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Cheerleading returns to Millbrook

Cheerleading returns to Millbrook
The 2022-23 Millbrook Blazers cheerleading team. Photo submitted

MILLBROOK —  The varsity cheerleading team is back at Millbrook High School for the 2022-23 season, following a hiatus due to the pandemic.

Under the leadership of first-year head Coach Aaliyah Cottman, a co-ed  team of 18 young athletes worked to perfect their routines. They were also guided by seniors and captains Isabella Darnell, Holly Davidson, Kaitlyn Mueller and Harleigh Pickles.

Speaking of her coaching philosophy, Cottman said: “The overall vision of creating a successful cheerleading team is not to win. The overall vision is to build up the confidence and develop strong athletes while preparing them for their future.

“I strongly believe implementing high standards, team collaboration, and holding these young athletes accountable for their actions will set them up for success.”

Participating in three Section 9 cheerleading meets, the team got plenty of practice at home varsity games. They worked hard to prepare for the Section 9 Cheerleading Championship, which was held on Feb. 18 at Monroe Woodbury High School. They didn’t make the cut, but they built a firm foundation for next year.

Remarked Cottman, “All of my athletes have made me so proud with the hard work they put in, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of kids this season.”

Athletic Director Al Hammell was proud of the team and very happy about resurrecting it, as Millbrook continues to do well in the area of high school competitive sports, and having a group of energized teens leading them on will be a supportive and exciting thing.

Judith O'Hara Balfe

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