Victoria Heppner is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Shadow Ridge for AZPreps365.com. 

A crowd of ecstatic fans and proud parents at high school games are almost as pivotal to the outcome of a game as the plays on the field. But many tend to forget that these supporters get their energy from those cheering on the sidelines.

From members of the Spiritline. 

The spiritline is an essential part of any home game, mainly because they are the ones responsible for pumping up the crowd and ensuring that one’s school pride and spirit are shown. 

For Shadow Ridge High School, the Spiritline is so much more than a group of students cheering on the sideline. Seasons are full of fierce competition, intense stunting and tumbling, but it’s the bonding that brings the squad from a team to a family.  

Although Shadow Ridge’s varsity cheer squad was mostly seen performing at all home football and basketball games last year, coach Daye Smalley emphasized the importance of showing spirit for all teams the school has to offer. 

“Even though we mainly cheer for football and basketball,” Smalley said, “we do try and go to at least one of the athletic events for all of the athletes, which is really fun.”

Along with performing at games, the team also executed thorough routines at state and national competitions the past two years. 

Two years ago, Shadow Ridge placed fourth in state in its Division I co-ed large team category, as well as fifth in the nation in its co-ed small intermediate category. 

Last year the squad improved its standings by earning second in state as well as second in the nation in the same categories as the previous year. 

This year the squad hopes to improve its standings even more and Smalley, along with the rest of the team, have high hopes that it will happen. 

Although the squad lost a few seniors last year, it is optimistic that the combination of veteran members and novice talent will produce big results.  

The team has 15 returning athletes, along with two from junior varsity, four freshmen and two new boys. Overall, the varsity has 24 athletes. 

The team has four boys, three of whom are on the football team and can cheer with the squad during state and national competitions. 

Though the squad is optimistic about its season, the team has faced challenges in regards to COVID-19 guidelines. The spiritline had to essentially split into two separate teams of cheer and poms because of the limited amount of people allowed in one area, specifically the gym where they practice.  

Smalley said those involved in the spiritline are upset that they have to be separated from those on their team. 

“This has been difficult for the athletes because they are all friends,” Smalley said. “It has been really separated this year and has been difficult to build the comradery of the team.”  

In addition to the hardship of having to split the team, the cheer squad couldn't start stunting until Sept. 7.

This allotted for limited practice on dangerous stunts that normally would need lots of time to be perfected. Athletes also must have their temperatures taken before entering the gym and are required to wear masks during practice. 

COVID-19 also affects the cheer squad because it is probable that fans will be significantly reduced due to Shadow Ridge’s new policy. 

Meghan St. Germain, Shadow Ridge’s athletic secretary, outlined the school's rules and restrictions, saying each player has a certain number of tickets, and other fans, including students, are not allowed.  

“Due to our COVID-19 restrictions,” St. Germain said, “we are only able to allow four specators per athlete and two guests per coach.” 

Despite the setbacks, the squad is working hard to try and achieve the best outcome possible for its season. 

The team hopes to continue to improve its rankings at competitions, specifically looking to earn that first-place title. 

Asked about team goals, Smalley mentioned the first-place results, but she also emphasized that her priority is to turn this team into a family. 

“We always like to call ourselves a family,” Smalley said. “One of my biggest goals is to make sure everybody has fun in high school and feels like they are part of a family.” 

In addition to performing at home events, Shadow Ridge is scheduled to begin its state competition qualifiers Jan. 23 in the co-ed Division I category.