Maria Guerrero finishes off high school
cheer by making an impact
By Sophia Litton, Reporter
Senior Maria Guerrero joined the Vashon High School Cheer team in 2021 just as life was getting somewhat back to normal after the pandemic. What started out as just trying a sport became discovering that she enjoyed cheer and deciding to continue for another year. Now, Guerrero is finishing off her last year of high school participating in a sport she loves surrounded by her teammates.
Unlike most of her teammates who are new to the team, she is going on her second year doing cheer at VHS. This season’s cheer team has almost three times the amount of cheerleaders as on the team last year.
“My junior year was the first year that I did cheer, and I really enjoyed it, so I decided to join it senior year again and I am having so much fun,” Guerrero said.
The new coach, Angel Joy, joined the cheer team during the start of the winter season. Throughout her months knowing Guerrero, she reflects on her impact on the team.
“Maria always leads with a smile! She is approachable because of her naturally friendly demeanor… and is a positive role model and a great student,” Joy said.
Many cheerleaders on the team are still learning all of the cheers as well as chants. This can be challenging without much experience.
“I am there to make everyone laugh and make it fun, because I know it can sometimes be stressful with learning all the choreography,” Guerrero said.
Transitioning as a new coach onto a team with many new cheerleaders can be challenging. “It’s been very helpful to have someone on the team who knows when to call cheers,” Joy said.
While sports are important, Guerrero also recognizes the importance of school and her education. Balancing sports and academics is a struggle for many high school students.
“I think it is important to prioritize things. If you know you have an upcoming test or something you should study for, it’s important to take time out of practice to stay after school and do that,” Guerrero said.
To her teammates, Guerrero is an inspiration, as well as an incredible athlete. Not only has she impacted her teammates lives but her coaches as well.
“Any coach would be lucky to have her on their team. I’m lucky she’s on mine,” Joy said.