From freshman firsts to the bittersweet moments of senior lasts, each cheer season is filled with advice, courage, and energy. Teammates Chelsie Thomas (freshman) and Isabella Adner (senior) embody this spirit through and through.
Chelsie Thomas, a first year cheerleader at Rocky, made the Varsity Team. It’s no secret that Thomas is a talented cheerleader. She explained her previous experiences, stating, “I have done all-star cheerleading for 5 years prior to Rocky cheer. So, it’s a bit of a change for me , but so far, I’m really enjoying it!” Displaying this energy further, she said, “I’m feeling ready and prepared” about going into her first cheer season here at Rocky.
Not only an athlete, but a student first, she said, “Freshman year has been so good! I enjoy this new environment with new people.” Thomas also stated that she has different steps she’s currently taking to make sure she keeps herself on a good schedule with time management so she can have enough time for practice with the team and practice on her own. “By all means, putting my phone away, so I can truly get to doing all my work overall and not get distracted,” she stated.
Since becoming a Rocky cheerleader, there are new experiences that differs from each person, just like the Rocky summer camp and UCA camp. Thomas said, “With the summer camp working on our cheers, and fight song all summer long has really prepared us. Also, lifting and doing so many reps of everything has really helped prepare everyone. Regarding UCA, which is a camp that prepares cheerleaders from all over for their upcoming cheer season, it definitely was a big adjustment for not only me, but my fellow freshman. It was very exhausting, while simultaneously, being one of the most energetic settings I’ve been in. In general, both of the summer camps helped prepare everyone for their season.” She said her favorite moment at camp was, “The crazy atmosphere, and meeting all the wonderful girls from other teams.”
Her favorite part of this season was her first game that she cheered for. “I had so many nerves, but also I was so excited at the same time. I loved the feel of the crowd, and how we got to partner with the student section at times. Also, seeing all the fans support our school has been amazing.”
Cheering is a team sport. Thomas said, “At first, I didn’t have any close friends while being a freshman on Varsity, but over the summer, it really let me create bonds with the upperclassmen, that I now get to call my good friends.” Thomas added, “Having a friend on the team doesn’t mean we are here for each other just to have fun, but to also push each other, and someone to stand by me when needed.”
Overall, Chelsie has very clearly had a great season so far, Thomas said, “I definitely want to continue cheering here at the high school. I truly am loving it.”
On the complete other side of Thomas this is senior Isabella Adner. Going into her last season, she said, “I’m excited to see what senior year has to hold, but also sad to see the memories coming to an end.”
Adner said that her favorite cheer memories are going to UCA camp with her friends during her junior year. On the same note she also said, “I will miss making memories and becoming closer with my teammates.”
Since Adner cheered since her freshman year she definitely has experience, so it was easier for her to say that her biggest accomplishment was being asked to be a part of UCA staff this past year at camp. Adner said, “One thing I would say to freshmen going into their first year is to be on time and to take things seriously.”
Overall, Adner is not going to be cheer after high school, but is taking this experience with her to help her on the journey of life. From freshman to senior, there will always be differences and similarities, but at the end of the day, they are teammates and friends.
