2025 Winter Season Recap: Minneapolis North High School Football Cheer Team
At Minneapolis North High School, cheerleading isn’t just about high kicks, chants, and halftime routines—it’s about leadership, growth, and building a supportive sisterhood. Under the guidance of Head Coach Gwendolyn Johnson, the 2025 football cheer season was one of reflection, resilience, and rising to the occasion.
As Coach Johnson recounts the season, it’s clear her cheer squad was about much more than sideline routines—it was about character development, collaboration, and building a community of empowered young women who uplift each other and lead with grace. The cheer team not only brought energy to every football game, but they also fostered an environment where individual strengths flourished and collective morale soared.
A Season Defined by Growth and Positivity
Coach Johnson emphasizes that this year’s success was not defined by trophies or competitions but by the steady cultivation of a team culture rooted in performance excellence, leadership, and unity. Her strategy centered on two essential pillars: positive reinforcement and open communication.
One of her signature methods to foster this growth was the implementation of the “Glows & Grows” segment during team meetings. Each cheerleader was encouraged to identify something they did well (a Glow) and an area they believed they or the team could improve upon (a Grow). This practice helped promote self-awareness, humility, and the desire to uplift teammates rather than criticize them.
“It really helped them to reflect,” said Coach Johnson. “And it showed them how to grow into powerful leaders by recognizing both their strengths and their areas of opportunity.”
Key Contributors: Leaders in Motion
Coach Johnson was quick to point out that while every cheerleader brought something unique and essential to the team, a few individuals stepped up into bigger leadership roles as the season progressed.
KyKy, for instance, began the season as a back-row cheerleader, but her natural leadership abilities and motivational spirit quickly made her stand out. She was instrumental in guiding the JV squad—many of whom were cheering for the first time—and was eventually named JV captain while continuing to contribute to Varsity.
Olivia, another standout from the JV team, earned the title of MVP after displaying unwavering dedication to learning new cheers and pushing herself. Her hard work earned her a spot cheering Varsity in the final games of the season—a true testament to her growth and commitment.
Then there was Aaveah, a captain who took charge not just by calling out cheers but by actively checking in with teammates, identifying when someone needed extra help, and ensuring that no one was left behind. Her attention to detail and supportive nature helped the team stay sharp and connected.
And, finally, Makhia (MK)—a four-year veteran of the program—emerged as the honorary captain, serving as the bridge between Coach Johnson’s vision and the team’s execution. MK taught the younger girls about game flow, when and how to initiate cheers, and embodied the discipline and tradition instilled by her coach.
“They all brought something special,” said Coach Johnson. “Their contributions shaped the team in ways that will last well beyond this season.”
Highlights That Sparked Momentum
One of the most powerful moments of the season wasn’t even on the field—it was during Homecoming. Several upperclassmen from the cheer squad were crowned Homecoming Royalty, a moment that deeply impacted the younger cheerleaders and became a source of inspiration.
“It was a great experience,” Johnson shared. “It showed the younger girls that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. That moment set the tone for the rest of our season.”
That kind of inspiration fueled the cheerleaders’ motivation not just to perform but to carry themselves with pride and determination, on and off the sidelines.
Responding to Challenges with Grace
This season wasn’t without its difficulties. The team faced emotional hurdles, especially surrounding mental health, which Coach Johnson took seriously. When some team members needed to step back to prioritize their well-being, the rest of the squad responded not with judgment but with empathy.
“We had a few students who had to leave due to mental health,” Johnson explained. “And instead of the girls making jokes or being rude, they supported their decisions and were there for them like a true sisterhood should be.”
This emotional maturity and unity underscored the strength of the team. For Coach Johnson, these moments mattered just as much—if not more—than anything that happened during a routine.
A Senior Class That Left a Legacy
Although the team didn’t revolve around competition scores, the senior class scored high in leadership and heart. Their biggest contribution? Inclusion.
“They brought a family feel to the program,” said Johnson. “If someone didn’t have what they needed, they made it happen as a team. They created team-building games and always found ways to make everyone feel welcomed.”
That legacy of compassion, support, and togetherness is something the younger cheerleaders will carry into the next season.
Looking Ahead: The Future Is Bright
With such a strong foundation laid by this year’s team, Coach Johnson is already looking forward to the 2026 season.
“What excites me most,” she said, “is that I know these girls are going to come back harder than ever. They’re full of ideas, new cheers, and fresh energy.”
Johnson doesn’t just want to improve the routines—she’s committed to improving whatever the girls need to have another successful year. Whether it’s training, new uniforms, more opportunities, or emotional support, she’s prepared to invest in the full development of her team.
