The Coed Stunt title was a first for the team, while their victory in the Coed Cheer/Dance category was their first since 1996. These achievements underscore the dedication, unity, and hard work that have become hallmarks of Ames High cheerleading.
Stunting proved to be the most challenging aspect of their routine. Unlike other elements of cheerleading, stunting requires seamless teamwork and cannot be practiced solo. Even when perfected in practice, stunts carry no guarantee of flawless execution during performances. “Accidents happen,” the team noted, highlighting the physical and technical demands involved. Beyond the complexity, stunting is also the most dangerous part of cheer, requiring groups to execute synchronized, high-difficulty skills.
Every piece of choreography was tailored to emphasize the strengths of each member while meeting the highest scoring criteria. The team strategically placed athletes in formations that showcased their best abilities, maximizing their impact during performances. Achieving precision and timing came down to meticulous repetition, with each move set to a consistent 8-count rhythm. The process demanded patience and unwavering commitment as the team rehearsed sections until timing and execution became second nature.
Conditioning was a non-negotiable part of their daily routine, with a unique twist: running while performing the state cheer. This helped build the endurance needed to maintain volume and energy throughout the competition. The cheerleaders had to complete the cheer within a minute to meet state regulations; if they missed the mark, they repeated the exercise until they met the standard.
Senior co-captains Jackie, Sylvie, and Ellie were key figures in maintaining morale and fostering a supportive environment. Their leadership extended beyond the mat, guiding the team through moments of high pressure and inspiring confidence. Their influence, combined with years of shared experiences, created a bond that strengthened the team’s performance under pressure.
Mental preparation was as crucial as physical training. Visualization exercises were integrated into practices, allowing the athletes to mentally rehearse their routines, from standing backstage to executing every move with precision. The coed small stunt group even incorporated this technique during warm-ups at the state competition, visualizing success to help them stay composed and focused.
Lessons from past competitions played an important role in shaping the team’s strategy. Decades of experience from coaches and athletes alike informed their choreography, emphasizing fast-paced dances, dual pyramids, and specific transitions that historically earned high scores. The hard work paid off as the team not only met but exceeded their previous achievements.
As the cheerleaders prepared for the intense state competition, each member developed personal strategies for mental preparation, motivation, and teamwork. Their shared commitment to excellence, combined with unique approaches to handling high-stakes pressure, highlights the hard work behind their success.
Edyn Cowles explains her technique: “For me, I like to visualize the routine.” She imagines every move before stepping on the mat, mentally rehearsing to ensure her timing aligns perfectly with the music. Driven by thoughts of how her coaches would feel about each performance, Edyn strives to bring her best. Years of experience in competitive dance taught her to handle pressure, using calming strategies like a subtle swaying motion and group prayer. Her phrase, “To become a state champion, you have to practice like a state champion,” sums up her dedication. She hopes her hard work will change the misconceptions about cheerleading, showcasing its rigor and athleticism. “Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and they will change your life forever” Edyn mentions.
Ana Gabrielson combats her pre-performance nerves with a “fake it till you make it” mindset. This phrase reminds her to project confidence, even if she’s feeling anxious. As she sees the crowd’s enthusiasm, her nerves transform into genuine joy. Ana’s goal is simple: to give their best effort, regardless of mistakes. Her journey proves that hard work and determination pave the way to success, something she hopes future cheerleaders will carry forward.
Jackie Strotman relies on positive self-talk. Telling herself, “Preparation is your separation,” she remembers that her dedication sets her apart. As captain, she takes pride in reassuring her team, focusing on team goals during warm-ups and practice. While making it onto the wall as a state champion has always been a dream, her true mission is to inspire younger cheerleaders to strive for greatness.
For Ellie Chieves, success is built on trust among teammates. “I know that my teammates are going to fight for each stunt as hard as I am,” she shares, underscoring the unity that helps them achieve their goals. Ellie believes that hard work, not just experience, drives achievement. Her team’s accomplishments are a testament to the power of persistence and teamwork. For Ellie this quote sticks with her “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”
Elaina Stephenson manages pre-competition nerves by reminding herself of her training and the brevity of each routine. With a clear goal of placing first, she celebrates the legacy her team has created. Being honored on the state wall is more than just recognition for Elaina, it symbolizes the mindset and dedication future cheerleaders should embrace. “Cheer has been such a highlight for my highschool years and given me so many best friends” Elaina mentions.
Finally, Emma Brockman uses visualization to boost her confidence. Each movement is rehearsed mentally, while her focus during performances is on precise, sharp execution. Her goals for the team are centered on maintaining energy, timing, and cleanliness to ensure every routine is polished and powerful.
Through these reflections, the Ames High Cheerleaders reveal the discipline, strategic thinking, and teamwork that go into each performance. This team is not just “playing around”—cheer is a demanding sport requiring strength, technique, energy, and confidence. It’s a discipline that requires not only physical ability but also courage and mental fortitude.
Cheerleading at Ames High is more than just an activity, it’s a test of athleticism and a commitment to excellence. As state champions, the team’s legacy will inspire future Ames High cheerleaders to push their limits, train with purpose, and continue building the tradition of strength, resilience, and sportsmanship for years to come. Their hard work has earned them not only two state titles but also a permanent place on the “Spirit Wall of Fame,” inspiring future cheerleaders to dream big and push beyond their limits.
Cheerleading is a very unique sport in that it combines skills from dancing and gymnastics, but also requires a ton of strength for stunting. “Most people think cheerleading is only what they see on the sidelines at football games (shaking pom poms, dancing, yelling cheers), but that’s honestly the easiest part of cheer”Dana Logan argues. The real work is put in with stunting, jumping, and conditioning at practice. Stunting is very dangerous and they experience blood, tears, and bruises basically every single day. They have been lucky to avoid major injuries this year, but sprains, ACL tears, concussions, dislocations, and more are all par for the course in the world of cheerleading “It is hard, but it is worth it”. The struggles of the sport combined with the way cheerleaders are often underestimated as athletes brings the team all that much closer together. Dana Logan (AHS cheer coach) expresses the happiness cheer has given her “I still have so much love for those who coached me, those I cheered with 20 years ago, those I have coached, and my current cheerleaders. AHS cheer is a family, one that brings people from all different backgrounds together and lasts a lifetime.”
