In another remarkable accomplishment, the Schaumburg High School Cheerleading Team has completed a season to remember, marked by triumphs, milestones, and unforgettable camaraderie. Their recent 8th place finish at the 2024 State competition, solidified their place not only in school history, but also in the hearts of their community.
The team soared to victory at both the Rolling Meadows Competition and the Huntley Competition, showcasing their talent and dedication.
“Winning sectionals and making school history was our ultimate goal. We were so proud when we hit zero (no deduction routine),” said Coach Natalie Belcaster, reflecting on their journey. Their unwavering commitment paid off as they secured their first-ever Sectionals title, a testament to their hard work and perseverance, but most importantly, team spirit.
The tight-knit bond that propelled the team to victory, as they clinched the Mid-Suburban League (MSL) championship for the fourth consecutive year, demonstrating their sustained excellence in the sport.
“Our athletes wanted to practice no matter what and wanted to make sure that nothing got in the way of that,” said Coach Belcaster. Despite facing challenges, such as illness, injuries, and inclement weather, the team remained resilient. Their determination and passion fueled their journey, inspiring them to overcome obstacles and reach new heights.
The pinnacle of their season came at the State Finals, where the team showcased their talent on grand stage. While they encountered setbacks, finishing 6th on Day 1 and ultimately 8th overall, they remained proud of their achievement.
“It’s been very cool making history for the program two years in a row and seeing that our team is so young we are excited and determined to continue making more history in future seasons, stated sophomore Jaden Stilling.
Their remarkable performance did not go unnoticed; four cheerleaders, Alyssa DiVincenzo, Jaden Stilling, Audrey Gilford and McKenna Davis, earned All-State honors. This recognition underscored their individual excellence and collective prowess as a team.
We are truly a family, [and] we would not have had the success we had this year without each other,” stated Mckenna Davis. “It’s one of the most tight knit teams I’ve ever been a part of. Throughout all the tough practices and conditioning I knew I could rely on my teammates.”
As the season draws to a close, the SHS cheerleading team can look back with pride on their achievements, knowing they have left an indelible mark on one another and our school.
“By having a very successful season this year, it shows the determination and effort our school gives to everything we do,” junior Alyssa Dinvincenzo.
“We had a very young team this season; we are so excited for the future seasons to come,” said Coach Belcaster. She encourages aspiring cheerleaders to join their ranks, inviting them to participate in summer camp to hone their skills and be part of the team’s continued success.
All-Conference honors will be announced this Friday.