Stunting Their Way to States!

Maya Elbadawy, Staff Writer/Media Production

Our CF Cheer Competitive Team has been shining this season. On Saturday, Nov.12, they made the Top Ten at the SCHSL State Qualifier Competition. This guaranteed them a spot at the state competition. These talented athletes spend time preparing and getting ready for their competitions daily. Competitive cheerleading requires time, practice, and skill.They spend hours planning and rehearsing in order to execute their routine correctly. It takes a lot for these athletes to learn their routines and what they have to do in order to have a successful competition since their performance score is based on difficulty and creativity. 

Another one of their accomplishments this season was placing in multiple competitions and coming in top 15th at Debbie Rogers, which is a big competition for the state. CFHS has never placed that high before, so this year’s cheer squad has been making Carolina Forest history.

Rian Buono, a junior on the cheer squad, expresses, “Our program is growing everyday just by adding new skills, ideas, and amazing athletes.”

Varsity head coach, Victoria Moore, states, “Most of the time when a team has success, people praise the coach for their hard work. While I work hard, this program and team would be nothing without the girls that make it up. My team has so many talented athletes that we wouldn’t be anywhere without their passion and dedication to becoming better.”

This year’s captains are Alyssa Machado and Jocelyn Couilliard. The cheerleading team chooses their captains. Coach Moore describes her girls as individuals who hold their team to a high standard and are dedicated to their sport and team. 

 Machado comments, “This year is definitely very different compared to our last years in the program since we finally made it to states! One thing we’ve really focused on this year is communication and expressing ourselves regarding how we feel and our thoughts on the routine. We wanted to really perform something that is fun and represents us as a whole. Also, shoutout to our coaches, Coach Moore and Coach Mackenzie, who have dedicated so much to the team. They put together an incredible routine, and we are super grateful that they believe in and encourage us even through the rough times. As a senior, I am super happy we were able to make it to states, and I really love this team!”

The Carolina Forest Varsity Cheer team will be competing at the AAAAA State Championship this Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Colonial Life Arena at 6:30 p.m. Good luck to our Lady Panthers!