Alhambra Cheerleaders - Second Overall in National Championships

Alhambra competitive cheerleaders are proudly bringing home the second place trophy from United Spirit Association’s national championship.

After competing Sunday in Anaheim, the 20 team members hugged before they left the floor. They knew they had muscled through pain and fear and had performed well. They knew they were in the running with a chance at first place against 25 other teams.  

The parents knew it as well. They were as excited as the girls and would have jumped as high and did splits in the air – if they were capable. Alhambra cheer parents are involved and devoted, said coach and choreographer Erin Chin.

“Having a successful team like this wouldn’t be possible if we didn’t have supportive parents,” Chin said. “They are their biggest fans. They come with their “A” shirts on. We can find them in the stands; we look for the shirts.”

Kelly DeBlander is one of those parents, and it could all change for her next year. Her daughter, Ashley, is graduating. But DeBlander said that her participation won’t end here. “I love the tight-knit family feeling of these parents and these kids and watching them grow up and watching them cheer together,” she said. “It’s not gonna stop here.”

Some parents find themselves out of the stands and behind the scenes. Lisa Carozza has two daughters on the squad and has become the “team spirit leader.”

“I’m there to facilitate. I give them whatever they need – Tiger Balm, a back massage. I have hair bands and Band-Aids,” Carozza said. “And if (the coaches) need anything, I try to lighten their load.” She’s good for a hug or a dance to keep the mood perky. She’s also the team accountant.

And she’s part of the cheer squad’s personal cheer section. In addition to parents, the coaches appreciate that Alhambra’s principal, Sue Mirkovich, comes to support the team.

And cheer alumni can’t stay away. The experience is addicting, said Tina Stetenfeld, who was on the 2004 team, the first team to go to nationals. She decided to come this year after dropping in to visit the team last month. “There was so much talent, I wanted to see this.” Stetenfeld changed her work schedule to come to Anaheim.

Emily Farley was on the 2009 team, which took first place. She helps out the coaches when she can and went to Anaheim with the team. “You love your coaches; they’ll always be your coaches. You love the experience,” said Farley. “Coming to watch, that’s as close as you get to still being a part of it. You live vicariously through them so you can have that winning feeling again.”

A lot of good feelings seem to develop because of the team. Stetenfeld said it feels like a sisterhood. DeBlander said the experience has been fulfilling. “I feel very much a part of the school spirit,” she said. “I’ll still support this team even when (Ashley) is gone.”