No Halftime for Gables Cheer: Summer Training

The Cavalier Cheerleading team brings spirit and energy into all school events, and this upcoming school year is no exception. With the objective of improving their moves and fortifying the team dynamic, the girls of Gables cheerleading attended a week-long camp held by the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) at the University of Miami. Throughout the week, the cheerleaders developed their skills in “crowd leading, skills training, leadership, and team bonding,” as the Universal Cheerleaders Association describes.

“As a team, we wanted to expand our horizons and learn more cheers, dances and stunts so we could apply it to our own team and come back to school ready to work and be better than ever. Coming into UCA camp, we not only learned new skills, but we met new people and bonded. It was truly an unforgettable experience,” senior Melissa Rodriguez – Co-Captain of the team – said.

The vast majority of technique-building exercises revolved around stunts; how to safely perform them and improve them through practice as a squad. Hoping to eventually perfect them and show them off on the sidelines of Gables’ biggest sporting events.

The success of a cheerleading team depends greatly on the dynamic among its members and the energy they contribute and use to motivate one another; moreover, demanding stunts require trust. Because of this, a large chunk of the Universal Cheerleader’s Association’s curriculum emphasizes team bonding activities and exercises. Along with this, senior captains Melissa Rodriguez and Ashanti Gibson attended leadership workshops in order to learn how to best lead their team members and fully comprehend their part as role models for other cheerleaders.

Friendly competition was encouraged throughout, pushing each cheer squad to do their very best. Gables Cheer brought their A-game and managed to place in three competitions. They received first place for best sideline cheer, third place for game day performance and fourth place for rally routine, as well as receiving two blue ribbons. Of all the recognitions they received, they are most proud of their title as “Top Banana.” This funnily named award is awarded to the team with the most spirit and greatest effort shown, with Gables Cheer exemplifying these qualities during their days at the Universal Cheerleader’s Association camp.

“This camp has made me become more confident in myself and has helped me understand my responsibility to the team. This school year I want my team to not only be the best that they can be, but know that what we do as a team has a positive impact on our school. I want to be able to push them to do their best and grow the unbreakable bond that we share,” senior Co-Captain Ashanti Gibson said.

The Gables Cheerleading squad is ready to take on the school year with an abundance of energy and enthusiasm. Incorporating their newly learned stunts and techniques, they hope to put a new spin on traditional dances and cheers. Stronger than ever before, individually and as a team, the cheer squad is ready to show Gables what school spirit looks like.