As the Thornton Fractional South Varsity Cheer team gears up for their first competition of the season, both the athletes and the manager are reflecting on the hard work and team spirit that have defined their journey.
Raven Taverne, the team’s manager, shared insight into their preparation.
“We’ve had our routine for about three to four weeks and have been perfecting our stunts,” Taverne said. “It’s all about getting it clean and ready for competition.”
For Tamiya Temple, a senior, this year’s competition is especially meaningful.
“It’s going well, but I would like it to be going better,” Tamiya said about the team’s preparation. “There’s still a lot to fine-tune, but I’m confident we’ll do great.”
With the first competition set for Sunday, Tamiya is feeling the pressure.
“I’m always nervous for myself because this is my first and last time at some competitions,” she said. “It’s my senior year, so I really want to give my best performance.”
Despite the nerves, the team’s energy is high. Their routine, based on the “Mean Girls” movie, is designed to be fun and high-energy.
“We’re trying to match the energy of the theme,” Tamiya explained. “It’s a really fun, energetic routine, and we all enjoy it.”
Fellow senior Nyjah Robertson has set her sights on making history this season.
“One of my main goals is to make it to ICA and IHS,” Nyjah said. “For ICA, I want to break into the top five, and for IHS, we were .2 points away two years ago. I want this season to be the one where we finally break through.”
Nyjah knows the outcome can sometimes be out of the team’s control.
“It’s tough because one judge’s opinion can make or break your score,” she said. “You can’t always control that.”
To succeed, execution is key.
“We have to be tight, every single time,” Nyjah emphasized. “Every time we miss a detail, it hurts our score.” She also noted how the team supports one another through nerves and mistakes. “We try to keep the energy high and help each other through the nerves. If someone gets nervous, we’re right there to support them.”
As the competition approaches, the team’s bond continues to strengthen.
“On the way to competitions, we talk and support each other,” Taverne said. “A lot of the girls start to talk, and I feel like competitions are our biggest team bonding moments.”
The team’s fun, lighthearted spirit is also reflected in their practice routines, where they embrace their “Mean Girls” theme by wearing pink on Wednesdays.
“It’s a fun way to keep the energy light and stay connected,” Nyjah said.
As the team heads into the weekend’s competition, Tamiya and Nyjah are determined to make it a season to remember.
“We fight together, stay focused, and leave everything on the floor,” Nyjah said. “This season is all about making our mark and breaking through to the top.”
