By Derrick Smith

Angel Slingerland is in her sixth season as the head coach of the varsity cheer team at Summit Christian Academy. She says that she is excited for this season because of the makeup of her team and their potential.

“We have a great team this season,” she said. “The upperclassmen truly take on a leadership role by mentoring the younger girls on the squad, and the younger girls have a passion to learn, and for cheer. I believe our biggest strength this year, is that our squad has a unique unity and determination; I feel they will surpass their own expectations. They have a love for cheer and each other. Once that bond is created, it reflects in their routines and stunts.”

Team captain, senior Emily Slingerland, enjoys cheering for Summit because of the close-knit school that they have. 

“I like how our school has a family feel,” she said. “A lot of our students, teachers, and pastors attend the games. It makes it that much more fun to cheer. For our squad, I love the unity. We are all so close, and we work so well together as a team.”

Coach Slingerland says that she is proud of her squad, not just because they enjoy cheering, but also because they are also involved in many other areas of the school. 

“The girls are also involved in other areas leading the school and community,” she said. “Student council, volleyball, praise and worship, and community outreach are other areas they are involved in. We also do some group outings. We have had swim parties, scavenger hunts, and of course dinner parties.”

Teagan Atkinson, senior and another team captain, enjoy the chemistry and unity that she and her team have.
“I really love being a part of this team,” she said. “I like how we are all committed to the team and we all love to cheer.”

Coach Slingerland says that this group is a bunch of hard workers and she is very proud of them. 

“I just want our squad to know how much I personally appreciate all the time, energy, and love that they put into cheering and supporting our school and players,” she said. “These girls seriously put a lot of behind-the-scenes work in to be a cheerleader. I love their devotion and their hearts.