This year, like every other, Yorba Linda High School’s Cheer and Song program was an incredible success. With tryouts for the song team being in April, and cheer in early May, this program works nearly year-round to put on a production in support of YLHS’s football and basketball teams, while simultaneously preparing to compete. Most excitingly, the Cheer and Song program took home second place in the Spirit Division at UCA nationals in Orlando, Florida, making history for YLHS.
In the early months of the school year, this program is seen both on and off campus. In September, Cheer and Song participated in the annual Roaming Rally, along with various programs at YLHS, including ASB, football, and band. Aubrey Hinderliter (11), a Junior on the Varsity cheer team, said, “This is one of my favorite events of the year! It’s so fun to see everyone come together and roam the halls”. Off campus, this program is bringing energy to every football game, which, according to Kennedy Conrad (12), one of the varsity cheer captains, is her favorite time of the year, as she explains, “Being able to cheer beside my best friends is an unforgettable memory”. The season opener this year was at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California, making it an extra-special first game, especially for the 17 graduating seniors.
The end of the football season marks the beginning of Cheer and Song’s competition season. Each squad from JV cheer to Varsity song puts in hours of training each week to be able to represent YL and compete at a rigorous level. Notably, JV Cheer also leveled up this year to the intermediate division, which required an extra level of effort to perform well. From November to February, each practice was a step forward, ultimately for the goal of performing well at Nationals.
Aside from perfecting each routine individually, the Varsity squads also worked on creating a unity spirit gameday routine to compete at UCA Nationals. Though it was not easy working through a new division with new rules and regulations, Mia Adamson (11), a member of Varsity Cheer, says, “My experience competing the gameday routine was so memorable because we all got to be on the floor at the same time and leave a lasting impression for YL. Even though some of the practices were long, it all paid off in the end”. To this, their hard work truly did pay off when this routine placed second in the nation against big teams across the US.
Not to be overlooked, both the Varsity Cheer and Song teams did exceptionally well on their individual routines. Varsity song put out two routines: Pom and Jazz, and took home national titles for both routines —3rd in Jazz and 8th in Pom! Varsity Cheer also saw great success, moving into the semi-final round in a pool of advanced competitors. This is an incredible achievement for both teams and a clear reflection of the hard work and passion that was poured into these routines, not only by each athlete but by their coaches as well.
Overall, this year was a memorable one for YLHS Cheer and Song. Abby Reddick (12), a senior Varsity captain, shares, “This was definitely a great season. Even though it is bittersweet that this chapter in my life is closing, YL cheer will always be special to me”. For each one of the seventeen seniors across both squads, this season truly ended on a high note, and for the underclassmen, there is no doubt that YL cheer and song will bring the heat once again next year!
