Robinson’s own Cheerleading Team went to both the State’s Semi-Finals and Finals on Feb. 3 in Lakeland. At this competition, they performed against other schools in the state, achieving an 81.4 of 100. This was the team’s highest score in Robinson history. They won 6th place at the State competition.
The Cheerleading squad also went to Nationals the following week, Feb. 10-12, in Orlando. During this competition, they managed to score a 76 out of 100, earning the placement of 4th place in the Nation.
Coach Brianna Godfrey, the leading coach of the cheerleading team, speaks about the major improvement she had seen throughout the season.
“56.7 was our first score, and then our last score of the season was an 81.4. So, we had a crazy amount of growth over 3 months of practice. It was incredible,” she said.
Breaking records and winning high placements takes not just effort but also sacrifice. With such an ambitious season, a substantial amount of time and effort was expected from all team members.
Kameron Padgett (’24), a base on the cheerleading team, had given up a large amount of time in preparation for this season’s competitions.
“We would take off our breaks. I would take off summer vacation time just for practice,” Padgett said. “But I would say it was worth it. Me taking time out of my vacation time and my weekends really worked out in my favor.”
Addy McDowell (’24), Cheerleading Team Co-Captain, emphasizes the effort that has been put into the performance.
“We worked our butts off all season, and it was worth it,” McDowell said. “We had the highest score ever, which is really cool, because it shows the amount of work and dedication we put toward this team.”
A major factor in this record-breaking season is new coach Peter Lezin, joining the team’s support alongside Coach Briana Godfrey in Aug. 2023.
“We had gotten a new coach too. Peter Lezin just started this year. He came to cheer as he used to cheer at Robinson,” Padgett said. “One of the best coaches in the area; he improved upon our team so much.”
The members of the Cheerleading squad had taken a differing approach to the season’s practice, focusing on the mental fortitude that is integral to the sport.
“Throughout my seasons, we’ve had a lot of ups and downs. But the past year, our Coach Peter has helped us get into the right mindset,” McDowell said. “This season has really been about mindset and mind-over-matter. I feel that’s really helped us grow, as a team, closer and work towards our goal. He’s definitely made us more passionate about what we do.”
With a record-breaking team, a brand-new ambitious coach and a focus on the mentality over the sport, only the high ceiling of the gymnasium was the limit for the Robinson Cheerleading Squad during this season.
