Estancia’s cheer team prepares for a remarkable 2023-24 season
COSTA MESA, Calif. — Cheer Advisor and Head Coach Lexi Hawlish, along with Coaches Celia, Talulah, and Sam, are gearing up to lead the Estancia High School Cheer team into the 2023-24 school year. “We are all very ambitious and goal-oriented. We’re thrilled with the progress our athletes have already made and can’t wait for the upcoming competition season. One of our primary goals is to compete in this year’s CIF competition,” Coach Lexi shared enthusiastically.
After a rebuilding phase last year, the cheer program has come a long way, thanks to the dedication of the coaching staff. The community has showered them with positive feedback, which Coach Lexi describes as a “huge bonus.” What the coaches love about working at Estancia High School is that they all either grew up in or currently reside in the community – a true blessing. “Creating connections with people we might never have met otherwise is a privilege we don’t take for granted,” said Coach Lexi.
This year’s Cheer co-captains, seniors Brooklyn Hawlish and Denise Gavilan, exemplify the essence of student-athletes. They have maintained an impressive GPA of 3.75 and above throughout their high school years while dedicating themselves to rigorous training and outstanding performances. These natural leaders complement each other as they each have distinct leadership skills that resonate with different members of the team.
Team bonding is an important part of the Cheer team experience. Whether they’re gearing up for a home game and enjoying a family-sponsored team dinner, or jamming out to Taylor Swift and Steve Lacy from their bus playlist on away games, they stay together as one. Victories after football games are celebrated at In-N-Out, and competition wins are celebrated with fun practice sessions or team dinners.
Team building also happens outside of the school year. The summer brings the team together at the TNT fireworks stand, a fantastic immersion into the team atmosphere. “The team is out on the sidewalk dancing and laughing together to drum up business for five hours each night,” said Coach Lexi. She believes this experience takes them out of their comfort zones, making the start of the school year more comfortable for everyone.
The Cheer team further nurtures camaraderie through a mentoring program known as CHIBS. Varsity members are paired with JV members during the summer and throughout the season. Experienced team members serve as go-to guides and confidantes to JV members for all things cheer-related, allowing Varsity members to share their wealth of experience. Movie nights and pool parties outside of school further deepen the connections within the team.
The coaches are leveraging the success of the previous season to motivate the team to reach greater heights this year. With seven seniors on the team determined to make this their best year yet, everyone is united in their quest for excellence. Coach Lexi declared, “You only get to do this once in your life, and we want them to leave with no regrets. Let’s go Eagles!”
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