The Holliston Youth Cheer (HYC) 12U L1 team placed 3rd at the New England Regionals on November 8th, earning them a spot at Nationals in Kissimmee, FL on December 5. 

For this team of 17 and their coaches, this is a success story three years in the making. Just two years ago, the team did not have their name called at all. Last season, the team came in 2nd at Locals and competed at States but did not advance to Regionals.

“This year, their goal was to get to Nationals,” said Coach Sarah Mary Amato. 

And they hit that goal, earning Championship titles at the EMASS Conference Locals Championship, and at the MA State Championship, where they competed against 11 teams from across the state.

To qualify for Nationals, you have to place within the top 3 of your feeder competitions. After earning the top spot in Locals & States, HYC placed 3rd out of 10 teams in Regionals. They were the only Massachusetts team in their division to advance to Nationals. 

According to their coaches, the team’s success is a testament to their hard work and dedication, especially in spite of last year’s defeat at States, where the team Hit Zero but did not place.

“Hitting Zero” is a standard of excellence and major goal for cheerleading teams. It signifies a perfect execution and means there were no deductions from their final score. However, Hitting Zero does not guarantee a win, as the team experienced last year. 

According to Fetrow, “There were a lot of tears on the mat when they didn’t get called. To go to States this year, knowing there were 11 teams competing in their division, there was some doubt creeping up.”

When asked how the team manages that doubt before a competition, Fetrow explained that they began a “compliment line” before hitting the mat. 

“In the final minutes when they are on deck, they go one by one down the line complimenting the next person. The smiles on their faces are so great and there’s usually a little squeeze of the shoulders! We remind them, they aren’t scared – they’re excited. Flip that energy!”

The team certainly flipped that energy at States where they performed their first clean routine of the season, Hit Zero, and earned First place. Quite a comeback from the disappointment of last year’s competition. 

“As a coach of this squad for multiple years now, I know Sarah and I both love seeing them finally feel this success,” said Coach Fetrow.

Fetrow says the team’s success is also a testament that Holliston has created a welcoming program that allows cheerleaders to join at any time, from Kindergarten to 8th Grade, and “we will help them be successful”. 

She advises anyone interested in joining to take a tumbling class and has noted that previous dance experience is helpful. Additionally, Holliston Youth Cheer hosts Winter and Spring Cheer Clinics to give families an opportunity to meet the coaches and other cheerleaders and test the sport out before fully committing to the Fall season. 

And to anyone who says cheerleading isn’t a sport, Fetrow explains: 

“When people say that, it’s because they’re imagining a 50’s sideline cheerleader with saddle shoes. Our cheerleaders spend a week conditioning at the beginning of the season and keep it going throughout. It takes real strength to perform full out for 2:30, including jumping and tumbling while lifting and holding your teammates and then perform a dance at the end of all of that!”

The National Championship will take place on Friday, December 5th and winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on Saturday, December 6th.