Meet 12 of South Australia’s rising stars of the competitive world of cheerleading
It’s a sport fit for the Olympics with gravity-defying stunts and high flying routines. Meet the state’s up-and-comers conquering the competitive world of cheerleading.
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It’s a sport fit for the Olympics and South Australia is bursting with talented cheerleaders performing gravity-defying stunts and high flying routines.
Cheerleading will not make its debut at the Paris Games but the state has plenty of rising stars at the ready for the future.
Despite being recognised by the International Olympic Committee in 2021, South Coast Elite Cheerleading gym director and owner Nyomi Young said athletes still faced adversity and prejudice in the competitive world.
“I think people just need to understand that cheerleading is more than dancing and jumping with pompoms – it’s a sport requiring physical and mental strength,” Ms Young said.
“It requires a lot of commitment, takes a lot of time and needs the athletes to be hugely passionate about cheerleading because athletes typically need to sacrifice those birthday parties or special events.
“People sometimes tease out kids at school because they think cheerleading is stupid but there is so much more to it than people can see.”
Meet SA’s best up and coming cheerleaders nominated by the state’s top clubs.
PHOENIX CHEER AND DANCE, GLYNDE
Saara Davey, 18
Saara Davey’s cheerleading career took an early tumble but now she is flying as a leader on and off the stage.
The 18 year old, who has autism and learning difficulties, started off at a studio three years ago where she said the team “weren’t really nice”.
The experience led her to Phoenix Cheer and Dance’s Exceptional Abilities team – which caters to athletes with different disabilities – and she hasn’t looked back.
Since making the move, Saara has emerged as a natural leader.
“I feel like I’ve taken on a leadership role among our team because I honestly help the other teammates if they need anything – and I feel like I’m becoming better each year,” she said
For Saara, competitions are the highlight of her season because of the atmosphere and costumes but she admits to feeling “a bit nervous”.
Under her leadership the squad has garnered enormous success in competitions in the past year.
“Last year, we were basically undefeated,” she said.
“I think we came first in every competition – except one – but we still became national champions.
“Some of the other competitions we’ve won have been Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation, and then I did CheerCon and Aussie Gold, and those are really the main ones.”
Indigo Smith, 11
Phoenix teammate Indigo Smith has proven herself to be a versatile cheerleader by representing both the youth team (aged between 8-12) and the senior team (aged between 11-18).
Despite being a bottom age competitor in the senior division, Indigo is incredibly strong and typically acts as a base.
But she isn’t limited to the supporting role as she has shown to be exceptionally diverse in dancing, tumbling, stunts and even flying.
BLITZ FCD STUDIOS, MODBURY NORTH
Molly Shepherd, 13
Cheerleading has helped Molly Shepherd transform from a shy and quiet child with a communication delay into a powerful young woman.
The 13 year old from Blitz FCD Studios is now undertaking a mentor program to become a coach which is a huge step forward in her ability to speaking in front of groups.
The performative sport has given Molly the confidence to stand on stage and shine; like she did when she won the Reckless Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation Pinnacle in 2022.
Indiana Gloria, 9
Indiana Gloria was born to be a cheerleader.
Her mum’s love for gymnastics influenced the young performer with the mother-daughter duo doing cartwheels whenever they find themselves in open space.
As a baby Indiana attended kindergym to further develop her skills. Now nine she boasts a high medal tally as she has placed in the top three over many state and national cheer competitions including Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation, CheerCon and Aussie Gold.
SOUTH COAST ELITE, RIDLEYTON
Matilda Hales, 15
Matilda Hales is a standout among her cheer team.
The teen is known to be one of the most resilient, dedicated and passionate members of her South Coast Elite squad.
Matilda’s coaches believes her “growth mindset” was key to winning multiple national and state titles, as well as securing an international bid to open a competition in the US.
Addison Norris, 14
Cheer has dominated every aspect of Addison Norris’s life.
The “homegrown” athlete has been training with the South Coast Elite for years and now the Pembroke student has applied for her athletic development program at school to focus on cheerleading.
The result of her dedication has amounted to her achieving astronomical athletic ability.
DANCE XPLOSION, HACKHAM WEST
Haley Paterson, 17
In her 12 years of cheerleading, Haley Paterson has moved up the ranks at Dance Xplosion becoming a vital member of team.
Haley started as a junior cheerleader when she was just as four years old and has continued to evolve to the intermediate level before taking on the role of a cheerleading teacher assistant. According to the club, this is the perfect role for the 17 year old with her bright, bubbly personality always making everyone feel welcomed.
Aeshia Dewing, 13
Aeshia Dewing has been described as a next level performer.
According to Aeshia’s coach, the young cheerleader spends between 20 to 22 hours a week in the studio practising different styles of dance and cheer – to achieve “perfection”.
The 13 year old is known for her power, flexibility, as well as passion for the sport.
SASS ATHLETICS, HAPPY VALLEY
Izaya Lambe, 10
Izaya Lambe is a diverse cheerleader – she’s capable of being base, flyer, or tumbler – which has earned her the title of being the go-to all-rounder.
Her Sass Athletics coaches are constantly impressed by her ability to surpass their expectations and make the choreography look better than anyone could have imagined.
Maxwell Sandford, 10
He has only just turned 10 but Maxwell Sandford’s coaches say he brings great energy whenever he steps on the stage.
Maxwell is powerful and strong but makes sure to share the limelight with his teammates and has an incredible knack for paying attention to detail in their routine which always elevates his performance.
H2J DANCE & CHEER, WILLIAMSTOWN
Lola Throup, 11
Lola Throup stepped into the cheerleading world in 2022 when another cheerleader pulled out of their competition routine last minute.
Lola had only three weeks to learn the routine and become part of the H2J Dance & Cheer team – she was a booming success.
The novice league cheerleaders didn’t win the competition but it was an insightful experience into the competition realm and it has set the 11 year old up to be a leader and a good role model for others.
Charlize Baschiera, 10
Charlize Baschiera is a newcomer to cheer.
In first year in the sport her coaches have recognised her as talented and open-minded when it comes to trying new tumbling tricks and bases – especially the challenging ones.
Charlize’s growth has made her extremely supportive of her peers and she often goes around encouraging others.
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