A Season of Seven: Illini Bluffs Cheer Pushes to IHSA State with Grit, Heart, and Unbreakable Unity
In the fast-paced world of competitive cheerleading, where every stunt must hit and every move must land with precision, seven determined athletes from Illini Bluffs High School defied the odds. Under the leadership of Coach Aana Giftos, this small but mighty team overcame injuries, rewrote their routines mid-season, and—most impressively—secured a spot at the IHSA State Finals.
For Coach Giftos, who retired after this season following an incredible 13-year coaching career, 2025 was nothing short of unforgettable.
“It took every one of them to make the season successful,” she said. “We only competed with seven cheerleaders on the floor, and each cheerleader had to be perfect.”
A Unified Front
Unlike larger teams that can rotate athletes in and out, the Illini Bluffs cheer squad had no room for error—or substitution. Each performance was a full-team effort in the most literal sense. From bases to backspots to flyers, every member played a critical role in executing high-difficulty routines that required flawless timing and unmatched trust.
“There was no backup. No one to sub in,” said Giftos. “It was seven girls giving their all, every single performance.”
Despite the small roster, this team had big heart. Every practice, every rep, every stunt—they were all-in.
Rising to the Challenge
This season wasn’t smooth sailing. The Tigers were thrown a major curveball early on when one of their flyers was injured just before the first competition. In cheerleading, a late routine change is no small matter—it’s a complete overhaul. With less than a full team and precious little time, the squad had to rework their entire choreography.
They brought their choreographer back in, reshuffled the routine, and got to work.
“That moment was really a turning point,” Giftos explained. “They could have folded under the pressure, but instead, they leaned in. They worked harder. They realized that success would only come if they operated as one team.”
The athletes embraced the challenge. They doubled down on practice, focused on their technique, and found strength in each other. It wasn’t just about recovery—it was about redefining their season.
Stepping Into the Spotlight
Amid the turbulence, one flyer in particular rose to the occasion. With no one to share the role, she had to take on the bulk of the team’s aerial work—an incredible burden in both physical and mental pressure. And yet, she thrived.
“She grew the most this season,” Giftos said. “She was put into a situation where she had to hit her stunts, and she worked so hard to do just that. She didn’t let the team down.”
Her development wasn’t just skill-based. It was leadership through action—consistently showing up, pushing through, and flying high when the team needed her most.
Seniors Who Set the Standard
Three of the seven athletes were seniors, and their influence was monumental. They not only brought talent and performance to the mat, but also heart and leadership to the team.
“One of our seniors brought positivity to every practice and competition—even when she was overworked,” said Giftos. “Another was sick for several competitions, but she pushed through every time. She didn’t want to let the team down.”
This type of commitment defined the senior class. They led by example, with quiet strength and relentless effort. They cheered for each other as fiercely as they competed, helping lay the cultural foundation for seasons to come.
“Those seniors went above and beyond,” Giftos said. “They made last year a success.”
No Excuses, Just Hard Work
What set this team apart was their mindset. Where some might have made excuses—citing their small team, early injuries, or tough competition—these athletes simply got to work.
After tough performances or scores that didn’t meet expectations, there was no drama, no finger-pointing. The response was always the same:
“We know what we need to do at practice. We’ve got this.”
It’s a response that speaks to the maturity, resilience, and unity of the group. They trusted each other and their coach. They trusted the process.
A Fitting Finale
For Coach Aana Giftos, 2025 marked her final season coaching competitive cheer at Illini Bluffs High School. After 13 years of dedication, she passed the torch—but not before leading one of the most inspiring seasons of her career.
“I’m retired now, but I’m excited to see what the new team can achieve,” she said.
She leaves behind a program built on teamwork, toughness, and trust. And while she won’t be leading practices next fall, her impact will linger in every cheer, every stunt, and every routine.
Looking Ahead
Though the team will enter a new era without Coach Giftos, they do so with a strong foundation and valuable experience under their belts. The returning athletes have seen what it takes to compete at the highest level—and more importantly, they’ve learned how to respond when things don’t go according to plan.
With new leadership on the horizon and a fresh generation of cheerleaders eager to step up, the future is bright for Illini Bluffs cheer.
If there’s one lesson this year’s team taught the school and community, it’s this: Team size doesn’t matter when the heart is this big.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Illini Bluffs competitive cheer team didn’t have it easy—but they had each other. Through setbacks, rerouted routines, and high-pressure moments, they found a way forward. And in doing so, they earned a place at the IHSA State Finals, and more importantly, a lasting place in the program’s legacy.
Seven girls. One routine. Infinite determination.
They proved that champions aren’t defined by the number on a roster—but by the size of their commitment to each other.
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