Haley Smilow is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Scottsdale Christian Academy for AZPreps365.com.

“Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate?” In high school, spiritline involves a lot more than just having school spirit and cheering on the football team.

At Scottsdale Christian Academy, the spirit line is a family of 11 athletes who train hard every day. On Nov. 13, it was Senior Night at SCA. Typically, the night centers around the football team, but for the spirtline, there was deeper meaning.

SCA's Seniors On Senior Night/ Picture from Carly Rudesill 

 “I always love Senior Night,” junior captain Lauren McGrath said. “It’s bittersweet because you get to celebrate the seniors, but it’s also sad to see them go.”

On Senior Night, both cheerleaders and football players were honored. “It’s a great thing to have a phenomenal cheer team,” football captain Will Chambers said. “In the quiet moments, I love how loud they are and how excited they get the student section.”

Over the season, coach Carly Rudesill has seen the five seniors grow as leaders. “Our leadership has blown me away,” Rudesill said. “They love their teammates, are great friends and hard workers. I’ve been really proud of them.”

Senior Night marks the halfway point for spiritline. In December, spiritline transforms from a sideline cheering team to a competition team. Last season, the Eagles took home the AIA state championship, and this season it will look to do the same.

SCA Spirtline in the 3rd Annual Spirtline Showcase / Picture from Carly Rudesill

The team will compete in two varieties of competition: jazz and pom. Over the next several weeks, practice will become more intense, rigorous and endurance based as the team prepares for weekly competition.

 “Competition is more about us and our team and being able to go out there and win,” McGrath said.

The Eagles stay driven  because of its faith in God. Corinthians 10:31 -- “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” -- are the keywords of the team.

“We take that, and we say whatever you are doing, use all your gifts to the best of your ability for the glory of God,” Rudesill said. “It’s about putting your best foot forward and pushing yourself during a game, practice or competition.”

SCA Spirtline Before a Football Game / Picture from Carly RudesillThrough dance, the athletes connect deeper with their faith while doing something they love. “Dance is an art form, and it’s a form of worship for the girls to use their talents,” Rudesill said.

Since the team spends hours upon hours with one another, they have become a family.

“For me, it’s a place I know I can go when I need my friends and family for support,” McGrath said. “It’s a place where I can do something I love and be with people that I love.”

SCA Football Enjoying Each Other's Company Before a Game / Picture: Carly Rudesill

Outside of spiritline, the team also enjoys spending time together, eating a meal, doing each other’s hair or spending time together before a game. With COVID-19, the team has only grown closer.

“Everything else in our lives has been different,” McGrath said. “At least we can come practice together and have each other and be able to have this going on.”

 In January, competition season begins and the goal is to leave everything on the floor.

“I am excited to be able to go out there and perform,” McGrath said. “This season has been limited, so any chance that we get to out there, we’re just really excited.”