It’s an exciting year for Huntley’s Poms team. Poms has been named an official sport by the IHSA and the team is now called the “Raiders Dance Team.” They are working hard on new routines.

“We are adding new styles like kickjazz. The girls also have brand new uniforms,” said Chrissy Amling, varsity coach.

Kristin Maggiore is the new JV coach and enjoys every minute of it. She started Poms when she was a sophomore in high school and continued it all the way through her senior year.

With Poms being a year-round sport, dedication is key and the girls don’t give anything less. Along with balancing practice and school work, they work at a Pommerets Clinic. There they gather in the cafeteria with about 150 little girls and help them practice their own routine for Homecoming 2012. Seniors Jenna Strasser, Karlie Grabner, Julia Tlapek, Sydney Maggio, and Andrea Klehr work the roles of captain by leading the team and helping out often.

They have their first competition on Dec. 12 and are very excited to host it.

“We definitely know how to have fun, but we always get our work done,” said junior Kellye Davenport

Last year the team did not do very well in their competitions. However, this is not stopping the girls from working hard and doing their best. There are more people on the team this year, so their performance looks stronger.

“We’re like a family and work together as one,” said Maggio.