Cheerleading is a sport that involves cheering, chanting, and dancing to support a sports team at games. Well, that’s not all that the Carolina Forest High School Varsity Cheerleaders do. They also have competed in six competitions this season. The girls made it to the States, which was held in Columbia, South Carolina on November 18. This team has gone from placing last to this year placing in the top ten teams in the state.
The Varsity Cheer Team is made up of 27 girls, ranging from eighth grade to seniors. The team is coached by Victoria Moore, who is also a math teacher at CFHS. She has been coaching the team for five years and been the head coach for four years. She is passionate about her coaching and strives to see the girls do well on and off the sidelines and mats.
“This team works tirelessly year round to grow. While our season starts in May and ends in November the girls spend the rest of the months out of the year working hard for the upcoming season. There is no break when it comes to cheerleading. It truly is a shame for anyone to say cheerleading isn’t a sport. The girls dedicate themselves and their time into performing a two minute and 30 second competition performance to show off stunting, tumbling, jumping skills, etc. Which people can say that is easy, but while trying to do this all perfectly, they are trying to breathe and have to smile the whole time,” stated Coach Moore.
Mallory Figura, a senior on the team, has been cheering for seven years and has been on the varsity team since her freshman year. She has put many hours of hard work and dedication into cheering. Anyone can witness her passion by watching her performances at games and competitions.
Figura shared, “I love the family aspect that we have developed as a team. It’s like I have 26 built-in sisters which is a feeling I am so blessed to have experienced. These girls are extremely hard working and dedicated to what we all do, I couldn’t be more proud of them. I would do anything to have another season on that mat, but I’m so grateful that God blessed me. Girls, try to soak up every minute of time you have because it flies!”
With Figura being a part of the team since her freshman year, she has had the ability to be coached by Moore all four years. Figura shared a little more about her coach.
“Coach Moore is such an inspiration to me. She’s watched me grow into a young adult and leader. She hasn’t just taken the time to teach me more about cheering but how to uphold good character and be a part of something bigger than myself.”
Mia Trotta, a new face to the team this season, has been cheering for two years. She injured herself in July after only being on the team for two months. She tore her ACL and meniscus working on her double full during tumbling practice. She was unable to cheer on the sidelines or on the mats this season, but she is back for basketball season.She has been able to develop a connection with her teammates and coach.
Trotta adds,”The drive the team shares to preserve no matter the circumstance is truly incredible. There is a chemistry that is not understood unless you are on a team like this one. We are always here to motivate each other everyday. I’ve learned to never let a temporary setback stop me from achieving my goals, and I hope my teammates do the same through their upcoming seasons. Coach Moore has always encouraged us and supported us to do our best. She has held us to a high standard which is truly why I believe that we are able to be as successful as we have been.
Aside from the seniors, junior Samantha Stolfi has been cheering for seven years. She has been on the varsity team for two seasons now. She is a true asset to the team.
“My teammates are truly the funniest people; they can make you laugh and just want to have fun, but we know it’s based on time. We will also encourage one another at any given chance. Coach has transformed this program and has made us all incredible athletes. I will forever be grateful for her!” commented Stolfi.
The girls place seventh at the state level this year. It was a huge accomplishment for them as a team and for the program! Growth is important for everyone but in this sport it is even more important. This group of girls have beat those odds of not being able to place in the top ten! Good luck in next year’s season.
