Submitted photo
It’s more than pom-poms. Varsity cheer is a unique blend of athleticism, teamwork, and school spirit.
Beyond their enthusiastic cheers and chants, Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) cheerleader athletes master tumbling, acrobatics, and dance routines. Their performances demand strength, flexibility, and precision, as they execute breathtaking stunts, all while energizing the crowd.
Photo by Koughan Photography
Teamwork is the foundation of varsity cheerleading. Trust among team members is paramount as they rely on each other to execute complex routines safely. EPHS cheer head coach Valerie Song said, “This sport is truly a team sport, as when you stunt you can’t do it with one person missing. This sport truly is about trust and honesty.”
This year, the EPHS cheer team consists of 9th-12th graders. According to Song, a third of the team are 9th graders, and about half are new to cheer this year.
The EPHS Cheer team: L-R Cadence Mix, Misato Munsell, Taelyn Swanson, Gemma Sanchez, Stella Witt, Madison Reece, Cecily Dicker, Bella Lamb, Ava Dahlman, Maggie Hanson, Jessica Fang, Charlotte Hall, Annabelle Boudreau, Ithali DeLaCruz, Izzy Silver, Ena Watson, Ellie Simpson, Eliza Tippets, Ezra Harris. Submitted photo
While the EPHS cheer team is a sideline team, they also train and prep a routine for the Homecoming game and Pep Fest each year. Coach Song stresses, “What a lot of people don’t understand is these girls train just as hard and long as any other sport.”
Submitted photo
This year’s cheer team hosted its first annual cheer clinic for younger kids in kindergarten through 8th grade. The team plans to hold future clinics to help the EP community learn more about the sport and how to be a part of the team. You can follow the team on Instagram at @epcheerteam.
2023 Cheer Captains Maggie Hanson and Jessica Fang. Submitted photo.
Photo by Koughan Photography
Photo by Koughan Photography
Photo by Koughan Photography
Photo by Koughan Photography
Submitted photo