Stagg Cheerleader Olivia Surdel said that the cheer season is already showing progress, with each competition highlighting how the team continues to improve as routines become cleaner and more confident.
“Watching our growth throughout the season is the best part,” said Surdel. “We may not start how we want to, but we progress over time, and it’s a great feeling to see that happen.”
According to Surdel, she began her athletic background in gymnastics before spending her middle school and early high school years on dance teams both in and outside of school. That experience provided her with strong body control and performance awareness before she transitioned into cheerleading.
Surdel made the move to winter cheer during her sophomore year, joining an already established team. Despite entering midstream, she connected quickly with the program and found the competitive and team-oriented environment to be a better fit than dance.
She has since become a consistent varsity contributor, adapting her dance foundation to the technical demands of cheerleading, including timing, execution, and synchronization within full routines.
Music is assigned rather than chosen for routines. According to Surdel, it becomes more meaningful as the season progresses. Over time, each routine’s song becomes tied to competitions and team growth, marking the development of the season from start to finish.
