Padua’s 2014-2015 cheerleading season has finally begun! This year, the team is welcoming several new cheerleaders, including the addition of Padua’s first ever JV cheer team! The girls are busy practicing three nights a week, (not including private lessons that many girls do on their own) working on cheers for Salesianum’s football team and preparing for the competition season that starts this winter.

Last year after completing a great season cheering for Salesianum football, the varsity team had a fantastic competitive season as well, winning their very first state title. This year, Padua’s cheer team is dedicated to making this season even better than before! “We had an incredible season last year,” says Head Coach, Maria Catalina, “We only lost four seniors and picked up two really good freshman bases and two talented freshman flyers, who also have great tumbling skills. We have set the bar very high for ourselves and this year our goal is to repeat our state title.”

In addition to the Varsity team, Padua has formed their first JV team, consisting of 15 girls from Padua’s freshman class. The JV team started out with some difficulties, but have improved increasingly since their first practice with simple hard work and dedication. “I think we have progressed as a team since we first started practicing in a very positive way,” says, Devon Becker (‘18). “We all trust each other more and that makes everything a lot more fun!” Coach Catalina also comments, “We work on a progression system in cheer and they’re doing a great job of moving up to the next level. I think the Padua JV team will definitely give their competition a run for their money.”