On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, members of Redwood’s cheer program from different grade levels shared what it is like to be part of the team. From practices and performances to teamwork and balancing school, cheer requires time, commitment and dedication.

Junior cheerleader Kayla Arroyo, who is also part of Redwood’s dance team, explained that being part of the cheer team takes a lot of time and commitment.

Arroyo said practices can take up most of the afternoon after school. She also stays for extra practices and sometimes goes home to eat before returning.

The cost of cheer gear can also add up. Arroyo estimated that her equipment and gear may cost around $500, depending on what she needs. She said the gear is usually kept for two years.

Cheerleader Tomnia Valentine explained that cheer requires certain skills, even though tumbling is not required. She said cheerleaders are expected to have their toe touch and left and right herkies, along with sharp motions and “dishes.”

Tomnia also explained that the team practices three days a week. Currently, practices are Monday through Wednesday from 4 to 5:15 pm., with additional practices around games.

Being on the sidelines also comes with expectations. Tomnia said cheerleaders are expected to stay focused, perform their dances and sidelines, and avoid talking to players during games.

Stunting can also come with unexpected moments. Tomnia recalled one experience, saying, “I did drop a girl one time, but I, fell on the floor trying to catch her..”

Stella Marie, another member of Redwood’s cheer team, has been cheering since her freshmen year. Her favorite stunt to perform is 360s, saying “My favorite stunt to perform is 360s, for sure.”

Before major performances, Marie said she thinks about the notes she needs to remember from practice and takes a moment to pray. She also stays organized with schoolwork by using her agenda and doing her assignments when she gets home from practice.

Even after cheering for years, Marie said she still gets nervous before football games. “I always do feel a little nervous,” she said. “But once I’m performing, I’m just having fun.”

Sophomore cheerleader Amberlyn explained that preparing for cheer includes warming up and practicing before performances. She said she spends about an hour and a half practicing and that cheer has been something she has enjoyed since she was little.

Amberlyn said that practices can be stressful, but they can also be fun. When asked what made her want to join cheer, she said it was “out of passion for it.”

The cheer team’s advisor explained that several peices of gear are required to be on the team. These include pom-pom. shoes, a shirt, a shell, bows, a backpack, and socks. The advisor said the team uses a tryout process to choose its members.

During tryouts, they look at students skills and abilities, academics, attendence, attitude, and whether they are coachable. The team also holds a week of clinics where students learn material while the coaches see how well they retain it and respond to coaching. The team also holds a week of clinics where students learn material while the coaches see how well they retain it and respond to coaching.

The advisor described her coaching style as laid back and said her role is more like an overseer or advisor. She said the coaches who work with the students are detail oriented, structured, and organized. Instead of strict rules, the team has expectations for how students should represent themselves.

The advisor said students are expected to be kind to others, represent themselves in the best light, and maintain strong academics. “At the end of the day, we want to produce good people,” the advisor said.