As we move through the offseason, Phoebus High School's cheerleading team is focused and driven to return to state competition stronger than ever. With a renewed commitment to conditioning, tumbling, and stunting, we’re laying the groundwork for a successful season ahead. Here’s an inside look at our offseason plans and the exciting journey we’re on!
Offseason Focus
Our main focus this offseason is building a solid foundation in conditioning, tumbling, and stunting. These areas are critical for us to not only return to the state competition but to make it to the second round and compete at our highest level. We are working to elevate our skill sets, ensuring our team is prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Our goal is to refine these areas consistently so we can perform at our very best when it matters most.
Special Offseason Events
This offseason is packed with opportunities for development and team bonding. Leading up to tryouts in May, our cheer candidates will focus on conditioning. Once summer hits, we will host a Stomp N' Shake, tumbling, choreo, and stunt clinic throughout June and July to enhance the team’s skills. In the first week of August, we will attend a Varsity NCA camp, where we’ll continue to strengthen our routine and team dynamic. This camp will also coincide with official choreography sessions to prepare for the competitive season ahead.
Notable Additions & Departures
In terms of staffing, we’ve made some key additions to ensure a well-rounded coaching team. We recently added two new assistant coaches who will help with sideline cheering, while the remaining coaches, including myself, will focus on the traditionally competitive elements of cheer. Additionally, we are still in the process of hiring another assistant coach to specialize in stunting and choreography, which will be a crucial part of our progress this season.
Players to Watch
While I don’t want to spoil any surprises, we’re expecting some breakout seasons from both our veterans and new team members. Our returners have been putting in the work during the offseason, especially in tumbling and stunting, and we anticipate seeing great results. Additionally, we’re excited to announce that we plan to be a true coed competitive team this year, which opens up new possibilities for team dynamics and performances. We have a lot of talented athletes who are primed for growth, and this season promises to bring some exciting new faces to the forefront.
Weight Lifting and Fitness
Consistency is key when it comes to tumbling and stunting, so we’ve built a culture where regular practice and training are non-negotiable. We emphasize the importance of consistently improving these skills to the same extent that we work on sideline cheering. One fun, lighthearted idea we have to build team spirit is to watch the classic cheerleading movie "Bring It On" as a team bonding experience, so everyone can catch our references and share a laugh. This will be an excellent way to lighten the mood and keep the team motivated throughout the season.
Nutrition
We understand the importance of fueling our bodies properly, especially for long practice days and intense competition. We consistently encourage healthy habits within the team, guiding them on what to eat and drink to maintain energy levels and perform at their best. Teenagers sometimes struggle with nutrition, so it's vital that we demonstrate the importance of making good choices when it comes to diet. This focus on proper nutrition will be essential for keeping our athletes in top physical shape.
Coaching Perspective
To ensure we’re ready for the season, my coaching staff and I have implemented regular training both in and out of season. We have been watching film, learning new terms, and staying up to date with the rules and dynamics of the cheer styles we incorporate. Since we cross over two genres—Stomp N’ Shake and traditional cheerleading—it's crucial that we maintain a strong understanding of both. Regular training will allow us to stay sharp and prepared for the upcoming season.
Fan Engagement & Community Impact
Our cheerleading team has always been supported by a wonderful fanbase, and we’re excited to strengthen those connections this season. Though we’ve been a bit inconsistent with our social media presence, our Athletic Director has worked to create a social media team dedicated to keeping our fans informed and engaged. Additionally, we have a strong relationship with our alumni, many of whom have been supportive in mentoring our team and contributing financially to new initiatives. We are also planning some exciting game-day activities to engage our fans and create more fun in the stands!
Biggest Challenges Ahead
One of our biggest challenges continues to be training athletes with no prior experience in either style of cheerleading. Each year, we have new athletes who are starting from scratch, and we must continue to raise expectations while adapting to the varying levels of experience within our team. This ongoing growth is a natural part of our process, and we’re committed to helping every athlete improve and succeed, regardless of their starting point. It’s a challenge, but it’s also what makes the journey so rewarding. As we push forward, we aim to build a strong foundation that will lead to continued success and growth.
Looking Forward
This offseason is full of promise, with a clear focus on improvement and a drive to be the best we can be. With new additions to our coaching staff, a talented group of athletes, and an unwavering commitment to growth, Phoebus High School cheerleading is on the path to something special. We’re excited for the season ahead and can’t wait to see the hard work pay off when we hit the competition floor.
Stay tuned for updates, and let’s go Phantoms!
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