Star Valley Cheer Reflects on a Season of Heart, Growth, and Team Spirit
The 2025 winter season for the Star Valley High School Cheer Team was defined not by trophies or titles but by a collective spirit of resilience, passion, and camaraderie. Under the leadership of Head Coach Faith McNaughton, the squad embraced challenges, supported one another through adversity, and showed up not just as athletes, but as a family.
Although the team didn’t achieve the podium finish they hoped for at state, they came away with something even more meaningful: the sportsmanship award, a recognition voted on by other teams, and a true testament to their integrity, unity, and team-first mentality.
A Culture of Curiosity and Courage
Coach McNaughton spoke proudly of the squad’s eagerness to evolve and push boundaries this season. “This team really wanted to try new things,” she said. “They often brought videos or clips of stunts and asked if they could try them. They were willing to push through challenges and continued to work for their goals throughout the season.”
That energy and initiative helped the team grow technically and mentally throughout the season. The athletes weren't just executing routines—they were helping to build them. Their hunger to improve helped define their trajectory and set a strong foundation for the future.
A Season of Milestones and Momentum
By Coach McNaughton’s account, the 2025 season was a success, marked by effort, talent, and joy. A particularly exciting development was the team’s coed routine at state, made possible by the successful recruitment of several new male athletes.
“We ended up recruiting a few more guys to join us for our coed routine at state ,and that was so fun,” McNaughton shared. “We didn’t end up placing as well as we wanted at state, but I am so proud of how we showed up.”
That showing, while not captured in medals, was visible in the team’s confidence, execution, and the mutual respect from their peers, culminating in the sportsmanship award, a moment Coach McNaughton called the highlight of the season.
“This team introduced themselves to every visiting team, cheered hard, and came home with the sportsmanship award at state. That is probably the thing I am most proud of from our season,” she said. “It is voted on by every team at the competition.”
Leadership from the Top: Seniors Leave a Legacy
The 2025 senior class may have been small, but it was mighty in terms of leadership, mentorship, and example-setting. Ryan, one of the senior members, played a pivotal role in mentoring the new male athletes on proper lifting, tossing, and physical preparation.
“Ryan was essential in teaching our new guys. He coached them on workouts and tosses and how to hold feet,” Coach McNaughton explained. “He showed so much passion and heart.”
Kynzee, the team’s veteran flyer, brought another level of experience and adaptability. “She was our go-to flyer for anything complicated. She always teaches others, gives positive feedback, and is willing to play any role to support the team.”
These two seniors not only anchored the team’s performance but left behind a culture of support and excellence that will shape the program moving forward.
Fresh Faces and Big Breakthroughs
Among the emerging stars was Brooklyn, a freshman who joined the competitive squad mid-season and quickly made a name for herself as a standout flyer.
“She really stood out,” said McNaughton. “Brooklyn joined us for competition and showed great potential early on. That kind of development in a freshman is exciting for the future.”
The season also tested the depth and heart of the team. Multiple athletes faced injuries—including Kendyl, Lucy, Rylynne, Kynzee, Hazel, Sarah, and Dallas—but that never became an excuse or a reason to back down.
“The team was so good to step in and fill spots, reach out to team members, and just show up and give their best every day,” said McNaughton. Their ability to adapt and persevere was a defining trait of the 2025 season.
Building the Future, One Skill at a Time
With most of the team set to return—particularly a strong class of juniors—the Star Valley Cheer Team has every reason to look ahead with optimism. “We had such a talented group of kids, and most of them are juniors, so we get to have them for one more year,” McNaughton said.
That returning core is already setting its sights higher. “Some of the things we’ve been doing in the offseason are more complex than what we did at competition last year,” said McNaughton. “That’s super exciting to see.”
Offseason Focus: Gymnastics and Jump Training
To continue their growth, the team is sharpening its focus on tumbling and flexibility. Working with a dedicated gymnastics coach, Star Valley’s cheerleaders are enhancing their skills on the mat and learning techniques to improve jumps, stretches, and overall body control.
“We have a few tumblers but would like to see that more widespread across the program,” McNaughton said. “We’re also working on particular stretches to improve jumps and flexibility.”
These improvements are not just technical upgrades—they’re part of an intentional strategy to evolve the team’s performance ceiling and remain competitive in a growing, athletic field.
More Than Just Cheerleaders
Star Valley’s 2025 Cheer Team proved themselves to be more than athletes performing routines on the sidelines or at competitions. They became ambassadors of sportsmanship, hard work, and team unity. From welcoming visiting teams with open arms to lifting up teammates through injuries and lineup changes, their contributions extended beyond the mat.
Their season reminds us that in cheerleading—as in all sports—the truest measure of success is often not found in the scoreboard, but in how a team carries itself through adversity and lifts each other to new heights.
Looking Ahead
With an incredibly skilled core returning, improved technical training in the offseason, and a culture rooted in trust and teamwork, the future of Star Valley Cheer looks bright. Coach Faith McNaughton’s vision for the team goes far beyond competition placements—she’s building a team that excels in character, in leadership, and in performance.
“I feel super excited about what we can accomplish,” she said. And from what we’ve seen this season, she has every reason to be.
To follow Star Valley Cheer’s continued progress, keep an eye on school updates, social media, and community showcases throughout the year. This is a team worth watching—and celebrating.
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