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Get to know White Bear Lake cheerleading team
Courtesy: Angela Lutz

Get to know White Bear Lake cheerleading team

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn. — 

Maira McFarlane

Age: 7 years old

Maira began cheerleading for the first time this fall for the White Bear Elementary Orange Competitive Team. She has also danced for five years, the last three at The Dance Unit in Hugo. She enjoys learning the cheer moves and has fun at cheerleading practices. Being a member of the cheerleading team has taught her how to be a good teammate and look to others for help. “Sometimes I forget and so others help me practice,” said Maira. The best piece of advice she has been given is to keep practicing to become a good cheerleader. Her family and friends are her biggest supporters, encouraging her to always be kind no matter the sport. “We are so proud of Maira for taking the initiative to join cheerleading when she had never tried it before. We are enjoying seeing her flourish in her newfound activity,” said her Mom and Dad. Maira’s future goals for cheerleading are continuing to practice and get better.

Courtesy: Angela Lutz

Adelei (Addy) Knutson

Age: 15 years old

Addy has been involved in cheerleading for five years and currently cheers for Planet Spirit AllStar Competitive Cheer. In her elementary years, she participated in gymnastics, then in sixth through eighth grade she cheered for the White Bear Lake Middle School Cheer Team. She started with AllStar Competitive Cheer in ninth grade and has continued on into tenth grade performing in various roles, such as Tumbling and Flyer. She is always willing to do what is best for the team. She enjoys the competitions, uniforms and meeting new friends both locally and worldwide! Addy believes that flexibility, teamwork and trying new things are essential to being a good cheerleader. Some of her most memorable moments are performing at Disney World in April 2022 and winning the 2022 INTL L1 U19 National Champions. Falling from a stunt during a competition is something she had to overcome by learning to work with her Bases, and standing up and locking her legs the rest of the season. She admires her coach’s advice to, “Get back up, and try again,” and she thanks her mom for all of her help. “Thank you for supporting me, for getting me to all of my competitions and for getting up early and doing my hair! I appreciate you! Love you Mom!” Addy’s goals moving forward in competitive cheerleading are sticking her back handspring and being a more flexible Flyer.

Courtesy: Angela Lutz

Kayla Longhenry

Age: 13 years old

Kayla is a cheerleader on the White Bear Lake School Varsity Sideline/Football Cheer Team and has been cheerleading for three years. “I am proud of making Varsity Cheer as an 8th grader this year. I also had always hoped to be a Flyer in cheer and achieved that goal on the Varsity Team this year after two years as a Base on the middle school team,” said Kayla. In last year’s WB Varsity Cheer Competition the team placed fourth in the Nation at the UCA HS Cheer Championships in Orlando, Florida. She has also participated in competitive dance over the past seven years. She enjoys being part of a team, stunting, football games and competitions. The qualities she believes are needed to excel at this sport are hard work, physical strength, endurance, positivity, coordination, timing and being a team player. “You can’t succeed alone. Everybody has to try their hardest and hold nothing back. It doesn’t matter what role you’re in, everyone is vital to the team’s success. Once you’re a part of a team you’ll truly realize what it means to give your all. You’ll not only want it for yourself but for your team, and you’ll do everything you possibly can to lead your team to victory,” said Kayla. One of her favorite moments was when the football team won their home opener this season and the fans rushed into the field. “Everyone was so excited and I also loved having the Youth Camp Bear Cubs cheer the first quarter with us,” said Kayla. Her biggest challenge has been with the “Liberty” stunt (a stunt in the air balanced on one leg). “My hip would drop and I would always fall to my left. After tons of rough practices and hard work, we’re hitting these like it was never an issue, at football games or on the mat, and I’m so proud of us,” said Kayla. The best piece of advice comes from her Mom: “Always believe in yourself. Set a goal, work hard for it, and learn from roadblocks knowing they will make you stronger.” She thanks her Mom and Dad for being her biggest supporters, driving her to practices and attending her games and competitions. Also, her coaches, Andria Mattlin, Head Cheerleading Coach, and Bree Sherrick, Varsity Football Sideline Coach – “Thank you for doing everything for this team, being there for me, pushing me to my fullest, and cheering me on,” said Kayla. She attributes her stunt group, Tessa, Maddie, and Angelina, to her success as well. “I don’t think I could trust anyone more than I trust you ladies, I wouldn’t be where I am without your hard work and dedication. Thanks for always encouraging me, and especially for catching me! And lastly, all of my teammates, you are all so strong, I’m so grateful to have such a talented team. Everyone is so fun and sweet, love you all,” said Kayla. Her goals include hitting a heel stretch/leg hold in the air, continuing to learn new stunts and tricks and keep growing within the sport. “I am always in awe of Kayla. She never bats an eye about her completely stacked schedule, she always maintains straight A’s in school and prioritizes spending time with her family. She is a joy to be around, makes us laugh constantly and has such a kind heart. There is nothing this girl can’t achieve and we’re so proud of all that she accomplishes,” said her Mom. And her coaches agree: “It has been great welcoming Kayla to our Varsity competition program this year. As one of our ‘top girls’ or ‘flyers,’ she is the one getting thrown into the air. Kayla’s determination and past experiences as a dancer have allowed her to quickly adapt to this new role. She participated in our middle school program the last two years, but as a base. This means she was the one putting other girls into the air. Her adaptability and willingness to learn a different stunting position show me that she can be mentally tough in different situations. Kayla will have the opportunity to compete at the National High School Cheerleading Championship in February 2023. The competition is held in Orlando and is the most prestigious high school cheerleading competition in the country. Our coaches are very excited to watch her skills grow over the season,” said Andria. Coach Bree also comments on Kayla saying, “I have had the privilege of coaching Kayla this season on our Varsity Sideline Cheer Team. Every day, Kayla shows up with a bright smile, positive attitude, and an incredible work ethic. She is always willing to do whatever is needed for the team to accomplish their goals. One of my favorite things about Kayla is her ability to adapt. Whenever a new spot, position or goal is thrown her way, she attacks it with grace and a go-getter mindset. I can’t wait to watch Kayla continue to grow as a White Bear Lake Cheerleader over the next couple years as I know she will continue to amaze me.”

