By Derrick Smith

Team chemistry is important for success in any team sport, but cheer may be the most important. Timing and knowing where each team member is going to be is vital for success. The Luther Lady Lions cheer team is looking to that team chemistry as they head into this season. 

“Our team is young with only two seniors,” said coach Heather Vigil. “With a large core of

sophomores and juniors, we are excited to see what they can do in their second year together.  Our student-athletes are eager to do well, which pushes them to try new things.”

Vigil is in her second year of coaching the cheer team. She co-coaches with Nicole Meek and Casey Gilliland. The three coach the high school and middle school squads and they have all three have been involved in cheer in the past.

While this year’s team may be young, they are no strangers to winning awards. Among their recent list of accomplishments are the 2020-21 OSSAA Academic Achievement Award, multiple NCA Cheer Camp Awards including Superior rating in Team Cheer, Team Chant, and Band Dance, Motion Technique award, Five All American nominees, and Top Band Chant in the Large Varsity Division.

Team captain Bella Mayen says that helping get the fans involved in the game is something that she really enjoys.
“I really enjoy leading the crowd,” she said. “When they get fired up it makes the game so much more intense and lets me know I did my job. Also, spirit weeks are so fun at Luther. Dressing up for spirit week is something I look forward to.”

Kammi Maley, who is also a team captain, says that she enjoys getting to know her teammates better and cheer with them.

“I love that the girls on my team are all uplifting,” she said. “I’m able to build a friendship with everyone. It’s really cool to watch everyone grow so much every year. I enjoy cheering for Luther and getting to cheer on my team with my friends.”