The Varsity Cheerleaders are an amazing group of talented girls and show it through their loudness, leadership, and how they support each other, as well as our football and basketball teams.
“I’ve loved building relationships with the girls and ever since then I’ve learned so much and loved all the connections with the girls and everyone around.” Varsity Cheerleading Coach, Mrs. Alves tells us. We had the chance to interview her on being a cheer coach and how it has impacted her and how it’s built a connection with her and the girls. Mrs. Alves begins to tell us how she has always been a lover of the sport but never cheered in high school. “I probably would’ve thought I was not qualified to do this, that is why I love the lord because he opened this door for me.” Even though she never got the cheer experience, she says that it’s been great to experience it through the cheer girls and watch them grow. Especially watching Varsity Cheerleaders Bianca Peabody and Rebecca Stigge. “I would say all of my bases and back spaces are incredibly strong, if I had to pick one I would go with Bianca because she is a senior and has been doing it the longest and has a lot of time to improve her skill set and improve her upper body strength.” Mrs Alves answered when she was asked who she thought her strongest cheerleader was.
This is Bianca’s second year of cheerleading, and sadly her last with Wayne Christian. She does plan on continuing cheerleading in college. A college she would like to go to is A&T in Greensboro, NC. “I would like to go to A&T really because one of my friends is going there and my mom would love us to dorm together and it’s only 2 hours away.” One thing that she will miss the most about cheering is the team. She talks about how fun practices are with her cheer squad and how she will especially miss Mrs. Alves. As well as Rebecca Stigge, who will also be graduating this year.
This season will be her last time doing cheerleading, as she is going to a cosmetology school after she graduates. “Although I really wish I could, I am unable to. In my ideal dream I could do both, but I do know that I will always have cheer in my life in some way or another.” It is especially hard since she has been doing what she loves for 11 years, but she is excited to see how Wayne Christian cheering changes over the years and what new cheerleaders are yet to come. One advice she would give new or upcoming Varsity Cheerleaders is to have fun and know that it is okay to ask any questions. Rebecca tells us, “I know it may seem scary, especially coming from JV to Varsity or even just starting, but we are a team for a reason. Even during times where we may be stressed or frustrated, we are still here to help you in any way we can.”
These girls have shown great strength and compassion through their leadership and have been a great role model for younger cheerleaders. We are very excited to see how they carry on with these things after graduating and as they move forward in their life.
