Nighthawks Cheer Soars: Largest Squad in History Rebuilds with New Skills, Spirit, and Energy

Written by Head Cheer Coach Alicia Wall / Photo by Ellie Texter ’26

This year, our Cincinnati Country Day cheerleading program has undergone a complete transformation. With 18 athletes, the largest squad in school history, our team is thriving, and what makes this group especially remarkable is that 13 of our cheerleaders are brand new to the sport. Many of these student-athletes also balance multiple sports, rigorous academics, and required school clubs, yet they have committed themselves wholeheartedly to building something special for our community. Our squad is incredibly diverse in talents and passions: from a National Champion in karate, a varsity golfer heading to Districts, and the lead in the upcoming school musical, to a competitive hunter-jumper equestrian, a studio dancer, and even a fairy in Cincinnati Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty (who also performed as Clara in last year’s Nutcracker). Alongside them are golfers, lacrosse players, softball players, and more multi-sport athletes, each bringing unique strengths and experiences that make this team truly one of a kind.

For the first time ever, our cheer program has introduced stunting, tumbling, jumping, and dancing—none of which had been part of the program before this season. Our senior leaders, Nia Irby ’26 and Lilly Shafer ’26 (also the Student Council President), have been instrumental in cultivating a culture centered around school spirit and community involvement. In addition, the squad launched “Flight Crew,” a new student leadership group for the student section, to get fans more engaged across all Upper School sporting events. They’ve also created new social media accounts to teach chants, connect with classmates, and keep the student body energized both on and off the sidelines.

The week of September 22 was one of the busiest and most exciting of the year because of Homecoming and Fall Fest. The cheerleaders practiced daily, prepared a halftime routine for the first time, organized games for the student section, and took the lead in energizing the school community. They created more than 200 goodie bags and locker decorations for every fall athlete and Upper School administrator. On game day, they arrived early to welcome Lower and Middle School students with a spirit tunnel, handed out “spirit clips,” and spread energy throughout the halls before the big night.

At the pep rally, they performed with confidence, partnered with Lower School cheerleaders to pass out spirit beads, and even participated in a student-teacher dance. Immediately afterward, the girls volunteered to work at our pre-homecoming game event, Fall Fest, which included running carnival games, inflatables, face painting, and our spirit shack. The team heading straight to the Homecoming game where several cheerleaders kicked the game off singing the National Anthem with the Upper School choir. Once under the Friday night lights, the squad brought nonstop energy with interactive games, new chants, stunts, dances, and even a new touchdown celebration. They kept the student

section loud and lively from kickoff to the final whistle. The night concluded with one of our favorite traditions, singing the alma mater together with the student section.

What makes this team’s accomplishments even more impressive is the way they balance it all. Our cheerleaders are not just athletes, they are leaders, performers, and competitors in so many different arenas. From a district-bound golf player and multi-sport athletes to equestrians, dancers, and even ballet performers on Cincinnati’s biggest stages, these young women embody what it means to be well-rounded student-athletes. They’ve taken on the challenge of building a new cheer program while excelling in their own diverse pursuits, showing resilience, teamwork, and commitment to community.

This cheer team has completely rebuilt the program from the ground up in just a few short months. They have created new traditions, pushed their limits to master new skills, and most importantly, put their fellow students and community first. The feedback from administrators, coaches, and classmates has been overwhelmingly positive, the energy they’ve brought to Country Day is unlike anything the school has experienced before.

This group of young women has taken a chance on something brand new, embraced the challenge, and accomplished something truly special!