Pueblo High Cheer 2025: Strength in Spirit, Growth in Unity
For Coach Yesenia Martinez, leading the Pueblo High School Cheer team is about more than perfect stunts and sharp routines. It’s about growth, connection, and building a family-like culture that brings athletes, coaches, and parents together for something bigger than trophies. And in the 2024–2025 winter season, that spirit was on full display.
While no season is without its hurdles, Pueblo Cheer closed out this year with strong performances, personal triumphs, and team memories that will last long after the last cheer was called at the Senior Pep Assembly.
Behind the Scenes: Coaches and Parents as Key Contributors
When reflecting on the key contributors to the team’s success, Coach Martinez doesn’t begin with athletes—but with the adults who make the cheer machine run smoothly: coaches and parents.
“Coaches have the ability to make or break a season or team,” she explained. “Being positive, supportive of each other and the athletes is key. We work together toward one goal—to continue learning, improving, and creating a great season.”
But the support didn’t stop at the sidelines. Parents stepped up in vital ways, assisting with fundraisers, transportation, organizing the end-of-season banquet, and being present as consistent cheerleaders behind the cheerleaders.
It was this all-in community effort that created a strong foundation for everything that followed.
A Season of Highs, Lows, and Lasting Memories
As Coach Martinez put it, “No season is perfect.” Each athlete brings their own quirks, personalities, and challenges—but that’s also what makes each year memorable and unique.
This season saw Pueblo High Cheer experience real growth, especially through travel and competition opportunities. The team competed in Game Day—a category that was new for many athletes—and while they didn’t take first place, they walked away with a new level of motivation.
“My athletes were devastated,” said Martinez. “But they immediately began talking about how to improve and what we could do to place higher. That’s what you want to hear as a coach.”
And when it came to closing the season on a high note, the team delivered in full spirit at the Senior Pep Assembly—a high-energy, emotional performance that encapsulated everything they’d worked for all year.
Alexia Valdez-Chavez: A Leader Emerges
Every great team has stories of individual growth, and one of the most inspiring this season came from Alexia F. Valdez-Chavez.
Starting her cheer journey in youth programs, Alexia joined the high school team as a junior. At first, she was shy and reserved, unsure of herself in the new environment. But her potential was never in doubt.
“I knew she had a loud, energized cheerleader inside,” Coach Martinez said.
By the time tryouts came around for her senior season, it was clear Alexia was ready to take the next step. Through summer practices and early-season workouts, she blossomed into a leader—quick to learn and eager to help others.
Her growth was so undeniable that she earned the role of Head Captain, a title that reflected not only her skill but her transformation.
Facing Pressure with Purpose
One of the defining experiences of the year was the team’s performance at the Game Day competition. For many athletes, it was their first exposure to the format, and the results were sobering—they didn’t take home the top prize.
Yet, in true Warrior spirit, they used the setback as fuel.
“Rather than being discouraged, they asked, ‘What can we do to place higher?’” Coach Martinez said proudly.
That attitude of accountability and hunger for improvement spoke volumes about the team’s maturity and commitment. They understood that progress is a process—and they were willing to do the work.
Looking to the Future: Returning Athletes and Fresh Energy
With the 2024–2025 season in the books, Coach Martinez already has her eyes on what’s next—and she likes what she sees.
“I’m excited to see what these amazing athletes bring,” she said. “With our season ending on such a great note, I can only imagine great things.”
She’s particularly enthusiastic about new incoming athletes, whose presence always adds fresh energy and positive change to the team dynamic. Every season is a chance to build something new while holding onto the best parts of the past—and Pueblo Cheer is positioned to keep rising.
Offseason Goals: Strengthening the Core
To take the program to the next level, Coach Martinez has identified several key areas of focus this offseason: stamina, stunts, and tumbling.
In cheerleading, these skills are more than just impressive—they’re essential to safety, synchronicity, and competitive edge. The offseason is a time to build strength, sharpen routines, and lay down the physical groundwork that will pay off when the lights come back on.
A Season That Speaks Volumes
In many ways, Pueblo High Cheer’s 2025 season was a microcosm of what school spirit is all about: lifting each other up, pushing through obstacles, and finding joy in the journey. Under the thoughtful and passionate guidance of Coach Yesenia Martinez, the team has done more than perform—they’ve built something lasting.
They’ve cultivated a culture where coaches, parents, and athletes all matter. Where setbacks become stepping stones. And where even the shyest cheerleader can find their voice and become a captain.
As Coach Martinez and her team head into the offseason, one thing is clear: Pueblo Cheer isn’t just preparing for next season—they’re preparing leaders, teammates, and confident young people who will continue to inspire their school and their community.
For more on Pueblo Cheer and to see team stats and competition results, visit their page on MaxPreps.
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