MIHS cheer squad headed to state championships

With closeness, diligence and talent on its side, the Mercer Island High School (MIHS) cheer squad is headed back to the state championships for the second consecutive year.

The Islanders will follow up last year’s first state appearance in program history with a trip to Battle Ground High School on Jan. 24-25 to display their skills at the immense competition.

Junior captain Kate Weisfield said it’s been an amazing season for the Islanders.

“The environment is fantastic, and our team has made incredible progress, taking our skills to new levels. We’ve put in the hard work, whether it’s at competitions, football games, or those early morning practices. It’s all worth it when we make it to state and deliver an outstanding performance,” she said.

Added senior co-captain Eve Canady about the group dynamic: “The whole team has bonded a lot throughout this summer and school year, allowing each member to relate to each other and preventing cliquiness. I can tell that our group morale has immensely improved our overall performance and trust in each other.”

Competitions feature each team performing two-and-a-half-minute routines that involve jumps, a short dance, group stunts, pyramids and a cheer segment, according to MIHS coach Elizabeth Bobadilla. Following the routines, judges evaluate how well teams led the crowd and executed stunts, along with the level of difficulty and creativity that squads put into play during their time in the spotlight.

In the team’s first competition at Gig Harbor on Jan. 11, MIHS increased its scores by 10 points over last year and qualified for state.

“I wholeheartedly believe that this team has the skill and talent to succeed at state. I am already proud of their accomplishments, now it is time for them to believe in themselves and have fun,” said Bobadilla, adding that one of the key aspects for the energetic and spirited Islanders to shine at state will be pushing themselves in practice while maintaining a positive and supportive team culture.

On the accolades front this season, MIHS notched multiple spirit awards, blue and gold ribbons and triumphed in the jump-off contest during the summer UCA Cheer Camp. Additionally, four seniors — Canady, Sophia Maligaya, Mira Vigileos and Jordan Youssefnia — made the All-American team.

MIHS has also held successful fundraisers and Little Cheer Camps for more than 80 elementary students.

In the personal realm, Canady noted about what she’s gained from her cheer experience: “I would say I have learned that everything is a mindset. When we have the mindset that we cannot do something, it is that perception, and that perception only, that limits us from our full potential. If you can change your mindset, the possibilities are endless.”

Weisfield added about what she’s personally accumulated from her cheer journey: “I’ve learned to be loud and have fun, to uplift others, and that hard work really pays off. Every year, we all learn how special it is to be a part of the team, which keeps us coming back.”

When it comes to her coaching philosophy, Bobadilla explained, in part, what she brings to the table: “I strive to teach my athletes the value of hard work. ‘You’re given what you earn, you’re entitled to nothing,’ meaning, they should only expect to receive things in life that they actively worked for and deserve through their efforts. Every single one of my athletes deserves a spot on the team because they earned it after their tryouts last year.”