Instantly recognizable at any game by their pompoms, crazy stunts, and creative chants, the Rockets cheerleading team is an integral part of school spirit at Richard Montgomery. Although many know them for their sideline performances at football games, their season doesn’t end with other fall sports. For cheer, winter brings a new season accompanied by new changes.
With a new head coach, Tanya Lee, the Rockets have adapted and progressed as a team this season. “She has brought in her own coaching stills but also adapted…I like how she cares a lot about team bonding.” senior Ewina Chen said. “Last season, our coach was very prepared so it was less stressful.” Coach Lee aims to create a positive environment; at the end of each practice, the team always says something motivating, helping to lift their spirits.
Coach Lee has also prioritized patience and encouragement throughout the year. “There have been times where many of us get frustrated with ourselves and she will still support us no matter what.” Chen said. Coach Lee herself shoulders the responsibility of watching out for the team’s safety while simultaneously trusting them enough to perform well. “With injuries as well she is very careful and makes sure we feel confident and safe.” Chen said. “We put people up in the air and having confidence and trust is a very important thing to have.”
Winter brings a break in the competitive season for cheer, so the team has been able to prioritize working and improving together. “Since fall season was comp season, it usually brings a lot of stress,” Chen said. Winter eliminates all pressure and allows the girls to put on their best performances without worrying about a judge’s score. Cheer’s focus in the winter is preparing for their performance in the winter pep rally and hyping up other winter sports teams at their games. Although poms and band are featured at halftime during football games in the fall, cheer takes the spotlight during the winter, hyping up the crowd with daring flips and catchy chants at the half way mark during basketball games.
The major differentiator in the winter cheer season from the fall is the size of the team. “I think we have about twenty-something people, which has been the biggest team I’ve been a part of for cheer,” said Chen. One contributor to this is the lack of a JV team during the winter. Younger girls who may have been a part of JV during the fall have the chance to cheer with more experienced upperclassmen. Winter cheer opens doors to fall athletes who played for a different sport. The lack of a competition season also makes many more inclined to try out, with the winter season being more stress-free.
In the end, it’s the cheer community that Rockets remember most. “My favorite part of being a part of this team is the friendships I have made.” Chen said. “My teammates have always offered a helping hand when I seem stuck,” senior Chen said. Although the season for the class of 2026 is coming to an end, Chen has some advice for the incoming freshmen: “I owe a lot to cheer and I’m so glad I’ve participated in it all of high school…Having an open mindset, a positive attitude and commitment is the best advice I can give.”
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