Wrapping up the 2019-20 De Soto High School cheer season, the squad collaborated with other district schools to perform at the annual showcase.

Cheer teams from Mill Valley High School, Mill Creek Middle School, Monticello Trails Middle School and Lexington Trails Middle school also participated in the event alongside the DHS cheer team on Feb. 20. 

Being able to watch performances of the future of the cheer programs within Unified School District 232 is reassuring to many of the current DHS cheerleaders.

“I loved LT [Lexington Trails] and all of their energy throughout their performance,” senior cheerleader Sierra Grube said. “Mill Creek also had some amazing stunts which make me excited to come back and see next year’s additions [to the team].”

Not only did the team notice accomplishments from the younger teams but within their own routine as well.

“We performed well and all of our stunts hit, which showed all of our hard work,” senior cheerleader Graci Molzen said.

Sharing similar feelings, Grube expressed how it was nice to “show off” what the team has come to accomplish at the showcase.

With mixed emotions as their last season is coming to a close, Grube and Molzen shared words of wisdom for the incoming cheerleaders from their experience at DHS. 

“Do not be scared of the upperclassman,” Grube said. “They just want to see you succeed in everything you do and be involved within the school community.” 

Tryouts can be one of the most stressful parts of the season. The seniors advise incoming members to try and stay calm.

“Don’t be nervous, it’s not as scary as you would think,” Molzen said. “Just go out there with a smile on your face and do your best.”

Along with the recruitment of incoming freshman, Molzen sees a lot of potential within the underclassmen on the cheer team.

“They all have very positive attitudes which is a big part of being a strong cheerleader,” Molzen said. 

Finishing their competition and sideline season, the DHS cheer team has tryouts for the 2020-21 season to look forward to as they will take place from March 25-27.