The underclassmen on this year’s cheer team have plenty of seniors to learn from, with nine total seniors. These seniors have set the standard for the future, and it goes far beyond just the mat. Their leadership has shaped how Lakes approaches practice, pressure, and the team’s future.
“The seniors have helped me grow by always giving honest advice,” sophomore Ellie Rank said. “They aren’t worried about hurting my feelings, but they’re never rude about it. They just want everyone performing at their best.”
That example has shown underclassmen what real leadership looks like. Senior Allie Gedville stands out for her passion and organization. Her leadership shows not only in how she performs, but in how she prepares the team behind the scenes. She consistently takes initiative, making sure every detail is handled so the team can focus on performing instead of stressing.
“She’s constantly trying to find solutions and bring the team together,” Rank said. “She makes sure we’re prepared before every competition by sending checklists so no one is left scrambling.”
Being prepared becomes even more important during pressure-filled moments, when nerves are high. Before competitions, the energy backstage can feel overwhelming, especially for underclassmen experiencing it for the first time. In those moments, seniors help shift the focus away from fear and toward confidence, reminding the team to trust their training and each other.
“Waiting backstage is scarier than stepping on the mat,” junior Shanon Sullivan said. “It’s all about mindset.”
Learning how to manage those nerves has helped underclassmen stay calm and perform with confidence once they take the floor. In those moments, seniors like Gabby make a difference. She leads by example, staying composed and positive even when pressure is at its highest.
“She’s always calm. She can calm me down instantly, and that’s something I want to be able to do for others someday,” Sullivan said.
Above all else, the seniors have shown what’s expected even after they leave.
“They know when to joke around and when to lock in,” junior Hailey Schibel said. “Seeing how the team looks up to them makes me want to build off what they’ve started and lead the same way in the future.”
If Sophomore Rafaella Coelho could carry one trait forward that she has learned from the current seniors, it’s accountability. Throughout the season, the seniors have shown that leadership means taking responsibility, especially when things don’t go as planned. Instead of pointing fingers, they focus on learning from mistakes and improving for the next performance.
“Whenever something goes wrong in a stunt, the seniors own up to it and apply their corrections next time,” Coelho said. “I hope to be able to demonstrate the same accountability they have.”
Seeing the seniors take accountability for their mistakes, without placing blame or making excuses, has shown the underclassmen how to lead by example as roles shift next season.
As sectionals approach, it’s clear that the seniors’ impact has not just been on the routines or on the mat. You can tell that all the girls have not just been watching the seniors, they have been learning, and they are prepared to continue the standard that the 2026 class has set. When the Seniors take the mat for the final time, their leadership won’t leave with them; it will continue to grow with the team next year.
