The spirit squad is performing new cheers and dances at football and basketball games this year.

New spirit squad member Keira Chang ’25 said she enjoys supporting the football team at away games, where the spirit squad is able to spend time traveling together.

“I think that it is great to support our teams even when they are playing away games,” Chang said. “Traveling on the bus to support the football team was memorable for me because it is important to show support and cheer them on when opposing fans are trying to discourage our sports teams.”

Kai Harleston ’24 said establishing close connections between teammates was difficult because practices were mainly held over Zoom.

“Without face-to-face interaction, I found it hard to build chemistry [among]my teammates especially because I was new to cheer,” Harleston said. “Although the seniors last year still did a great job of making everyone feel included, I think that being in person has helped us significantly in understanding each other’s tendencies and working together.”

Harleston also said she feels fortunate that the team is currently able to attend more sports events than they did last year.

“Now that [COVID-19] restrictions are [decreasing], we are able to attend more games and showcase our support for the teams,” Harleston said. “I really enjoy being on the field cheering, so this new school year has been very enjoyable for me.”

Fiona Kim ’24 said she always hoped to join the spirit squad and is glad to finally be a part of the team.

“Dancing has always been a passion of mine since a young age,” Kim said. “I have seen the spirit squad at football games ever since I came to the school in seventh grade, and I knew once I got to the Upper School, it was definitely an activity that I wanted to join and become a part of.”

Kim said she is proud of the team’s closeness and is excited to continue performing with her teammates this year.

“I am so happy with how close the team already is this early in the season,” Kim said. “Performing with my teammates is super fun and rewarding because we put so much time and effort into learning and practicing these dances, and it is exciting to hear the loud cheers and excitement from students and parents in the stand or bleachers when we perform.”