By: JaVon Hopkins
On July 28th, the lives of four Ardrey Kell varsity cheerleaders were changed forever. Cheerleading captains Kara McNamee and Kayla Barrier, along with teammates Bailey Ondrof and Maddison Corell, received news that they had been named official All-American cheerleaders and earned a spot on the Team USA all-girls cheerleading team. All four athletes achieved this honor through intensive training and talent, and their dedication has led to a rare opportunity. As part of Team USA, they will compete internationally. They will also perform under a national spotlight as part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Team USA is a non-profit cheerleading community whose main goals are to increase interest and participation in cheerleading throughout the United States and to represent the United States in international competitions.
Try-outs for the all-girls team are rigorous. Competitors must come in groups of four or more to learn and execute a dance to a selected song and then perform a cheer routine and a selected jump. The entire performance is scored by a panel of judges who will determine which girls qualify for the highly selective team.
The girls are thrilled at their success. “Being chosen felt incredible! I’m not only thankful to have been given the opportunity to try out, but also so blessed to have been selected out of so many talented girls,” said McNamee. Barrier agreed: “I was just filled with emotion! This was one of my dreams to make this team and I am so happy that I was chosen and now a part of this great team.”
Ondrof echoed their sentiments: “I am so honored! So many wonderful cheerleaders tried out and it is so exciting to be chosen!” “This was so amazing. Literally one of the greatest moments in my entire life!” Maddie said.
On Thanksgiving Day this year, Team USA will participate in the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. They will perform a six minute routine that will be nationally broadcasted. The girls will continue to walk and cheer throughout the rest of the parade. They know their AK family will be tuned in to cheer them on.
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