Bright lights, crowds cheering, and neverending school spirit characterize the epitome of a high school football game. And the backbone of all of this energy: the cheerleaders. New Hartford football season is back in full swing, and that means so are the cheerleaders supporting players and fans with their school spirit.
The New Hartford cheer team has recently come under new leadership, as Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Paciello have taken over as coaches for the team. In previous years the team was coached by Mrs. Sinisgalli, who directed the team for many years before. Under new leadership, the new coaches are leading the girls in a new direction and changing some things up, especially within their practices and performances, as well as the general team dynamic.
Ella Thompson, Janaya Joseph, and Aisha Mawier are 2024 season’s captains, and are leading the team to success. All seniors, they all have experience with the team before, and shared their feelings about this season.
Thompson has been on the team for many years now, and has cheered consistently for both the fall and winter seasons- excluding junior year when she was out with an injury. She is very grateful and excited to be captain, and is excited for her senior season on the team.
Ella notes that “the changes are hard to get used to, but they are benefiting the team in many ways.” As someone previously on the team, she finds the changes new, but appreciated how it’s helping the team grow.
She’s most excited for her and her team’s involvement in the school’s pep rally, which will take place later in the fall, and will be one of the many supporting events leading up to Homecoming. She has many cheers she enjoys, but her favorite is the “Mighty Spartans!”
Fellow captain Aisha Mawier is also enjoying her last year on New Hartford cheer. She said “it feels fulfilling to be a captain of such a committed team.”
Like Ella, Aisha has experience, as this is her second year as captain and just one of the multiple years she has cheered on the team. Aisha remarks that her role “comes with a lot of responsibility, but it also brings a lot of joy and pride as we work together towards our common goals.”
Aisha, similarly to Ella said that while adjusting to the changes can be challenging, that she finds them refreshing and have brought “fresh energy” to the team and their performances.
“I’m looking forward to implementing their strategies and seeing how we can elevate our performance,” Aisha says.
Aisha is most excited for Homecoming season and the team’s participation in the Pep Rally. She notices how the event really brings people together and creates a more positive atmosphere inside the school.
“It’s always such a spirited time at school, and I love seeing everyone come together to celebrate,” Aisha says.
Senior Janaya Joseph also shared her positive experiences, as one of the team’s captains. She is enjoying her time as captain, stating, “I love our team and how far it has come in my last 4 years being on it.” She describes the changes Mrs. Paciello and Ms. Jones have brought to the team as “fun and new,” and she’s excited that the newer members of the team get to have a brand new and enjoyable experience throughout their careers.
The Pep Rally seems to be a shared event that the team is looking forward to, as Janaya remarks that she hopes the team brings something “energetic and fun for everyone,” and a goal is to make an enjoyable experience for everyone.
The 2024 year has been different for the cheerleaders, but they are adjusting to the changes well and are thriving in this new season. They will continue to perform, hype up the crowd, and stay strong throughout the fall football season.