More Than Cheerleading
Coach Johnson’s cheer program is about more than leading chants or firing up a crowd—it’s about building leaders, building character, and building community. She’s helped create an environment where each young woman is encouraged to find her voice, support her teammates, and grow into someone who leads with kindness, confidence, and accountability.
In a season marked by growth, reflection, and unwavering support, the Minneapolis North High School Football Cheer Team proved that greatness isn’t just measured by trophies—it’s measured by the strength of the bonds built and the lives changed.
And if this past season was any indication, the future of the program is in excellent hands.
 and an area they believed they or the team could improve upon (a Grow). This practice helped promote self-awareness, humility, and the desire to uplift teammates rather than criticize them.
“It really helped them to reflect,” said Coach Johnson. “And it showed them how to grow into powerful leaders by recognizing both their strengths and their areas of opportunity.”
Key Contributors: Leaders in Motion
Coach Johnson was quick to point out that while every cheerleader brought something unique and essential to the team, a few individuals stepped up into bigger leadership roles as the season progressed.
KyKy, for instance, began the season as a back-row cheerleader, but her natural leadership abilities and motivational spirit quickly made her stand out. She was instrumental in guiding the JV squad—many of whom were cheering for the first time—and was eventually named JV captain while continuing to contribute to Varsity.
Olivia, another standout from the JV team, earned the title of MVP after displaying unwavering dedication to learning new cheers and pushing herself. Her hard work earned her a spot cheering Varsity in the final games of the season—a true testament to her growth and commitment.
Then there was Aaveah, a captain who took charge not just by calling out cheers but by actively checking in with teammates, identifying when someone needed extra help, and ensuring that no one was left behind. Her attention to detail and supportive nature helped the team stay sharp and connected.
And, finally, Makhia (MK)—a four-year veteran of the program—emerged as the honorary captain, serving as the bridge between Coach Johnson’s vision and the team’s execution. MK taught the younger girls about game flow, when and how to initiate cheers, and embodied the discipline and tradition instilled by her coach.
“They all brought something special,” said Coach Johnson. “Their contributions shaped the team in ways that will last well beyond this season.”
Highlights That Sparked Momentum
One of the most powerful moments of the season wasn’t even on the field—it was during Homecoming. Several upperclassmen from the cheer squad were crowned Homecoming Royalty, a moment that deeply impacted the younger cheerleaders and became a source of inspiration.
“It was a great experience,” Johnson shared. “It showed the younger girls that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. That moment set the tone for the rest of our season.”
That kind of inspiration fueled the cheerleaders’ motivation not just to perform but to carry themselves with pride and determination, on and off the sidelines.
Responding to Challenges with Grace
This season wasn’t without its difficulties. The team faced emotional hurdles, especially surrounding mental health, which Coach Johnson took seriously. When some team members needed to step back to prioritize their well-being, the rest of the squad responded not with judgment but with empathy.
“We had a few students who had to leave due to mental health,” Johnson explained. “And instead of the girls making jokes or being rude, they supported their decisions and were there for them like a true sisterhood should be.”
This emotional maturity and unity underscored the strength of the team. For Coach Johnson, these moments mattered just as much—if not more—than anything that happened during a routine.
A Senior Class That Left a Legacy
Although the team didn’t revolve around competition scores, the senior class scored high in leadership and heart. Their biggest contribution? Inclusion.
“They brought a family feel to the program,” said Johnson. “If someone didn’t have what they needed, they made it happen as a team. They created team-building games and always found ways to make everyone feel welcomed.”
That legacy of compassion, support, and togetherness is something the younger cheerleaders will carry into the next season.
Looking Ahead: The Future Is Bright
With such a strong foundation laid by this year’s team, Coach Johnson is already looking forward to the 2026 season.
“What excites me most,” she said, “is that I know these girls are going to come back harder than ever. They’re full of ideas, new cheers, and fresh energy.”
Johnson doesn’t just want to improve the routines—she’s committed to improving whatever the girls need to have another successful year. Whether it’s training, new uniforms, more opportunities, or emotional support, she’s prepared to invest in the full development of her team.
More Than Cheerleading
Coach Johnson’s cheer program is about more than leading chants or firing up a crowd—it’s about building leaders, building character, and building community. She’s helped create an environment where each young woman is encouraged to find her voice, support her teammates, and grow into someone who leads with kindness, confidence, and accountability.
In a season marked by growth, reflection, and unwavering support, the Minneapolis North High School Football Cheer Team proved that greatness isn’t just measured by trophies—it’s measured by the strength of the bonds built and the lives changed.
And if this past season was any indication, the future of the program is in excellent hands.)
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