Freshman cheerleading tryouts produce largest turnout of recent years

The freshman cheer team had one of the biggest turnouts this season, despite not everyone being aware of tryouts.
Freshman Cheer head coach Dominic Borello said fewer students try out because they are not aware of tryouts.
“Most freshman are not aware of tryouts, which is why we notify them over the announcements.”
In past years, the team would have around six or seven people and this year there are nine members on the freshman team with over 50 students that tried out for cheer this year.
“There were three freshman that went straight to varsity and six that went to JV because of their skills out of the eighteen freshman who tried out,” Borello said.
In addition, Marshall’s cheer program is increasing, making it one of the biggest in Fairfax County.
“Marshall is one of few schools with a freshman cheer team in Fairfax County and we are one of the largest cheer programs in the county,” Borello said. “The team has been progressing well and doing a great job.”
Assistant coach Anne Hoffman also said she felt very proud.
“Most of the freshman have never done this before, so they’re really getting the concept,” Hoffman said.
Being on the team has helped members grow with skills and build strong relationships.
“I got to learn a bunch of new techniques with my cheer team,” Nguyen said. “Teamwork plays a super huge role in stunting, and I got to really understand how working together makes us stronger.”
Sophomore and JV Cheerleader Amani Akkoub said she appreciates the mentality of the freshman cheerleaders.
“The freshmen are super dedicated and we’re all excited to have them in our cheer team,” Akkoub said.
For freshman member Nhi Nguyen, being a part of cheer has helped her communicate with others and build relationships with those around her. She said being on the team has helped members grow with skills and build strong relationships.
“I got to learn a bunch of new techniques with my cheer team,” Nguyen said. “Teamwork plays a super huge role in stunting, and I got to really understand how working together makes us stronger.”