By Chris Cox
Unique. That is the word that Wichita Collegiate cheer coach Ashleigh Hennessy uses to describe this year’s squad.
“This is the largest cheer team our school has ever had,” she says. “We have ladies who have been part of our program for six or more years since they were in middle school. And we have a few members who this is their very first year cheering.”
That blend of experience can cause some growing pains, but Hennessy says her squad has done a great job getting up to speed and focused on one goal.
“From the start of our season last summer, they have done an amazing job supporting each other,” says Hennessy. “They’ve joined together for the goal of supporting our school, our sports, and our own cheer program.”
Hennessy credits the leadership of her captains, Emily Meister, Hannah Powell, and Sharon Mabasa, for helping push this year’s team to where it is now.
“These ladies have been with me since middle school,” she says. “They have been so incredibly dedicated to our school and program for a long time. I appreciate how they always work together for the benefit of our team. They have also helped recruit and coach up the brand-new members of our team and I am so proud of the progress and dedication throughout the years.”
While Hennessy is proud of the improvements this year’s team has made on the mat and their willingness to support Wichita Collegiate School and their athletic programs, it’s their work ethic that has possibly impressed her the most.
“Resiliency and willingness to try new things are huge things for this group,” she says. “From the new members who tried cheer for the first time and have excelled at it to the girls we have needed to switch their stunting position, these kids can sure handle a lot of pressure!”
The Wichita Collegiate cheer squad includes Eleni Chapas (Sr.), Cassie Garcia (Sr.), Sharon Mabasa (Sr.), Emily Meister (Sr.), Rebekah Miller (Sr.), Hannah Powell (Sr.), Anjali (AJ) Nagabhushan (Jr.), Anabelle Babst (So.), Maddie Carpenter (So.), Kaitlin Henry (So.), Amelia King (So.), Liana Maksound (So.), Phoebe Ross (So.), Chloe Turpin (So.), Ragen Turpin (So.), Natalie Walters (So.), Yasmin Bacci (Fr.), Gracie Gwyn (Fr.), Beth Henshall (Fr.), Sabrina Hunt (Fr.), and Elise Powers (Fr.). The team manager is Katie Engle (So.) and the assistant coach is Jordan Buchanan.