Courtesy: Angela Lutz

Tessa Shaffer

Age: 14 years old

freshman

years in current sport: this is my fourth year cheering

I am on the sideline and competitive Cheerleading team for white bear

I enjoy this sport because you get so close with all your teammates over our long 9 month season

This sport takes so much teamwork and timing, you also always have to be ready to do your part, for example when we do stunts   each position has a different job and everyone has to make sure to do their job and have the right timing so we’re all in sync

Being apart of this team has taught me so much, not only the new things we learn everyday but has also taught me ways to be more apart of my community and help give back more

We haven’t had any competitions yet this year but last season we got 4th out of about 80 something teams which was very exciting

My favorite and most memorable times might sound a little cliche but nationals and winning at competitions because we put so much work and effort into the months leading up to them that getting good place is just so exhilarating and reliving

I’ve struggled with some mental health issues and other personal problems and all my friends on the cheer team were such a good support group for me and helped me so much

something all my coaches have said is “Fight for everything” or “Give it your all” usually they’re talking about stunts or competing but i think this advice is good to keep in mind even outside of cheer, reminding myself to do things today and fight for things today whether it’s something that affects me that very minute or something that will affect my future

my supporters our my family my coaches and my teammates and i would just like to thank them all for everything they’ve done for me and how much they care about me

For this sport i hope to just keep on improving and being the best i can and probably winning first place at nationals would definitely be one of my goals!

Angelina Marino

Age: 15 years old

grade 10th

Sport: cheerleading

Sports participated in: softball, dance, and volleyball

Years in current sport:2

What team? What level of competition for team and/or individual?

Angelina Marino: White bear lake cheerleaders. We compete in the small division

What do you enjoy about this sport?

Marino: definitely learning new skills and getting better and better after each practice. also i love being on the team with all of my friends it makes the sport so much fun

What qualities do you need to be good at this sport?

Marino: energy, Strength, positive mind set, and the drive to win.

What has being a member of a team taught you?

Marino: Responsibility for the most part, we have many things and events that we attend where we all have to all be wearing the same thing even at practice.

Include any stats from recent games / tournaments.

Marino: We got 4 last year out of 82 teams! At nationals in florida. We haven’t started competitions yet this year

Favorite/memorable time?

Marino: staying in a hotel room with some of my best friends for a week was a blast. competing, the nice weather, the food ah it was one of the best experiences in my life and im so grateful to this program that i was able to have that memory.

List achievements/accomplishments.

Marino: I made mat for both of our routines, my toe touches are leveled, and I lettered last year as a freshman.

Describe a challenge or mistake you’ve made and how you overcame it.

