This season, the Antioch Community High School varsity cheerleading team is ready for a comeback. Both the athletes and coaches have expressed excitement and confidence in their new routine, which they say is one of the most challenging yet. From stunts to tumbling, the routine pushes the team to a higher skill level than ever before. With more advanced choreography and increased difficulty, the Sequoits are determined to prove how much they have grown since last season. Each practice brings new energy and determination, as the team works to perfect every move before their first competition in December.
The varsity cheerleading team is one of the Sequoit’s biggest standouts, earning a strong reputation across Illinois. ACHS’ cheerleading teams have qualified for the state competition 17 times and have been named a state finalist 14 times. They have won six sectional championships and earned a spot on the state podium six times. In 2020, the varsity cheerleading team became state champions for the medium division. The team’s hard work and success continue to inspire students and show what dedication and teamwork can truly achieve.
However, the 2024 season was different and unexpected for the cheerleading team. For the first time in several years, the varsity cheerleading squad did not advance beyond sectionals, the competition that determines which team qualifies for state. It was a tough moment for a program that is used to competing at the highest level. Many cheerleaders described the experience as both disappointing and motivating. The setback became a turning point for the athletes, highlighting how much effort and teamwork it truly takes to compete at an elite level.
“The biggest challenge this year is definitely looking back on the past and comparing it to what we had done in the past year, “ junior Adriana Thornton said. “Instead of looking in the past, we need to pedal forward to not let that one little moment get in the way of our goal, which is to make it onto the podium at state this year.”
Instead of letting the setback define their season, the athletes are focused on rebuilding, improving their skills and supporting one another. The coaches emphasized that every team faces challenges and that this experience will make them even stronger going into the next season.
“There were so many lessons in last year’s sectional performance. We have an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and what we would deem as failure,” Head Coach Amber Babin said. “While we did not make it to our goal of making it to state, the season was not a failure; there were so many successes made.”
Babin expressed her pride in the athletes for the way they supported one another and stayed positive throughout a tough season. The strong relationships amongst teammates were one of the year’s biggest highlights, proving that success is about more than just competition. These lessons will stay with the athletes long after their time on the mat, helping them grow as both leaders and individuals.
“The team can definitely take away from last year’s performance that they can never leave anything to chance or take anything for granted,” Babin said. “Every opportunity, every minute that they have together in the gym is a chance to grow, and they have to make sure they are using that time to the best of their abilities.”
The lessons learned from last season have given the team new motivation as they prepare for this upcoming season. The athletes are focusing on consistency, teamwork and effort, all values that will carry them far beyond the competition floor. With a renewed mindset and a stronger bond, the Sequoits are ready to face any challenge that comes their way.
“This year’s routine is really fast-paced,” sophomore Chase Campbell said. “It is probably one of the highest-paced routines I have ever performed here at Antioch, which is definitely a level up from last year.”
The new routine raises the bar all across the board, creating pressure, but it is the pressure that the team is ready to handle.
As the season kicks off, the Antioch Cheerleading team is focused on more than just a title; they are chasing growth, unity and pride. With every practice and performance, the team hopes to showcase not only their talent but also their heart and resilience, which define Antioch cheerleading. Win or lose, this team is determined to make this season one to remember.
