Waunakee Cheer’s Historic Freshman Season: Growth, Grit, and a Bright Future Ahead
In a year marked by challenges, change, and fresh starts, the Waunakee Community High School Competitive Cheer team, led by Coach Cierra Nygren, pulled off something truly remarkable—a debut season that laid the foundation for a powerhouse program in the making.
With a team made up almost entirely of freshmen and only one returning athlete, this young and determined group not only learned what it takes to compete at the high school level but also came together to perform with strength, spirit, and a growing sense of purpose. For Coach Nygren, the season wasn’t just about routines and scores—it was about resilience, pride, and building something bigger than any single performance.
A New Team, A Fresh Start
“Our team was brand new this year,” Coach Nygren explained, “and made up of mostly freshmen, with only one athlete who was a returner.”
In many ways, it was a season built from scratch. The team faced early adversity when a few athletes decided to step away from the program, requiring reworking of routines and a quick turnaround in choreography. But instead of letting those obstacles define their season, the remaining athletes rallied.
“They improved so much,” Nygren said. “And it only makes me more excited for next season!”
That excitement is well-founded. For a group so new to the competitive scene, the team demonstrated maturity, adaptability, and a willingness to put in the hard work—key ingredients for future success.
Defining Moment: Electrifying Prelims Performance
Every season has a moment that captures its spirit, and for this year’s Waunakee Cheer team, that moment came during preliminary competition.
“The team had the best Game Day Routine of their season—it was electric!” said Coach Nygren, beaming with pride. “They were just so proud of themselves, which only made me even more proud as a coach.”
That performance was more than a routine. It was the payoff after months of dedication, perseverance, and countless hours in the gym. For a team in its infancy, having a moment like that was both a validation of their hard work and a sign of what’s possible in the years to come.
Rising to the Challenge
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. Between early-season roster changes and late-season injuries, the team had more than its fair share of challenges. But what stood out most was their response.
“When we lost a few athletes early on, we had to rework our routines,” Nygren shared. “That was difficult, but the team was so flexible. They put in the work and made their performances even stronger.”
That flexibility—and the resilience that came with it—became a defining trait of this group. Even as injuries appeared later in the season, the team never backed down. Instead, they dug in, supported one another, and found a way forward.
A Senior to Remember
Though the team was young, it had one vital pillar of experience: a lone senior, Desiree Kopp-Baye, who had been part of the program since its inception three years ago. Her presence was a stabilizing force during a season filled with new faces and shifting dynamics.
“She is amazing,” Coach Nygren said. “Such a great role model for her teammates.”
Her leadership, even as a solo senior, played a critical role in guiding younger athletes and maintaining team culture. She leaves behind not only memories but also a standard of dedication and mentorship for future athletes to emulate.
Building for the Future
With a roster dominated by underclassmen, the future is not just bright—it’s wide open.
“I’m so excited for the potential of the next few seasons,” Coach Nygren said. “Since our team is so young, we really have so many opportunities to grow.”
That growth won’t just come from more experience on the mat. It will come from building trust, refining skills, and continuing to grow the program’s identity. The returning athletes now have a season under their belt, and with more training and more time together, they’ll be in a much stronger position next year.
Offseason Goals: Growth in All Areas
While specific offseason goals weren’t detailed in her responses, Coach Nygren has made it clear that the focus will be on continuing to improve routines, develop leadership, and strengthen the program’s core. For a young team, this offseason represents a critical window of development.
Whether it’s increasing technical precision, improving synchronization, or simply growing the team’s confidence and cohesion, every practice and conditioning session will be a stepping stone toward bigger goals. The offseason is where champions are made, and this team has already shown they have the heart and work ethic to become just that.
The Start of Something Special
What this season showed more than anything is that Waunakee Cheer is on the rise. With a strong coaching vision, a hungry and talented group of underclassmen, and a culture rooted in resilience and pride, the pieces are in place for something truly special.
In many ways, this season was about planting seeds—about laying a foundation for what the program can and will become. The wins, the routines, and even the setbacks are now part of a story that’s only just beginning.
Coach Nygren summed it up best with a simple but powerful sentiment: “They improved so much, and it only makes me more excited for next season.”
That excitement is contagious—and well-earned.
Final Thoughts: Heart, Hustle, and Hope
Waunakee Cheer’s 2025 season may not have come with a trophy or banner, but its value can’t be measured in medals. It was a season of firsts, of growth, and of setting a tone for everything that comes next.
From the high-energy prelim routine to the quiet leadership of a single senior, from early roster changes to late-season perseverance, this team showed what it truly means to be competitive, committed, and courageous.
And if this year was just the beginning, watch out for what’s to come.
Waunakee Cheer is here to stay.
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