Portsmouth High School Cheerleaders Flip into First Place at New England Regionals

The Varsity Cheerleading Squad, led by Captains Molly Chappell, Allie Popovici and Rachel Kelly danced, jumped and flipped their way to first place in 2011 New England Regional Cheerleading Championships, a first for a Rhode Island team.

Coached by Deb Valente, this is the second time Portsmouth has made history at the regional level, being the first Rhode Island team to medal at the 2007 competition.

This was the sixth straight win for the varsity squad and their  fourth straight state title. The regional championship was held this past weekend in Providence.

Cheerleading is a very “unique sport” says Valente, adding “it relies heavily on gymnastics, weight lifting and dance, so the kids are very well rounded.”

When asked how the team prepared for this competition Valente says, “We prepared the same way we prepare for any competition.

"A clean routine is of paramount importance. We have many release moves in our routine and that is always a cause for concern. There is the high level of difficulty in our routine and that has carried us through our state championship and the New England Regional Championships."

Valente’s pride is obvious, saying, “I have coached many of these kids for four years as I oversee the Junior Varsity program at Portsmouth as well. They have been a consistent and terrifically skilled hard working group both in the classroom and on the cheerleading floor.”

Valente, who began her career as a youth coach in 1993, has been at Portsmouth from 2002-2003 season and “will surely miss” the senior girls when they graduate and wishes them "full exciting lives as they move into the next phase of their lives."

“I am sure I will see them as they all come back to visit often. The rest of the kids will be back at work soon as they continue their training in gymnastics and throughout our camp season.”