North Hollywood High School’s cheerleading team became co-ed this year which changed the outlook of their comp season (Competition) and overall performance. With this change, their Competition Division went from Varsity Small Tumbling to co-ed Small. Meaning they went from a small Varsity all girls cheer team to a small co-ed group. This change brought a new energy and vibe to the team this season.
Senior Varsity Captain Elizabeth Merida has seen the changes in the performance of her team over these four years. With the addition of the guys Merida says, “The guys benefitted the team by giving us more different and difficult skills. They brought a lot of good and uplifting energy to the team”. With new difficult skills comes tougher practice. Despite the challenge, all their practice paid off, which led to their win in the City Championship.
Flyer Zora Chou has been on the cheer team for three years, and this year the team was able to experience co-ed stunts. Chou explains, “They (the guys) were all super sweet and stayed enthusiastic attempting stunts even when they kept falling. They always worked super hard which I think made it less stressful on the girls too”. With the girls adjusting to the addition of the guys, the guys made the transition less stressful with their hard work and keeping up with the pace of the girls.
Base Brandon Del Toro brought a new sense of trust to the team. As practice is the foundation of the team, Del Toro was able to earn the flyers trust through hard work and dedication. Del Toro reflects, “The team chemistry has grown a lot through building trust and learning how to work together during practice”. With everyone getting to know each other, trust is slowly growing, the stunts developing, this trust is what holds the team together.
Backspot Diego Lino Ortega grew to love comp season. Ortega says, “This season was amazing. I enjoyed the football games, but especially loved the comp”. During comp, the team really has to show out and bring everything they’ve got to score well. As comp is more strategic and more precise when it comes to stunts, jumps, energy, and sharp motions. Every detail needs to be perfect and that brings the teams together.
NHHS cheer has had an amazing co-ed season with them winning the City Championship and are competing against other co-ed teams in the valley. They have one last competition coming up soon. The team has grown so close and with their bond so strong, they have a good shot at the competition. Let’s give some cheer to the cheerleaders!
