Are cheerleaders known for their glitter, bows and cheers? Or their strength, skills, and performances?
Maybe they can be known for both?
Head Coach Zenia Boyd has been a cheer coach for Homewood-Flossmoor High School for over 8 years. Boyd has been coaching cheer around other places for over 10 years.
“This season’s competitive cheer will be like no other season I’ve had at H-F,” Head cheerleading coach and school psychologist Zenia Boyd said. “I am excited for the program this year because all three levels have an incredible amount of skillful individuals on their teams.”
Boyd also explained how they have longevity. “That means we have longevity.. next year’s Varsity Coed Cheer team will look better than this year’s team and it will continue for the next several years.”
In the competitive cheer world, their competitive season overlaps with the basketball season, which they are also expected to cheer at.
“Balancing basketball games and competitions can be very challenging. The cheerleaders love to cheer at both the boy’s and girl’s basketball teams, but it gets difficult to support the games when we have a competition the next day after a game or even during the week of a game.”
This means a lot of practice and hours are needed to perfect their craft.
“The team practices and prepares for games differently than competitions, as cheers are needed for games and a routine is required for competitions. We practice 5 to 6 days a week for 3 to 4 hours a day to prepare for the games and competitions.”
Boyd has no intentions of slacking off this season and believes her team will come out on top.
“I ALWAYS plan to be number one from start to finish,” Boyd said. “We have a daily workout regimen that requires dedication, commitment and flexibility. We are constantly trying to improve our stunts and tumbling to stay in the race to compete at the IHSA State Finals.”
This indicates that Boyd keeps up with trying new skills, abilities, expertise and capabilities. As much as I’ve known her, she doesn’t give up on her team and tries harder when they fail the first time on new skills.
