Nimitz High School Cheer: Unity, Growth, and the Promise of a Competitive Future
The 2024-2025 cheer season at Nimitz High School in Irving may not have featured a national competition appearance, but for Coach Kama Schermerhorn and her squad, the season was anything but uneventful. It was a year marked by growth, spirited leadership, and a deepened sense of unity, laying the groundwork for what’s shaping up to be a milestone year ahead.
As the cheer program gears up for its return to competitive cheer, the lessons learned, legacies left, and energy built this season have all contributed to a team poised to shine under the Friday night lights and beyond.
A Leader in Every Sense: Sofia Martinez
At the center of this season’s progress and the program’s future is Sofia Martinez, a standout cheerleader whose skill, character, and leadership have made her the heart of the squad.
“Sofia was our co-captain this past season, and now she’s stepping into the role of captain,” Coach Schermerhorn shared. “Her tumbling, attitude, work ethic, and knowledge have been crucial to building up the entire team, especially as we head into a season where we will be competing.”
Sofia’s leadership extends beyond stunts and sideline chants. She’s set the tone for accountability, positivity, and excellence — qualities that elevate everyone around her and will be instrumental as the team enters the competitive arena.
Spirit Without Limits
Although the team did not officially compete this season, Nimitz cheerleaders found plenty of opportunities to showcase their talent and dedication, particularly during UCA Camp, where they brought home multiple awards, including the coveted “Best School Tradition” recognition.
“It was a good season,” said Schermerhorn. “We didn’t compete this year, but our performance at UCA camp was a real highlight.”
That award wasn't just about routines or chants — it reflected the cheerleaders’ infectious school pride and consistency in bringing energy and enthusiasm wherever they went.
Perhaps the most powerful display of spirit, though, came not from a trophy but from a triple-overtime football game — one that ended in a loss.
“We lost our rivalry game during football season, but my athletes cheered the entire time,” Coach Schermerhorn said. “They never lost their spirit or support for the boys.”
That relentless encouragement, even in the face of defeat, defined the team’s core identity: uplifting, resilient, and always present.
Seniors Set the Standard
The 2024-25 senior class will be remembered for more than just their final year — they helped shape the very culture of the program. Their fingerprints are everywhere: from choreography and game-day performances to the structure of tryouts and mentoring underclassmen.
“My seniors are rockstars,” Schermerhorn said proudly. “They work with all three squads, created all the material for performances, and were in charge of try-outs.”
This senior group left behind more than routines — they left a system of leadership and creativity that future squads will inherit and build upon. Their ambition, initiative, and investment in the program set a new standard.
Growth and Development on the Sidelines
With 21 athletes on the varsity squad, including 14 returning members, there was significant opportunity for athletes to grow into new roles throughout the season, and Coach Schermerhorn saw just that.
While she didn’t name individual breakthroughs beyond Sofia Martinez, the collective development of the team was evident, especially in how they handled adversity, tough games, and injuries.
Whether supporting other sports or managing the pressures of multiple performance responsibilities, the cheerleaders showed their depth, unity, and adaptability.
Some extra standouts for this upcoming year are co-captain and senior KaNyla Scott, and Senior and NCA All-American Antonio Jones.
On the sidelines, also watch for Juniors Emily Sanchez, Jayda Ayala, and Angie Garfias. All 3 were NCA All-American Nominees and truly helped lead the team.
Finally, special shout-outs to our 3 Varsity 4-year veterans: Maddie Medeles and Carolyn Guiterrez (both on leadership) and Yalaney Teniente.
Building Toward the Big Stage
The most exciting chapter for Nimitz cheer may be the one that’s about to begin. With a strong core of experienced returners, a competition season ahead, and ambitious goals in place, there’s palpable energy within the program.
“I have 14 returners on Varsity out of 21,” Coach Schermerhorn said. “We’re going to compete this year, and I think we will definitely be able to bring home some hardware.”
That optimism is backed by preparation. The team isn’t just hoping for a good year — they’re preparing for one. With tumbling and stunting at the top of their offseason priorities, the cheerleaders are diving headfirst into elevating their technical skills.
“Our focus this offseason is on tumbling and stunting,” she noted. “The team is excited to try harder skills, and I have a lot of strong returners ready to push themselves.”
The move to competitive cheer will challenge the team in new ways — but it’s a challenge they’re embracing with confidence and enthusiasm.
Looking Ahead: Tradition Meets Innovation
As Coach Schermerhorn reflects on the season and peers into the future, there’s a clear sense that this is a turning point for Nimitz Cheer. The foundation is solid: a senior class that’s left a strong legacy, rising leaders like Sofia Martinez, and a group of underclassmen who are already stepping into bigger shoes.
The team’s strength lies not just in its stunts and spirit, but in its culture — one that values hard work, pride in school traditions, and support for each other both on and off the mat.
As competition season nears, the cheerleaders are ready to take that culture and showcase it on a broader stage. With the kind of leadership, chemistry, and ambition this team possesses, there's little doubt they’ll not only rise to the occasion, but they'll shine.
Final Thoughts
While some programs measure a season solely in trophies and titles, the 2025 Nimitz High School cheer squad proved that success is often found in the invisible victories — the unwavering cheers during overtime, the senior who leads with heart, the co-captain who becomes a captain, and the team that sets a foundation not just for one year, but for many.
With competition on the horizon, skills sharpening in the gym, and a team unified in vision, the Nimitz cheerleading program is on the cusp of a defining era.
“We’re ready,” Schermerhorn said. And after a season of spirit, growth, and resilience, there's every reason to believe her.
 and Yalaney Teniente.
Building Toward the Big Stage
The most exciting chapter for Nimitz cheer may be the one that’s about to begin. With a strong core of experienced returners, a competition season ahead, and ambitious goals in place, there’s palpable energy within the program.
“I have 14 returners on Varsity out of 21,” Coach Schermerhorn said. “We’re going to compete this year, and I think we will definitely be able to bring home some hardware.”
That optimism is backed by preparation. The team isn’t just hoping for a good year — they’re preparing for one. With tumbling and stunting at the top of their offseason priorities, the cheerleaders are diving headfirst into elevating their technical skills.
“Our focus this offseason is on tumbling and stunting,” she noted. “The team is excited to try harder skills, and I have a lot of strong returners ready to push themselves.”
The move to competitive cheer will challenge the team in new ways — but it’s a challenge they’re embracing with confidence and enthusiasm.
Looking Ahead: Tradition Meets Innovation
As Coach Schermerhorn reflects on the season and peers into the future, there’s a clear sense that this is a turning point for Nimitz Cheer. The foundation is solid: a senior class that’s left a strong legacy, rising leaders like Sofia Martinez, and a group of underclassmen who are already stepping into bigger shoes.
The team’s strength lies not just in its stunts and spirit, but in its culture — one that values hard work, pride in school traditions, and support for each other both on and off the mat.
As competition season nears, the cheerleaders are ready to take that culture and showcase it on a broader stage. With the kind of leadership, chemistry, and ambition this team possesses, there's little doubt they’ll not only rise to the occasion, but they'll shine.
Final Thoughts
While some programs measure a season solely in trophies and titles, the 2025 Nimitz High School cheer squad proved that success is often found in the invisible victories — the unwavering cheers during overtime, the senior who leads with heart, the co-captain who becomes a captain, and the team that sets a foundation not just for one year, but for many.
With competition on the horizon, skills sharpening in the gym, and a team unified in vision, the Nimitz cheerleading program is on the cusp of a defining era.
“We’re ready,” Schermerhorn said. And after a season of spirit, growth, and resilience, there's every reason to believe her.)
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