Walk into a room where there is a vivacious, energetic, passionate and enthusiastic person, and you feel the energy from your head to your toes—you just want to be a part of that momentum.
That person is Cathy Underwood, Skyline High School’s varsity cheer coach for the past two years. She is bringing a new level of excellence to Skyline varsity cheer. Her vast dance background makes her the perfect leader for the varsity squad. Her talents were seen as a member of the Coyotes, Rattlers and Suns dance/entertainment teams. Skyline fans are in for a treat when her squad of cheerleaders takes the field.
Cathy’s passion for what she does is contagious. Not only are there 12 girls on varsity, but she also has two boys who stunt and tumble, bringing a spirit of motivation and determination to the squad. For the first time in Skyline’s history, Cathy has started a Pom Line, with 15 members. Their mission, this year, is just to compete. Skyline’s campus is a buzz Friday mornings as the band and cheer march across the campus, gearing up the students for a Friday night football game. Just another way Cathy is showcasing her squad of cheerleaders.
Cathy is the varsity leader, but she couldn’t do what she does without her other coaches, Marta Kraft, Liz Orona and Jade Morgan. Just as they work collaboratively, so do all the cheer members. The squad practices first hour, and are led by their three captains. They are Tylar Alvarez, Darcy Bates and Eveyln Brozewicz.
High standards, both academically and athletically, are the goal. Tumbling expertise is a must, along with stunts, kicks and dance moves. Besides cheering at football and basketball games, Skyline cheer will be preparing to enter the world of competitions.
November will be a busy month as they compete in Regionals and the Desert Showdown. January brings competition at State and AZ All Stars. “I want the squad to walk off proud of how they presented themselves on the mat,” Cathy said. She strives to instill positivity and pride by requiring her team members to volunteer in the community throughout the year. “They are young people who are learning how to give back and make a difference,” Cathy stated. Last year, cheer members volunteered with Royal Recycle. This year, they will be cheering on the sidelines of PF Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon.
On Thursday, Oct. 17, Skyline cheer will be hosting a kids clinic. All girls 4 to 13 years old can come to this fee-based clinic from 4:30 to 7 p.m., to learn the cheer moves. On Friday night, Oct.18, at the varsity game, the girls will join the cheer squad on the field to show off their moves.
Cheer requires dedication and passion, along with money. Look for the team to hold fund-raisers throughout the year, whether it is a carwash, selling candy bars or fitness cards.
See you on the sidelines. Go Coyotes!
For more information on Skyline cheer, or to sign up your aspiring future cheerleader, contact Cathy Underwood at clunderwood@mpsaz.org.