The Ocean Lakes’ competitive cheer team works to improve their skills and stunts after competing at the beach district competition on Oct. 9, 2024.
“Our goal is to build teamwork, improve skills and perform our best at competitions,” coach Equanda Netters said. “I aim to build a supportive environment where each athlete grows physically and mentally.”
Netters led the team this year for her first season as head coach.
“Coach Netters has really taught us to work hard for what we want and really give it our all,” junior Brynn Kimener said.
The girls practice different parts of the routine each week and condition almost every practice to build their strengths.
“My favorite part about being on the team is the people,” senior Tatum Heckstein said. “It is such a fun environment, and I love spending time with people I may not have known if it weren’t for this sport.”
The team practices Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and according to them, they work each week to ensure a solid routine for competition day; they constantly look for ways to raise their scores through social media platforms and/or previous routines.
“My goals for the team this season is to build a supportive bond and keep up our energy,” Brynn said.
Competitive cheer will compete at regionals at Green Run High School on Oct. 26, 2024.
“We’ve been preparing through focused practices, conditioning and refining our routine,” Netters said. “I expect the squad to continue growing, working hard and showing great sportsmanship for the rest of the season.”
