now she’s a great person to go to if I have questions,” Velez said. “I’d also like to shout out Kim as an exchange student. I really admire her confidence coming to such a big school like this and her adaptability.”
Looking ahead, Taylor said the team is excited for their Fenway Thanksgiving football game, a bring-a-friend practice in November and breast cancer awareness fundraising in October. Additionally, they hope to launch a “cheer-up” campaign.
“Before every game we’ll sell breast cancer awareness-related things. So we’ll have pins, stickers, tie dye socks, and that money goes directly towards the foundation,” Taylor said. “For ‘cheer-up’ we want to spread gratitude during the season of Thanksgiving by personally delivering notes students and staff write to each other.”
For anybody looking to join the basketball cheer season, Paulino said she highly recommends it because of the experience.
“Late nights, Friday,” Paulino said. “I know it’s only been two [football] nights so far but seriously, some of the best moments I’ve had in my life.”
