On Saturday, Huntley’s varsity cheer team performed alongside 800 other

cheerleaders and dancers at the University of Illinois. This exhibition was a preparation for the team’s upcoming competition season.

The team’s goal this year is to get a bid to the State competition and they have been working hard to achieve it. The girls have been taking tumbling lessons outside of the normal practices to gain more skills.

“All the coaches push tumbling so much because it is worth the most points,” said sophomore Chloe Olszewski.

In previous years the teams had conflicts with the different age levels, but this year is different. Instead of voting for one person to be captain, the 11 seniors took on the role. Even from the sidelines it is obvious how closely knit the squad is.

“This year the team meshes very well together,” said said junior Julie Ngo.

This year the varsity team has a new set of coaches, Head Coach Kimberlee Hoffmann and  Assistant Coach Renee Fowler. The girls have taken a liking to both of the coaches, and respect the way Coach Hoffmann teaches.

“She handles things well and doesn’t yell much,” said Olszewski.

For the team, gaining respect from the rest of the school has been a struggle they have always dealt with. The team so badly wanted to earn respect  after working on new skills all summer long. They had their chance at the Homecoming Pep Assembly and were shocked with the results.

“After the  pep assembly, we were getting emails about how much we have improved,” said Olszewski.

The team is looking forward to a successful competition season and will continue working hard to make it to state.