The AT Cheer Team tumbles into competition season following football season with a new roster, stunts, and performances.
The team is headed by coaches Lexie Gomez and Tammy Gomez. Lexie has coached the team for five years and comments on the positive energy composing the team.
“I have coached cheer at AT for five years. I love watching my athletes grow and learn more skills. My favorite part of coaching cheer is the cheer competitions. I grew up cheering, and I love seeing how happy all my athletes get on competition days,” said Gomez.
In past years, the team has won state championships and placed at the state level. They hope to return to the same winning dynamic this season.
“I won a state championship in 2019 with two other people. It’d be really cool to cheer at that level again with this year’s team, especially after all the hard work we put in,” said Captain Marissa Zucchero.
Although cheer competition season begins in Nov. and ends in late Jan. the cheerleaders practice year-round to perform at basketball and football games.
“I love how much time the team spends together, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. We have practices from 5-8 pm on Mon and Wed, and Thurs. most days, but sometimes it can be longer,” said Zucchero.
Together, she and the other captains, Seniors Kayla Soukup and Gia Mosely, fulfill a leadership role through coordinating events, leading performances, and encouraging the team to give the sport their strongest efforts.
“My experience as captain has been great! Just because I am a captain doesn’t mean I am the only leader. Everyone on the team holds a position as a leader and helps everyone out!” said Mosely.
The team typically performs three to four songs, each performance consisting of various stunts and dances.
“I love the Blazer fight song! It’s just a really fun tradition, and I love when we perform together with Orchesis, Blazettes, and all the other teams on the football field,” said Zucchero.
Most of the cheerleaders have grown up cheering on various competition teams or for the Addison Cowboys. Mosely has been part of AT cheer for all four years of high school along with Zucchero and Soukup, Emily Guevarra, Miguel Cuevas, and Kaileen Villegas. While they are excited about their final senior season, the cheerleaders express sorrow in leaving their high school team.
“I love cheer! I was most sad when the football season ended, but I’m excited to see how competition season goes and for basketball season. It’ll be sad when everything finally comes to an end, but I’m really grateful for my best friends and all the good memories,” said Zucchero.
Other cheerleaders discuss their favorite parts of the season.
“I love spending time with the other cheerleaders because we always support each other and help each other,” said Mosely.
To support AT Cheer, see them at any upcoming basketball games or next year’s football games.
