The MHS cheerleaders kicked off their 2024 season with their first game on September 12th alongside the football team against Lynn-Vo-Tech, resulting in a Malden win with a score of 27-20. With such a kick-off in the season, the cheerleaders are excited to showcase their skills and what they have prepared, especially with the help of their captains, Isabella Truong, Kimberlee Smith, Samara Perez, and Saniah Charles.
“Cheerleading has always been a big part of my life,” said Truong. “I’ve started it since I was little and being able to continue that here.”
Truong explained her experience as part of the Malden High Cheerleaders as something that lets her continue her hobbies while having fun with the other girls on the team.
Captain Saniah Charles spoke about how the “environment” of the cheer room is accepting, as she found her love from cheerleading from being able to be around new people to meet and create closer bonds with people in the community, as well as learning new things without the burden of feeling judged.
“With this sport, I wish we could get more recognition for all our work, not just during football or basketball season. I also believe that all the other underrated sports should be receiving more attention from people, not just us,” Charles expressed.
As the season slowly begins to pick up, cheerleaders express that they could acquire more crowd feedback when interacting with the stands, during stunts such as throwing Maldonian shirts into the crowd of students or performing cheers that people could find familiar. It does not just help show off how much school spirit everyone has, but it helps the cheerleaders be aware of what they are doing.
As they begin to think of what else can help kick off their season, Coach Brianna SilvaCouture is ready to help prepare them and get them into the proper condition to do so.
“I’ve always been into cheerleading, and it’s been a big dream of mine to come back and continue doing it,” stated Coach SilvaCouture, a graduate of Malden High School who was on the Cheerleading team.
“This season is going to be more exciting since we have a big routine planned for the upcoming home game,” SilvaCouture exclaimed.