The gym echoed with the sounds of claps, chants, and the squeaking of cheer sneakers against the mats spread across the gymnasium. Behind every shout, stunt, and synchronized step timed to the beat of the music were hours of both mental and physical preparation. The HSE Girls Cheerleading Team takes their competitions seriously and puts in the necessary work to ensure their success.
Cheer competitions never look the same through the eyes of the athletes. Warm-ups, day-of preparations, and practices prior to the event vary depending on what the team will have access to and how much time they’ll get.
“Normally, the week of competitions, we start practice by replicating what the competition schedule will look like,” said Lexi Perozzi, a senior who has competed on varsity all four years. “For example, if the competition allows us to use their warm-up area for 10 minutes, we set a timer for 10 minutes and warm up our tumbling and stunts.”
The team meets often, dividing their schedule to make time for both game-day performances — like Friday night football — and competition routines. Tuesdays and Thursdays are typically reserved for their varsity routine, while Wednesdays focus mainly on gameday material.
While much of their preparation is physical, the cheerleaders also make time for mental readiness.
“Before each routine, we always circle up, motivate each other, and talk about the main things we should focus on,” said Perozzi. “We also ask one another if there’s any part of the routine where someone might need more motivation. This really helps, because during that section of the routine, I know they’ve got my back and they’re cheering me on.”
Even with all the practice and preparation, performing a flawless routine in front of hundreds of people still brings nerves. Over the past four years, Abigail McAllister has learned how to manage them — along with her teammates.
“I usually try to visualize the hardest parts of the routine,” said McAllister. “I remind myself that we’ve trained and practiced for this moment, and that we, as a team, are prepared.”
Ultimately, the team’s performance doesn’t start when they step on the mat — it starts weeks in advance with intense planning, mental focus, and physical work. The girls continue to encourage each other to “play like they practice” and push toward a common goal: to win.
“The team this year is extremely hungry. We’re all so determined to do whatever it takes to win state,” said Perozzi. “That means getting in extra reps, putting in more work than required, and making sure we’ve done everything possible to reach the finish line. We’re all super hype when needed, but we also know when it’s time to quiet down and lock in.”
