Valley Christian High School Cheer 2025 Season Recap: Resilience, Leadership, and Rebuilding with Coach Sonia Avilucea
While many judge a cheerleading season by the sharpness of stunts or the loudness of cheers, the 2025 winter season at Valley Christian High School offered something deeper: a story of resilience, unity, and heart. Led by Coach Sonia Avilucea, the Director of Student Success and Cheer Advisor, the Valley Christian cheer team faced a difficult year—but in doing so, they revealed the true strength of their program.
As part of our 2025 Winter Season Recap Series, Coach Avilucea shared her reflections on the season: the setbacks, the triumphs, and the incredible spirit that carried her team through it all.
A Challenging Season, a United Response
“This was a rough season,” Coach Avilucea admitted candidly, referencing the number of team members who dropped off throughout the year. Such turnover can be destabilizing for any team, especially in a sport like cheerleading where synchronization, trust, and consistency are vital. But instead of allowing the challenges to break them apart, the Valley Christian cheerleaders came together.
“The end of the season, the team came together to prove they could overcome obstacles and difficulties,” Avilucea said. Rather than succumbing to frustration or disconnection, the team found strength in unity—rising to every challenge with determination and a commitment to each other.
Leaders Who Set the Standard
In a season filled with instability, strong leadership was essential—and Valley Christian had just that. On the Varsity squad, captains Ginger McAnear and Arya Gulati emerged as the backbone of the team. Both led not only through their performances but by example—showing up consistently, working hard, and stepping up whenever needed. “They showed up daily, worked hard, led by example, and stepped up anytime we needed help from them,” Coach Avilucea noted.
On the Junior Varsity team, the leadership torch was carried by Brooke Calupad and Kaliah Loud, who played similar roles within the JV ranks—guiding, encouraging, and setting a tone of accountability and positivity. Their leadership helped maintain structure and morale when the team needed it most.
But it was senior Ginger McAnear, in particular, who stood out for her unwavering dedication. “Ginger was key to bringing the team together and keeping joy on the team,” said Avilucea. In a year that tested every member’s spirit, her energy and optimism were a vital source of strength.
Highlights That Sparked Pride
Despite the struggles, there were moments that reminded the team—and their supporters—of the power of perseverance. Chief among them was the halftime performance at Homecoming, which Coach Avilucea proudly described as the highlight of the season. This performance was more than just a routine; it was a symbol of the team’s resilience and hard work. After facing roster shifts and weeks of uncertainty, the team took to the field and delivered a routine that reflected their growth, unity, and refusal to back down.
That performance wasn’t just a showcase of talent—it was a statement: Valley Christian cheer was still standing, and stronger for it.
Strength Through Adversity
One of the most inspiring parts of the season was how the team handled injuries, pressure, and absences. Rather than splintering under the weight of disappointment, the cheerleaders leaned into each other. “The team grew together through the challenges,” said Avilucea. “Instead of fighting with one another, they worked hard to come together and perform well despite others not showing up.”
This speaks volumes about the culture that has been cultivated within the program—one where personal responsibility, mutual respect, and collective purpose are emphasized. In a sport where every member's contribution affects the whole, this mindset is essential.
Looking Ahead: A Stronger, More Committed Team
Despite the tough season, Coach Avilucea is optimistic about the future. In fact, she sees this challenging year as a turning point—one that laid the foundation for a more committed, focused, and cohesive team moving forward.
“I’m excited that this year we will have students who are dedicated and willing to put in the work to take the team to the next level,” she said. Though the team may be smaller in numbers next season, Avilucea is confident that they will be stronger in performance—a testament to the quality of character being built within the program.
This offseason, the focus isn’t just on improving technique or refining choreography. The real priority is building trust, reliability, and unity. “We want to build a team that depends on one another, trusts one another, and shows up for one another,” said Coach Avilucea. It’s a goal that goes far beyond cheer—it’s a mission that shapes young people for life beyond high school.
The Legacy of the 2025 Team
In many ways, the 2025 cheer season at Valley Christian was not defined by victories or trophies, but by character, leadership, and resilience. The cheerleaders who stuck it out through the hard times laid the foundation for something greater—both for themselves and the future of the program.
From halftime spotlights to everyday moments of showing up when it counted, this team proved that perseverance matters. They demonstrated that true spirit—the kind that cheerleading is all about—isn’t just in the cheers themselves but in the courage to keep going when things get tough.
Final Thoughts
As Valley Christian cheer moves into the next phase of its journey, one thing is clear: this team is being rebuilt not just with skill, but with heart. Under Coach Sonia Avilucea’s thoughtful guidance, the program has become a space where young athletes grow as leaders, teammates, and people.
The 2025 season may not have gone as planned, but in many ways, it was a season of transformation—and that may be more meaningful than any flawless routine. As the team looks to the future, they carry with them the lessons of perseverance, the bonds formed in adversity, and a shared vision for what they can become together.
There may not be stats posted online this year, but the story of this team is written in something much more lasting: commitment, courage, and community.
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