Marino: My first year doing cheer I was unmotivated and unfocused on the sport, mostly did it for the experience and just to have fun. When I first started I didn’t understand how competitive, hardworking, and physically demanding the sport was but I grew to love it! It taught me responsibility with juggling cheer, school, and home life and most importantly it showed me what it was like to be a part of a loving community and how to be passionate about a sport.i have never been so invested and excited to challenge myself and push my boundaries everytime i walk into that gym.

Best piece of advice you received from someone.

Marino: One of my teammate once said “a start of a new day is an opportunity to conquer and get better and closer to our dreams, just take it one practice at a time.”

Who are your supporters and what would you like to say to them?

Marino: My mom, i love you for everything that you do. Thank you i owe it all to you, through everything you have always stuck up for me and support

Goals moving forward with this sport?

Marino: To be the best i can be, have fun and make lots of memories!

Anna Lindholm

Age: 12 years old

7th grade

Anna started cheering when she was seven with the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleading All Star Team. She cheered with the team for four years, cheering at a few of the Vikings games and also taking first in a couple competitions. In fifth grade, Anna moved to White Bear Middle School Cheer and is now in her third year with the team. “We accomplish new things at practice as we challenge ourselves to make our stunts a little more difficult,” said Anna. She has also participated in softball and volleyball. She loves cheerleading for the teamwork, challenge of stunting and watching their routine come together. She also enjoys cheering for football games, especially when connecting with the crowd of fans. She believes a positive attitude, strength, flexibility and teamwork are the qualities needed to succeed as a cheerleader. Last year their team placed eighth at the State Championships. Being a part of a team has taught her to trust her teammates and work together. “I’ve made my fair share of mistakes of losing my balance and falling to the mats, but I get right back up and try it again asking where I can improve,” said Anna. The best piece of advice she has received comes from her coaches who make small adjustments to help their routine look better in the air. “My family is my biggest supporters and I want to thank them for bringing me to all the practices and games no matter how far away they are.  My family is always my biggest cheerleaders and I love them,” said Anna. “My goal is to continue learning new stunts and be a leader for the team.”

Courtesy: Angela Lutz

Willow Maxwell

Age: 12 years old

Grade 7th

  •  7 1/2 years
  •  Currently cheers for White Bear Lake Middle School
  •  I enjoy being on a team and bonding with everyone
  •  Good sportsmanship, coordination and spirit
  •  trust and respect
  •  I had the opportunity to participate with the University of MN cheerleaders for an event. Another memorable event was when I went to cheer camp last year with my team.
  •  This year I became a team leader and learned a new back tuck. I was also invited to participate with the Varsity practice squad.
  •  Challenge was overcoming an injury I sustained to my arm and having the mental and physical capabilities to rehab and become stronger.
  •  Stay true to yourself
  •  My family and friends: I would like to say thank you for encouraging me and supporting me as I continue to do what I love.
  •  When I’m in 8th grade I hope to make the varsity team and eventually Cheer for a College.

QUOTES:

“Believe in who you are and all your dreams will come true,” said her Grandma.

“Willow, you truly light up every room you walk into. Your beautiful smile and those dimples shine bright daily. I am proud to be your mom! Never give up even when things get tough. You’re a strong young lady,” said her Mom.

“I’m very proud of you, your coaches and your team for the dedication and discipline you show on a regular basis,” said her Dad.

“It has been an honor to coach Ms. Willow this season. She constantly shows grace, a strong work ethic and is always striving to get better. Willow is one of our team leaders and is constantly lifting up her teammates and being a strong support for them. We are beyond lucky to have her on our team,” said coach Bree.

“Willow and Anna have proven themselves to be invaluable leaders for our middle school program. Both have the skill set and attitude that I hope to find in Varsity athletes, and I look forward to both cheerleaders meeting the age requirement necessary to be on the high school team. Willow and Anna are both well-rounded athletes, having the ability to fulfill multiple positions in a competitive routine. The cherry on top is how kind, hardworking and positive both are,” said coach Andria.

Coach Andria Mattlin:

“My favorite thing about coaching competitive cheer is seeing each individual’s confidence grow. I truly believe this sport teaches kids they can be themselves, talk to anyone, present themselves well in a group setting and never settle. I took over as head coach at White Bear Lake in the fall of 2021. Prior to that, I was lucky enough to coach a National Championship-winning high school before taking time off to have my son. All of our elementary coaches, as well as our Varsity assistants, are past cheerleaders of mine. It’s pretty special to watch these full-circle moments; knowing that kids graduated and started on their individual journeys, but still want to pass on their talents and passion for cheer to others. I actually cheered at White Bear when I was in high school, and I never imagined my coaching life leading me back here.”

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